BC Ferries announces more details for new vessels
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Climate Action Leadership still priority in uncertain economy
Chamber members have been clear that they believe Climate Action Leadership remains a priority. Even with ongoing economic uncertainty, the need for a livable planet is an existential threat that “trumps” other concerns.
“The Chamber has always called for innovation led by business as the key to mitigating climate change,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “There is opportunity for Greater Victoria, for British Columbia and Canada to help the world shift to sustainable energy policies.”
The need to think about emission reductions through the framework of real world applications is one reason the provincial government cited today in its announcement that it will conduct an independent review of CleanBC programs, which have supported industrial decarbonization and made it easier to purchase electric vehicles and access renewable power.
However, the province said it is not on track to meet its 2025 and 2030 climate targets.
The review will engage with Indigenous Peoples, local governments, industry and stakeholders throughout BC.
“We’ll be looking for ways Greater Victoria businesses can participate in this review,” Williams said, noting our region has been left vulnerable during recent climate events such as 2021’s fatal heat dome and atmospheric river floods. “Climate affects our food security, our supply lines and underpins our economy.”
The review is being undertaken one year ahead of schedule, as outlined in the 2024 Cooperation and Responsible Government Accord between the BC government and the BC Green caucus. The final report will be released publicly in late fall 2025.
Chamber championing ferries’ future resonates with Island communities
The Chamber’s efforts to bring a business perspective to the future of our most vital transportation link has captured the attention of policy makers and business associations on the Island and across BC.
A letter penned by The Chamber on behalf of 20 organizations was sent to BC Premier David Eby last week. The letter makes the case for revisiting the recent decision by the BC Ferries commissioner to only approve four new vessels instead of the five required to meet demand.
The request was picked up by media during an interview with the Premier, who agreed that the vessels are needed.
“I think we need boats that are going to be able to serve the public well into the future here in British Columbia,” Eby told reporters. “It’s critical for commerce, for tourism and as the Island Highway for so many families and businesses.”
The Chamber supports efforts to reduce costs faced by taxpayers, and is grateful the provincial government has heard our calls to invest in ways that grow the economy for everyone. The attention on the issue has also raised the potential for federal funding to be part of the solution.
“Affordability is about more than just fares and yet there’s nothing that requires the commissioner to apply that lens,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams wrote in the letter about the need for infrastructure that drives business, industry and tourism.
Savings at the fuel pump welcomed by business
The cost of fueling up at the pump has plummeted after the provincial government removed the carbon tax. Gas prices dropped below $1.60/litre yesterday — about 19 cents lower than they were the day before the tax was removed.
The lower fuel costs are welcome news to businesses that move goods and people.
“We hear from many struggling businesses and families so anything that unburdens them is needed right now,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said, noting that The Chamber offers members many benefits, including fuel discounts.
Consumers get break as BC eliminating carbon tax April 1
Energy costs are set to go down starting April 1 as the province announced yesterday it will make good on its promise to eliminate the consumer carbon tax after the federal government promised to do the same.
BC’s tax adds about 17 cents per litre at the gas pump, and 15 cents per cubic metre of natural gas.
“The Province will continue to act on the commitment to battle climate change by ensuring people in British Columbia have affordable options to make sustainable choices and by encouraging industry to innovate,” the BC Ministry of Finance said in a statement.
Eliminating the tax will help businesses and individuals facing increasing costs and economic uncertainty due to the threats of tariffs and tradewar with the US.
The latest news on the tradewar is a 25% tariff on the auto industry imposed today. The action is expected to increase the cost of vehicles and cause generational chaos to automakers on both sides of the border.
The national Chamber network continues to work on mitigating the threat of tariffs. This week, the Canadian Chamber released a report on US cities that are the most export-dependent on Canada.
Seabed carbon worth study: Ocean Networks Canada
A proposal to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and bury it safely in the seabed is one of the incredible examples of climate action leadership in Greater Victoria. The Solid Carbon project is being studied by Ocean Networks Canada and other world-renowned institutions.
The work was recently highlighted by the Times Colonist in a story reporting on a new study about carbon naturally stored in seabed sediments. The study concluded that it is vital to protect areas of the ocean floor that contain vast carbon deposits.
“We are an imperfect species. We do things to keep populations safe. In some ways, dredging is important to prevent ships from going aground and spilling oil,” ONC CEO Kate Moran told the Times Colonist. “But taking a precautionary approach, it would be useful to take a look at these activities and assess them for the risks and benefits — especially now that they’re identifying that we could be releasing carbon by some of these seafloor disturbances.”
Construction underway on Uptown transit hub
A contract has been awarded to a Nanaimo firm to build out the Uptown Mobility Hub in the District of Saanich.
Major improvements to the Saanich neighbourhood are planned to make it easier for people to take the bus to get around the region. This transit hub will become the region’s principal RapidBus exchange and route connector.
Construction is expected to be completed by summer, including a new roadway, four new bus stops with shelters and dedicated bus lanes. The project also focuses on pedestrian safety and active transportation by improving crosswalks and intersections, and creating new multi-use pathways to build connections to the adjacent Galloping Goose Regional Trail network. The improvements are designed to increase housing supply, promote sustainable transportation options and enhance overall livability.
The provincial government is contributing $15.5 million and the federal government is providing $4.5 million.
Bomb cyclone provides reminder to be prepared
The bomb cyclone that swept through the region this week served as a good reminder to prepare for potential emergencies before winter. Coincidentally, so did the National Public Alerting System‘s test today (Nov. 20), which buzzed phones at 1:55 p.m.
You can prepare by making sure you have a plan for your business and your home, and that everyone knows what to do and where to find emergency kits. These should include non-perishable food, water and supplies to be self-sufficient for up to one week.
After a disaster-level event, your insurance provider can give you guidance on best practices for cleaning up and repairing damage.
In 2025, The Chamber plans to work with members, specifically smaller businesses, to help them build a crisis communication strategy. This will be a straightforward guide that can be consulted to help ensure you are prepared to communicate with internal and external stakeholders after an emergency. To learn more and help us develop this initiative, email communications@victoriachamber.ca.
RRU events demonstrate climate action leadership
Royal Roads University is bringing together students, faculty and the community for a series of events and activities focused on climate action leadership.
Climate Week takes place Nov. 18-22, offering a combination of online and in-person events. Topics range from regeneration and systemic change to presentations about the power of food systems and tools for holistic climate action.
Saanich making plans to address major challenges
It’s the biggest and most populous municipality on Vancouver Island, so, when the District of Saanich makes plans, it pays to pay attention.
Saanich has created a draft plan for Quadra McKenzie that will help transform the area over the next 20 years. The plan addresses challenges such as housing and climate change as well as suggesting ways to add public spaces, services and amenities.
The busy crossroads is home to the Saanich Operations Centre, which is undergoing a redevelopment project of its own. Property owned by the municipality will be leveraged to increase rental housing by as many as 600 units.
Saanich council also recently adopted an innovative road safety plan that aims to eliminate fatal crashes.
“I’m really excited to have the first road safety action plan on Vancouver Island,” Saanich Coun. Teale Phelps Bondaroff told the Times Colonist. “The approach we have here is a really good start to getting us towards Vision Zero.”