Media launch helps kick off 48th Flower Count

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The Pacific Ocean wields immense influence over the weather, regulating Greater Victoria’s famous mild climate and warming the air deep into Central Canada. It’s why our region is typically the first in the country to experience the signs of spring. The phenomenon gave rise 48 years ago to a tradition that continues to this day.
 
The 2023 Greater Victoria Flower Count — which officially begins today — kicked off on Monday with speeches on the immaculate front lawns of the Fairmont Empress Hotel.
 
Flower Count only lasts one week: March 8 – 15, so we invite you to get involved!
 
Count your blooms to make sure your municipality becomes this year’s Best Bloomin’ Community, and enter our social media contest and #humblebrag with a pic of local flowers. You may even win Afternoon Tea for two at the Fairmont Empress! See below for more information.
 
The event was well attended by local media. You can read their coverage here:

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Destination Greater Victoria’s Paul Nursey, left, on the lawn of the Empress with Colwood Councillor Dave Grove, Fairmont Empress’s Victoria Dyson and Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce’s Bruce Williams.

Rising real estate market another sign of spring

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Seeing tiny buds turn to bright blossoms is a sure sign of spring. Another, at least in Greater Victoria, is the growing buzz around the region’s real estate. Sales in February were up 65.5% from the month before — though still down from February 2022.
 
“The market is seeing some positive growth as we move into springtime, which is traditionally the busiest market for home sales,” Victoria Real Estate Board Chair Graden Sol said in a media release. “Inventory levels are starting to increase, a welcome trend when compared to the record lows of last year. We’re also seeing a stabilization at some price points and properties that are priced in accordance with current market conditions are selling at a good pace.”
 
There were 1,809 active MLS listings for sale in Greater Victoria at the end of February. That’s up from 849 for the same period in 2022. The benchmark value of a single family home was $1.25 million in February, down from $1.32 million in February 2022. Benchmark value for a condo dropped from $580,900 to $568,200.

Legislation will require wage transparency in BC

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New legislation introduced yesterday by the provincial government will require employers to include wage or salary ranges on all advertised jobs. The move is aimed at closing the gender pay gap in BC. The new law, once passed, will prohibit employers from asking prospective employees about their pay history or prevent staff from disclosing their own pay to co-workers or job applicants.
 
The rules will take effect Nov. 1, and will also include a staged implementation of reporting requirements for employers.

  • Nov. 1, 2023: BC Public Service Agency and Crown corporations with more than 1,000 employees (ICBC, BC Hydro, WorkSafeBC, BC Housing, BC Lottery Corporation and BC Transit).
  • Nov. 1, 2024: all employers with 1,000 employees or more
  • Nov. 1, 2025: all employers with 300 employees or more
  • Nov. 1, 2026: all employers with 50 employees or more.

 
BC’s Ministry of Finance will publish an annual report by June 1 that will serve as centralized reporting of gender pay in British Columbia.

Bank of Canada sticks with pause on rate hikes

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As expected, the Bank of Canada held off on changing its target interest rate. The move signals that efforts to curb inflation are working. The forecast is for inflation to keep falling and reach 3% by summer. Statistics Canada will provided its next update on the Consumer Price Index on March 21.

Complex care a good step toward safer communities

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A priority for business that has become more urgent in recent years is the fundamental need for safe communities. It’s clear there’s no simple answer, but one of the evidence-based solutions is the need to do more to address mental health.
 
“Our members have been vocal about the need for better support for people facing mental health and addiction challenges,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “This is how we can begin to address the situation we see on our streets and in parks, as well as the hidden struggles that many people are going through silently in their own homes.”
 
The Chamber has advocated to government for investment in complex care, so we applaud the news of an $8.2-million provincial grant to the Canadian Mental Health Association.
 
“We are honoured to be part of the solution, co-designing care to improve health, social and employment outcomes for people with long-term experience of complex barriers to employment,” CMHA BC Division CEO Jonny Morris said. “We are excited to see the expansion of behavioural health-care integration with primary-care centres in more sites in B.C.”

BC Finance Minister to address Chamber members first after budget day

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On Feb. 28, the provincial government will unveil its 2023 budget for the province. It should offer more details on how Premier David Eby plans to pay for many of the promises he’s made over his first 100 days in office. The next day, The Chamber will be the first business organization to host a conversation with BC Finance Minister Katrine Conroy after the budget has been made public.
 
