The proposal by Wesbild will add 598 rental units and 10,096 square metres of commercial space. The plan would revitalize the area and create much needed housing for the region.
With no international arrivals since April, the total number of passengers going through the Victoria airport in July was still down 79% from 2019. However, the 34,055 domestic arrivals represents an increase from 13,437 in June.
August is expected to exceed 40,000, airport spokesperson Rod Hunchak told the Times Colonist. That would bring the total number of passengers to about 404,000 for 2020 so far. That compares to a 12-month total of 1.9 million in 2019.
SD61 and other school districts are working on plans to bring back students for Sept. 10, with BC’s Ministry of Education agreeing to a gradual re-orientation. After districts have their plans approved by the province, parents will have a better idea of the child-care needs they’ll require this fall.
The Chamber continues to call on all levels of government to invest in quality child care. As our economy restarts, we need parents to have confidence that they can access quality child-care — especially in these uncertain times — so they can continue to pursue careers and contribute to the labour pool.
Our region, especially downtown Victoria, needs a chance to recover after the economic disruption caused by COVID-19. We can’t afford to have residents, businesses and employees feeling unsafe in their community.
The Chamber understands the complexity of the issue — it doesn’t help to label all homeless as either criminals or lost lambs, as Jack Knox notes in the Times Colonist.
Fortunately, there are success stories in other jurisdictions that we can look to for guidance. We also know that Therapeutic Recovery Communities have had success, though helping people stick to treatment can be difficult.
“We can all agree that it’s not acceptable to have people sleeping on our streets and in our parks. We can also agree it’s not acceptable for people to feel unsafe due to property crime and violent behaviour in their neighbourhoods,” says Chamber CEO Bruce Williams, who spoke about the issue on CFAX this morning.
“Unstable mental health is the root cause of many addictions as individuals chose to self-medicate,” Williams says. “Prolonged drug use can impair the ability for rational and respectful behavior. A thorough plan to help create balanced mental health in our most vulnerable citizens is long overdue. The time to act is now.”
People deserve a home, and our most vulnerable people need services that keep them from ending up homeless. Housing is vital, but it’s not enough without mental health and addiction treatment.
The application process has changed since it initially launched after the city did not get the participation levels it expected. The municipality was left with thousands of unused bus passes after it purchased them in bulk before waiting to see actual demand.
City staff are reviewing guidelines released by the provincial government and are expected to report to council in September. Victoria, one of 14 municipalities in BC that needs to hold a by-election, has been down one councillor since Laurel Collins resigned after winning the Victoria riding in the last federal election.
Candidates will need to seek a new nomination to be on the ballot in the re-scheduled by-election. The Chamber will keep an eye on candidates and we plan to engage with them with a series of questions that will help inform voters.
Chamber members who have a question for candidates can email Jim Zeeben at communications@victoriachamber.ca and we add to our list.
For the month of August, The Chamber has been suggesting ways to take healthier steps during these unique times.
Staying connected with your friends and family is an essential part of any great summer, and many social activities can be enjoyed while following provincial health protocols.
Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry advises to interact with fewer faces in bigger spaces, and to focus on engaging in activities that limit transmission risk. Organize a fun day at a park or beach, or spend time exploring the wilderness with a small group. Be sure to stock up on camping supplies from a local retailer.
Staying connected with friends or family by ordering takeout and enjoying a physically distanced picnic is a fun way to support local business while spending time together. Enjoy food and drinks at a Chamber Member Patio with a close friend. If they live in different city, talking on the phone or through a video chat is a great way to stay connected to a loved one.
The BCCDC also provides helpful suggestions for safe socialization. For sporting events, ensure you enforce no contact rules, have smaller teams, and disinfect equipment. Purchase a variety of sporting equipment from Chamber retailers. Resources for parents are also available with advice on how kids can play safely.
Follow Bonnie Henry’s Good Times Guide for more tips on how to have a memorable, safe summer.
#100 – 852 Fort St., Victoria, BC V8W 1H8, Canada
(250) 383-7191
chamber@victoriachamber.ca
