The City of Victoria is looking at ending parking measures introduced during the early stages of the pandemic.
 
In April, Victoria council decided to reduce parking rates and stop enforcing time limits in most spots. As economic activity picks up downtown, parking is once again becoming scarce.
 
“It’s a sign of going back to what it used to be, in a way,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams told the Times Colonist. “It’s a bit back to normalcy. I don’t think it’s out of the question for them to be charging for parking. A lot of the parking when it is reduced like that is not being used by shoppers. it’s being used by workers (who take up prime spots for an entire day).”
 
The city uses a formula to encourage turnover of parking spaces, making it easier for more people to access businesses downtown.
 
Council is expected to decide Thursday on the proposal, which would take effect Aug. 4.

A steady rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in BC means new rules aimied to restrict opportunities for the disease to spread in bars and nightclubs.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the new orders mean patrons can’t mingle and drinks can only be served at tables. As well, dance floors are no longer permitted.
 
Earlier today, the provincial government announced it will spend an additional $1 billion to help cash-strapped municipalities and transit services.
 
The funds will match the federal contribution announced July 16 as part of $19 billion in new spending across Canada. That money includes funding planned for paid sick leave programs.

Details were released on Friday about the federal government’s plan to extend the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy.

Finance Minister Bill Morneau said the plan was adjusted to make it easier for businesses to ramp up their growth as the economy gets back to speed. The proposed changes, which are expected to be approved by Parliament, help provide more certainty for employers.
 
The wage subsidy will be extended to Nov. 21 (with supports available until Dec. 19) and will be accessible to more businesses. The requirement to show a 30% decline in revenue has been tweaked to allow a gradually decreasing subsidy for businesses. This helps avoid the “cliff effect” that The Chamber voiced concern over, and which scared some employers away from the program.
 
Other changes include a top-up for employers in sectors facing the slowest recovery.

Farm sales reached record levels in 2019, and the provincial government says the growing sector could point the way to economic recovery.
 
BC reported $3.9 billion in farm cash receipts last year, with areas of growth including cannabis, dairy, beef and field vegetables.
 
“COVID-19 has opened our eyes to the importance of our province’s self-sufficiency,” said Saanich South MLA and Minister of Agriculture Lana Popham. “I urge everyone to continue to show their appreciation for our farmers and support our local food system by making a special effort to Buy BC.”
 
The BC Farm, Fish and Food Job Connector was launched in May to help farmers find workers needed for this season’s harvest. Last year’s record represents on increase of $462 million in revenue from 2018.
 
To help Island farmers adapt to the changing climate, the provincial and federal governments have identified 11 strategies to increase resilience. With warmer and dryer conditions, new types of insects and more extreme weather events, farmers need to prepare for challenges and opportunities ahead, the report says.

To reduce the number of people living in homeless camps in our region, housing needs to be supported by mental health and addiction services that can address the root issues facing this population.
 
On July 13, the provincial government announced it was expanding the number of health care teams focused on helping people with addictions stay connected to treatment. Teams are tailored to their community and can include nurses, counsellors, social workers and peers. The goal is to reach people as individuals and help them stay connected to services and stay away from toxic street drugs.
 
In May, the BC Coroner’s office reported 170 people died from overdoses. That was the highest monthly fatality rate in the province, and 90% higher than the same period last year.