As a Chamber member, you can be among the first to hear from Minister Conroy about how Budget 2023 will help your organization thrive. This is an opportunity to speak to a high-ranking cabinet minister about your priorities for your business. This event will sell out fast so register now to reserve your spot.
 
With the uncertain state of international economies, businesses are concerned about rising costs. It’s important government understands concerns and questions about BC Budget 2023.
 
Send your questions about BC Budget 2023 to communications@victoriachamber.ca and we will add them to our list to ask the Finance Minister.

How to take part in Random Acts of Kindness

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Today is Random Acts of Kindness Day! We all could use some extra positivity in our lives, and The Chamber would like to encourage you to make a positive impact wherever you go. Looking for ideas? Follow a few of these tips inspired by The Victoria Foundation:
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  • Buy coffee for the person in line behind you either in-store or at the drive through
  • Bake cookies for your coworkers with ingredients from a Chamber member grocer
  • Donate food, money supplies to a local non-profit
  • Donate books to the library
  • Let your staff leave work a little early
  • Leave a positive google review for a great local business.

Chamber 160th celebrates past, present and future

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On Feb. 9, The Chamber officially turned 160 so we held a party and opened the doors for more than 300 friends. The evening event was appropriately held at the Royal BC Museum and featured exhibits highlighting the Chambers’ past, present and future.
 
The Chamber was formed in the age of steamships and gold rushes when waves of new arrivals settled in the region seeking better lives for themselves and their families.
 
“It’s a bit awe inspiring to know we’re carrying on a tradition of effective advocacy that dates back to 1863,” Chamber chair Kris Wirk said.

The Chamber’s earliest efforts were to promote the region as a hub for culture, finance and shipping. It was a time for adventure as well as profound disruption. Many of those stories are included in The Chamber 1863 web project, a special endeavour that highlights the history of commerce and the many communities that contributed to the growth of commerce in our region.
 
“It’s important to understand where you’ve been before you plan where you’re going. Looking back helps us move forward as we strive to be the region’s most diverse and influential business association,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said.
 
As part of our forward planning, the Greater Victoria Chamber 1863 Impact Award was announced in November and will provide local post-secondary students a total of $160,000 to help build the next generation of skilled workers. Find out more at Victoriachamber.ca/impact-award.

Local Love this Valentine’s Day

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With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, finding that perfect gift may seem like a daunting task.

Luckily, Chamber members are here to ensure you have a romantic day while supporting local businesses:

  • Buy a bouquet of flowers to brighten someone’s day.
  • Spend a night away from home relaxing in a local hotel or spa.
  • Enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner with your sweetheart. Order from a restaurant or choose a home-cooked meal. Be sure to pair with a nice bottle of wine!
  • Have a delicious ice-cream date and enjoy the refreshing flavours.
  • Sign up for a dance class and express yourself in new and exciting ways
  • Make a handcrafted note or small gift.
  • Surprise someone with box of local candy (or enjoy a box for yourself).

​Does your business have a special Valentine’s Day offer that you would like to share with fellow Chamber members?

Submit a General or Member to Member offer on The Chamber’s website here.

More than ever, it’s important to show love and kindness to one another. Whether you’re spending the day with a special someone, or taking the opportunity to pamper yourself, The Chamber wishes you a happy Valentine’s Day!

February is Black History Month

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Emma Stark [1875]Emma Stark [1875]. Image 989024010 Courtesy of Salt Spring Archives

February marks Black History Month, and The Chamber strongly encourages everyone to learn more about the stories, struggles and accomplishments of Black Canadians.

Since the first Black pioneers arrived, Greater Victoria has benefited from countless Black entrepreneurs who’ve immigrated to Vancouver Island from the Canadian mainland, Africa, the Caribbean, and the rest of the world.

Through their perseverance, creativity, and ambition, the Black community continues to play an important role in the business community of Greater Victoria. Individuals, such as Emma Stark, have achieved great things in their time.

Emma Stark and her family arrived in Greater Victoria from the United States during the Cariboo Gold Rush. The family lived on Salt Spring Island before moving to Nanaimo. Emma would briefly return to Salt Spring Island before settling in Nanaimo to live with her father and receive an education.

Eventually, Emma would pass on her knowledge and experiences to future generations. She became a school teacher and was hired in 1874 to teach at Cranberry-Cedar school.

As the first Black teacher on Vancouver Island, Emma Stark led the way for future trades and business people. She was a trailblazer and an inspiration for Black women looking to enter the teaching profession.

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