Saanich’s odds improve as casino back on the table

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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

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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

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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.

Victoria extends AAA bike-lane network east

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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

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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.

New rules for wetting the shamrock on St. Paddy’s Day

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May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light. May good luck pursue you each morning and night.

St. Patrick’s Day is usually a time for large gatherings and celebrations regardless of your culture or heritage. But with the end of the pandemic so close, we need to stick together and stay apart a little longer. Still, there are many ways we can celebrate safely. See our story below for great ideas on making the most of today and supporting local businesses. #ChamberLocalVicBC

Also, remember that special Provincial Health Orders are in place tonight restricting the service and sale of alcohol after 8 pm at restaurants, bars and pubs, as well as liquor and grocery stores. Establishments also need to close by 9 pm, unless full meal service is being provided.

WorkSafeBC is planning to have an increased presence at workplaces tonight and throughout spring break. Businesses are required to have updated measures and controls in place to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Saanich housing report offers 74 recommendations

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The future of housing in the District of Saanich is up for discussion as council is set to receive a report on March 22 with 74 recommendations. Saanich convened a Housing Strategy task force, which met 13 times between September and February.
 
The report ranks the priority of recommendations in specific areas of focus:

  • Increase Affordable Housing
  • Support Housing Diversity and Supply
  • Promote and Protect Rental Housing
  • Reduce Barriers to Housing
  • Strengthen Partnerships and Build Awareness
  • Uptown-Douglas Plan
  • and Development Cost Charge Bylaw Update

 
Residents will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the report. The Chamber continues to advocate for housing solutions that make life more affordable for the regional workforce needed for Greater Victoria’s economy to thrive.

VicPD asking for help as Citizens’ Assembly on hold

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Renewed calls from the mayors of Victoria and Esquimalt for a regional police department need to be carefully considered in order to meet the best interests of Greater Victoria. The Victoria Police Department needs help. Victoria and Esquimalt account for about one-quarter of the region’s total population of 400,000, yet VicPD is tasked with protecting a downtown that serves the entire region.
 
Before the pandemic, Victoria and Saanich were engaged in a Citizens’ Assembly process that will examine the benefits and challenges of merging the two municipalities. One of the outcomes will be a better understanding of how Saanich and Victoria police departments can work together. After all, their role is to improve safety for citizens, many of who have daily lives that cross between municipalities.
 
Before the pandemic, The Chamber was encouraged that the Citizens’ Assembly process, currently on hold until in-person meetings can be done safely, was the best way to move forward on better regional services. The concerns voiced by VicPD show how vital it is for that process to move forward as soon as possible.

Extra $30M to help businesses grow e-commerce

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The provincial government announced today that the Launch Online Grant program will receive an additional $30 million because of high demand. The program launched in February with $12 million to help business build or expand e-commerce capabilities. The extra funds are expected to support 4,000 more businesses, on top of the 1,500 that have already benefited from grants of up to $7,500.
 
The program is being administered by Alacrity Canada and money is re-invested in BC-based website development companies.

Women-owned business face funding challenges

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Helping women entrepreneurs get the funding they need to run a successful business will be key to our economic recovery. A recently released report by the Women’s Enterprise Centre helps explain the unique challenges facing women who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
 
This report outlines strategies to get back to growing the overall number of women entrepreneurs, as was happening before COVID-19.

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