Hudson gets $100m for affordable rentals

/in /by
The creation of 227 affordable rental units in downtown Victoria is an investment in our future workforce and our region’s economy. On Tuesday, the federal government announced a $100 million loan for the Hudson Place 2 development at 1700 Blanshard St. The project features 245 multi-residential units in total. Most of those ear-marked for affordable housing will be rented at 30% of the local median income for a minimum of 16 years. As well, 49 units will rent for 70% below the median household income.

“People like teachers, nurses, shopkeepers, firefighters, paramedics, construction workers. Those people are finding it harder and harder to afford rent in Canada’s urban centres,” Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, told CHEK News.

As the economy rebounds, one of the biggest challenges facing employers is finding and keeping workers. Our region needs housing that is affordable in order to attract and retain a workforce.

Victoria extends AAA bike-lane network east

/in /by
The City of Victoria is extending its network of bike lanes, adding 4.8 kilometres with a recently approved plan. The new lanes will serve riders of all ages and abilities and connect Fernwood, Oaklands and the Jubilee area with downtown.
 
Safe cycling lanes encourage active commuting, contribute to safe cities and help employers’ efforts to find and keep workers. To have your say in the ongoing discussion about the city’s cycling network, visit engage.victoria.ca.

Feds extend no-interest loan program until June 30

/in /by
The federal government has extended the Canada Emergency Benefit Account no-interest loan program. On Monday, the government announced that the deadline for new applications is now June 30 instead of March 31. The program has provided $45 billion in credit through more than 850,000 no-interest loans since it was launched last April. Loans of up to $60,000 are available to cover operating costs for businesses that have lost revenue because of the pandemic.
 
This deadline extension applies to any new applications for CEBA loans of $60,000 or to new applications from businesses that have already received the $40,000 loan and intend to apply for an additional $20,000.

Construction industry steps up to help restaurants

/in /by
The economic recovery hasn’t been the same for everyone. To help the struggling restaurant and hospitality sector, BC’s construction industry is launching a grant program to encourage construction employers to treat crews to lunch from local restaurants. Grants depend on the size of the crew and are $250 or $500.
 
The BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association is grateful for the support.
“It’s a generous idea and we’re thrilled to support it by making posters available to all our members so they can put them up in the window or even visit the construction sites near them and make sure they’re aware of the grants and the #LunchBoxChallenge,” BCRFA president and CEO Ian Tostenson said.
 
The #LunchBoxChallenge initiative is part of activities celebrating Construction Month in April, which include the Vancouver Island Construction Association as a sponsor. The industry was declared essential early in the pandemic and has fared better than many other sectors.

Rules amended to allow artisans at farmers markets

/in /by
With spring in the air, there’s good news for BC’s farmers markets. The province has lifted restrictions so that artisans can once again set up shop in markets. The change will allow non-food vendors, such as flower vendors, to sell at farmers markets, which must still follow Provincial Health Office rules.

Chamber calls on federal government to invest in business with next budget

/in /by

On April 19, the federal government will unveil its first full budget in two years and The Chamber is working with our partners to ensure businesses can lead the way.
 
It’s crucial that government move away from a subsidized economy and invest in the private sector to create sustainable growth.

“We at the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce are calling the roadmap to a post-COVID economy the ‘recovery runway’ and we are identifying ‘pivot pilots’ as those organizations and leaders who have been nimble with pivoting the way they do business,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says in his latest column at Douglasmagazine.com.
 
Businesses that are leading the recovery — those pivot pilots — serve as a beacon of optimism as we taxi down the recovery runway.

Fraud Prevention Month

/in /by
March is Fraud Prevention Month — thousands of Canadians are affected every year by fraud, leading to more than $37 million lost in 2020 alone. With COVID-19 scams unfortunately on the rise, ensure you and your loved ones are educated in the identification and prevention of fraudulent activities.

  • If you think you are a victim of fraud:
    • Immediately contact your bank or credit union if you believe your identity or money is at risk
    • Contact the police to report acts of fraud
    • Protect yourself with identity theft coverage with an applicable insurance provider.

Saanich’s odds improve as casino back on the table

/in /by
A casino in the District of Saanich could spur development of a hotel and resort and offer a new source of revenue that would take some of the burden off residents, business and industry. The BC Lottery Corp. has asked Saanich if there is interest in pursuing the idea, after plans for a casino in downtown Victoria fell through.
 
“It’s an opportunity to get some real funding for our amenities … bicycle paths, sidewalks. How about a third ice surface for Saanich?” Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes told CHEK News.
 
The discussion is in early stages but Mayor Haynes suggested the location will be in east Saanich, between the Swan Lake area and Gordon Head.

Tourism workers recruited to help vaccine rollout

/in /by
Workers in the hard-hit tourism and hospitality industry are being deployed in mass-vaccination centres. The province announced today that 1,400 people who were laid off because of the pandemic are being re-trained to help clinical staff move people through the vaccination process. Tourism and hospitality workers bring an expertise in providing friendly service quickly in high-volume situations, with many able to offer logistical or language support.
 
BC plans to provide initial vaccination to everyone eligible in the province by July 1.

Housing announcement welcome news as city ends camping in parks by May 1

/in /by
Less than a week after the City of Victoria voted to end daytime sheltering in parks by May 1, an announcement today provides more information on longer-term solutions for people experiencing homelessness. BC Housing has purchased properties to build permanent supportive housing in Victoria at:

  • 865 Catherine St., 45 homes
  • 959 and 953 Balmoral Rd., 60 homes
  • 1053 and 1075 Meares St., 50 homes
  • 1176 Yates St., 37 homes.

 
Also announced today are supportive housing projects in the District of Saanich (2949 Albina St., 52 homes) and Central Saanich (1909 Prosser Rd., 39 homes), which were purchased through a partnership between the federal and provincial governments and the Capital Regional District.
 
The six projects will add more than 280 supportive housing units to Greater Victoria, which will allow everyone who needs shelter to be able to move indoors.
 
On Monday, Chamber CEO Bruce Williams was on CFAX urging everyone to stay compassionate in these difficult times. It hasn’t been easy but better times are coming and we want to celebrate together when they arrive.

Our Partners

Get in touch

#100 – 852 Fort St., Victoria, BC V8W 1H8, Canada
Ph: (250) 383-7191
Em: chamber@victoriachamber.ca

The Chamber

Connect
Membership
Advocate

About
Member Directory
Media

Copyright © 2024 Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.

Website by Caorda