Have a question for candidates in city by-election?

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​A new date for a by-election in the City of Victoria should be known by next month, after COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the one planned for earlier this year.

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.

It’s time to focus on your social health this summer

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​This summer, make sure to take care of your physical, mental, social and nutritional health.

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.

It’s time to focus on your mental health this summer

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This summer, take care of your physical, mental, social and nutritional health as we enjoy warmer weather. For the month of August, The Chamber will be suggesting ways to take healthier steps during a truly unique summer.
 
Your mental health is as important as your physical health, but is often overlooked. Ensure you take time for yourself and focus on things that give you joy.
 
Stay connected with friends or family by ordering takeout and enjoying a physically distanced picnic. While the weather is still nice, enjoy food and drinks at a Chamber Member Patio with a close friend. If they live in different city, chatting on the phone or through a video chat is a great way to stay connected to a loved one.
 
Take time to relax. From yoga classes to enjoying a park or beach in the CRD, give yourself a moment to catch your breath and unwind. If you have a furry friend, pick up some pet toys and have a fun time together.
 
Minimize your stress by taking time for yourself. Whether that’s discovering a new hobby or taking a weekend trip to explore Vancouver Island, make sure your happiness is a priority in your life.
 
The BC CDC has provided mental health resources that include information for children, post-secondary students and heath-care workers. If you’re not sure what resource is most helpful for you, take the anonymous Mental Health Check-In Assessment from the Canadian Mental Health Association.
 
Dr. Bonnie Henry has highlighted the importance of mental health, and how staying connected is extremely important during this time. While continuing to follow provincial health protocols, take a moment to breathe our fresh Vancouver Island air and remember to keep your mental health in mind.

BC Ferries eligible for government relief funds

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The Chamber welcomes news that BC Ferries will receive emergency funding from the provincial and federal governments.

BC Ferries provides an essential link to Greater Victoria and The Chamber supports efforts to ensure the service continues without having to drastically increase fares.

The money will come from the Safe Restart Agreement, announced July 16 as part of a cost sharing plan that will also help transit systems.

“We look forward to working with the Province to learn details of the Safe Restart Agreement,” BC Ferries President and CEO Mark Collins said in a news release.

Construction and real estate industries stay strong

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As parts of Greater Victoria’s economy emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, there continues to be good news from the construction and real estate sectors.

The Vancouver island Construction Association says the value of building permits is on the rise after an initial slowdown caused by the outbreak of the pandemic.

“Victoria’s residential building construction investment spending surged in May to $163.49 million following a pandemic-related contraction in April,” Rory Kulmala, CEO of the Vancouver Island Construction Association, said in a news release.

“Despite the significant impacts of COVID-19 on our economy, the construction sector has remained active and has demonstrated its resiliency in these uncertain times. We will continue to be a key element towards our economic recovery”

As well, a report by Colliers International shows that commercial vacancy in downtown Victoria has increased slightly to 5.9% from 5.1% for the first three months of 2020. The difference is attributed to two provincial ministries moving their offices to a new complex in James Bay. The impact of COVID-19 has been nominal, the report found. However, the rate could increase as more leases are up for renewal in the months ahead.

Housing starts have also been strong, with more homes being built this July than the same month last year. The numbers announced Tuesday by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation reflect the fact the construction industry has been able to keep working safely throughout the pandemic.

Saanich seeks more info on ambitious Uptown plan

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The District of Saanich is continuing to explore a longstanding plan to create a municipal hub along the Uptown Douglas corridor.

On Monday night, Saanich council asked staff to clarify a few items before sending the proposal to public hearing. The plan looks at the potential use of a 155-hectare area for the next several decades. The goal is to make the gateway to Greater Victoria’s core a catalyst for housing, transportation and economic development. Saanich Mayor said he expects staff to report back with their findings next month.

Canadian Chamber offers ideas to advance economy

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The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has submitted its ideas to the federal government for driving the economy forward as the country emerges from COVID-19 restrictions.

In a pre-Budget submission, the Canadian Chamber has listed recommendations that reduce regulatory burden, rethink taxes, encourage innovation and get Canadians back to work.

A total of 33 recommendations aimed at promoting private-sector growth and competitiveness are being presented to the federal government to consider ahead of its critical 2021 Budget.

As economy restarts, ICBC ending COVID measures

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A number of measures introduced by ICBC in response to COVID-19 are set to expire next week. ICBC brought in the temporary measures on April 23 to help people dealing with economic uncertainty.

On Aug. 20, the following measures will end:

  • waiving of $30 insurance cancellation charge
  • suspension of fleet vehicle insurance
  • allowance for unlimited deliveries by drivers in non-delivery rate classes.

“Customers are now re-insuring their vehicles at higher than historic levels,” said a statement from ICBC, which encouraged customers to “talk to their broker to ensure they are properly insured, including those people who are using their vehicle for the delivery of food or medical products and services.”

Find an insurance broker

New EI standard helps move workers off CERB

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The federal government announced today that it has set a minimum unemployment rate across the country in an effort to help people move from the Canada Emergency Relief Benefit onto Employment Insurance. This means that people in areas such as Greater Victoria, which recorded an 11.1% unemployment rate in July, will receive EI benefits for a minimum of 26 weeks based on a 13.1% baseline rate.
 
Normally, the number of weeks that someone can claim EI is based on the regional unemployment rate. However, the pandemic has made labour conditions unpredictable. At the same time, the federal government recognizes the need to end CERB, which was brought in as a stopgap.

Make sure to focus on your health this summer

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This summer, ensure you take care of your physical, mental, social and nutritional health as we enjoy warmer weather. For the month of August, The Chamber will be suggesting ways to take healthier steps during a truly unique summer.

As one of Canada’s fittest cities, Greater Victoria is known for its beautiful trails, expansive bike lane network and many waterways. Take care of your physical health by staying active through the help of a Chamber member.

Many gyms and fitness facilities are re-opening, or offering virtual workout options. Be sure to lace up a new pair of shoes and pick up sports equipment at a local retailer to enjoy activity with others in your bubble.

You can also explore Greater Victoria while staying fit by purchasing a new e-bike from a local retailer. Rebates are available for this fun and active mode of transportation.

Whether you’re swinging between the trees at WildPlay Element Parks or jumping for joy at Flying Squirrel Victoria, be sure you monitor your health and stay home if you feel ill. Follow provincial health guidelines and utilize Teladoc Telemedicine Services if you require a doctor, an exclusive benefit of Chamber’s Plan

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