Victoria by-election re-scheduled for Dec. 12

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The City of Victoria by-election has been officially rescheduled for Dec. 12. The by-election was originally scheduled for April but was postponed by the pandemic.
 
Municipal by-elections also provide an opportunity to vote for people who own a commercial property within the city. You can learn more about the rules for non-resident property electors, and whether you qualify, at Victoria.ca.
 
It’s a great opportunity for business owners to ensure their voice is represented on Victoria council.

Saanich safely expands recreational offerings

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The District of Saanich is taking the next step in the gradual re-opening of its recreation offerings. The largest municipality in Greater Victoria is a hub of parks and active living. Over the last few months, Saanich staff have fine-tuned their safety protocols around COVID-19.

With rent due tomorrow, no new relief in sight

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The Chamber is adding our voice to calls for a better approach to helping businesses struggling to pay their rent. The Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program runs out today, and there is still no plan to replace it. CECRA never really provided the urgent help needed by many businesses. It was complicated and restrictive, and failed to consider that businesses need to plan over a longer-term than month-to-month. The sudden end of the program will also hurt businesses that are seeing improved revenue but are not back to pre-pandemic levels.
 
“We know that economic recovery is being led by businesses that are able to find innovative ways to adapt and carry on, but many businesses will need time as they slowly return to the level of activity they need to cover their hard costs,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. “In Greater Victoria, our tourism and hospitality sectors especially need help to survive the devastating loss of business that resulted from the ban on international visitors.”
 
The Chamber is calling on the federal government to work with the provinces on an improved plan to provide long-term help for businesses struggling to pay commercial rent. Governments had time over the summer to learn from those landlords and tenants who were able to make use of CECRA, as well as those that couldn’t make the program work.

New benefits replace CERB as economy recovers

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The bill to approve expanded Employment Insurance passed unanimously in the House of Commons last night. The program replaces the Canada Emergency Relief Benefit, which officially ended on Monday.
 
The new federal relief is designed to help transition people back into the workforce.
 
“We are still north of 10% unemployment, so that is not healthy and we need to address that as quickly as we can,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams told CHEK TV, noting The Chamber’s ongoing advocacy efforts to encourage up-skilling of workers to fill job openings that continue to be in demand. “If we can find a way to collaborate with government and post-secondary institutions to train people, (we can) get people into jobs that needed to be filled even before COVID.”
 
The federal government’s multi-pronged approach includes a new Canada Recovery Benefit of $500 per week for up to 26 weeks for people ineligible for Employment Insurance, including those who are self employed.
 
As well, the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit provides $500 per week, for up to two weeks, for people who can’t work because they are sick or must self-isolate due to COVID-19. There is also a new Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit of $500 per week for up to 26 weeks for people unable to work because a dependent requires their care.

Temperature checks now in effect at Victoria airport

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Travellers departing from Victoria International Airport will now have their temperature checked, as Transport Canada regulations take effect today. The rule also affects all passengers arriving in Canada on international flights.
 
Temperature screenings were initially implemented on July 30 for passengers departing from airports in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Toronto. The program has been extended to 11 other Canadian airports, including Victoria, as of today.
 
If screening finds anyone with a temperature of 38C or higher, they will not be allowed to proceed unless they have a certificate explaining a valid reason for their elevated temperature. Passengers who are turned back will need to wait two weeks and re-book their trip.

Victoria Airport Authority: Member since 1981

Feds bring back ban on staying in vehicles on ferry

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People travelling aboard BC Ferries can no longer stay in their vehicles if they are on an enclosed deck. The Transport Canada regulation is back in effect today, after having been suspended in March to allow for physical distancing. You can still remain in your vehicle if you are parked on an open deck.
 
BC Ferries must comply with the federal rule, and has implemented enhanced cleaning and sanitization as well as physical distancing measures. Face masks are also mandatory on all passenger decks.
 
Chamber members will have a chance to hear more about this new rule, and other major developments, directly from BC Ferries CEO Mark Collins. Make sure to register for The Chamber’s Business Restart Series on Oct. 6. Details below!

BC Ferries: Member since 1983

Local firm takes lead in $2.3 million clean-tech plan

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Alacrity Canada has been chosen to assist businesses in western Canada increase their international sales and investment in clean technologies. The federal government announced last week that Alacrity will get $1.3 million to create 100 jobs in clean tech that will help the country recover from the pandemic-caused recession.

“Canadian researchers and entrepreneurs are addressing the world’s most significant environmental problems with innovative solutions. They are on a quest to help this planet survive for many generations to come,” Alacrity Canada’s managing director Richard Egli said in a news release. “This new funding will give Alacrity an excellent opportunity to connect Canadian innovation with significant challenges waiting to be solved.”

A total of $2.3 million is going to BC’s clean tech sector, including $100,000 to the South Island Prosperity Partnership.

Alacrity Canada: Member since 2019

South Island Prosperity Partnership: Member since 2017

Autumn in Greater Victoria

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​As the leaves begin to change color this autumn, start preparing for a cozy October while also supporting Chamber members.

As the weather gets cooler, take a moment to think about those in Greater Victoria who may not have warm clothes or a place to stay. View Chamber member non-profits here to learn how you can give back this autumn.

New funding adds housing, mental health teams

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The Chamber continues to advocate for safe communities by calling for proven solutions that address the root causes of homelessness.

On Monday, the federal government announced $1 billion for cities to spend over the fall and winter on housing for vulnerable people. The Rapid Housing Initiative will be used to build modular homes, buy land or purchase existing accommodation, such as motels and hotels.

On Sunday, the provincial government announced that it was adding a new Assertive Community Treatment team in Greater Victoria, along with five others across BC.
Teams provide support to individuals, helping adults with “serious, complex and often persistent mental health challenges that make it difficult to manage day-to-day activities.”

The teams can also help people with substance abuse issues that bring them into conflict with the law by diverting them to treatment aimed at recovery.

Saanich receives child care inventory report Sept. 28

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The results of a long-awaited inventory of licensed child care spaces in Saanich will be revealed next Monday.

The District of Saanich partnered with Central Saanich, Highlands, North Saanich, Oak Bay and Sidney to be part of a Union of BC Municipalities initiative aimed at improving child care delivery in BC.

Better access to quality child care — an ongoing Chamber advocacy priority — is needed to ensure families with young children can fully participate in the workforce.

Saanich is asking anyone who has input to provide on the issue to register before Monday, by emailing council@saanich.ca or calling 250-475-5501.

Carriage homes will increase housing in Saanich
A decision by Saanich council last week could see hundreds of affordable homes built in the municipality without the direct involvement of government. The District of Saanich will now allow for carriage homes on properties that meet the necessary requirements.

“It took years for us to get here,” Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes told CHEK news.
“Imagine there’s 30,000 single-family homes … If just 1,000 properties (build a carriage home), we’ve added 1,000 rental homes without government involvement.”

Saanich seeks input on e-mobility strategy
The District of Saanich is looking for input on its draft e-mobility strategy. You can complete the survey here or email feedback to sustainability@saanich.ca. The survey is open until Sept. 27. 

Saanich has also created an info sheet about e-bikes to encourage more residents to adopt this climate-friendly mode of transportation. Check it out here.

To learn more about e-bikes firsthand, check out these Chamber-approved retailers!

District of Saanich: Member since 2019

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