Saanich to hear amalgamation report July 14

/in , , /by

The District of Saanich announced today it will receive a formal presentation and begin next steps on July 14 on the report recommending Saanich and the City of Victoria amalgamate has been published and can be viewed online.

Chamber members have long called for this to happen and The Chamber was an early voice for using the Citizens’ Assembly process as a practical method for initiating amalgamation. And whenever the process stalled along the way, The Chamber was quick to nudge it forward.

“Having considered the costs, benefits and disadvantages to the best of our abilities and with the information available to us, we recommend the amalgamation of Victoria and Saanich,” the report’s executive summary states. “In the course of our deliberations, we ultimately concluded that amalgamation as a unified city would be the best form of government for our two municipalities.”

Saanich hears from public on Quadra McKenzie Plan

/in , , /by

A revised Draft Quadra McKenzie Plan will go back to the public for further input this fall, after the District of Saanich Council heard from residents who are passionate about the area.

“The Quadra McKenzie planning process has sparked unprecedented public involvement,” Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock said. “Council has listened closely, and we have directed staff to revise the plan based on more than 10,000 public comments. There is still work ahead, including another round of public engagement, and I encourage all residents to stay involved—respectfully and constructively.”

Key revisions include reduced density, scaled back building heights and the removal of conceptual changes to McKenzie Avenue, which will be considered separately at a later time in collaboration with BC Transit.

An additional round of public engagement will run from August to October.

Municipalities applaud expanded borrowing powers

/in , , , /by

Municipalities in BC are applauding a move to make it easier to finance capital projects. The Chamber is cautiously optimistic about the change, though businesses are wary of enabling any level of government to take on more debt.

“There’s no question that we want to see the public sector work more efficiently, but we also are clear that we need investments that help the private sector grow our economy,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Innovation led by business is key for us to create the good jobs and creative solutions needed to solve many of the issues affecting our society that government itself is unable to fix.”

The Province amended the municipal liabilities regulation and the short-term capital borrowing regulation to give municipalities more flexibility to plan and finance infrastructure projects that support population growth and housing development.

Municipalities can now borrow up to 10% of their annual revenue, without having to hold a public vote. The changes are a response to concerns raised by municipalities about the cost, complexity and risk of delays associated with implementing capital projects.

New trail crossing at Tillicum will ease commute time

/in , , /by

Commuters will have an easier time crossing Tillicum Road at Highway 1, once a new trail crossing opens for summer 2027.

The province released illustrations on June 13 of the planned 100-metre Tillicum Active Transportation Bridge. Work is expected to begin in early 2026.

Once complete, the bridge will eliminate one of the last signalized crossings on the Galloping Goose Trail between downtown Victoria and the Westshore. More than 3,000 people use this section of the trail every day in the summer.

Saanich launches new BusinessCare program

/in , , /by

The District of Saanich announced a new initiative aimed at business retention and engagement. The municipality hopes the program will lead to business growth and economic resiliency.

Saanich BusinessCare involves quick, in-person visits by Saanich’s Economic Development Office so that staff better understand how policies and programs affect businesses in the District.

“As our economy changes, helping businesses remain competitive and resilient is more important than ever,” Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock said in a media release. “Engaging directly with local businesses will enable the District to create a stronger, more supportive and connected business environment.”

Through one-on-one engagement and relationship-building, the program hopes to help policy makers provide the support needed to help businesses thrive.

“The Saanich BusinessCare program will help address the dynamic needs of businesses within our community,” Saanich’s Economic Development Manager Mitchell Edgar said. “Over the coming months, our team will be meeting with Saanich business owners and management to better understand the unique challenges and opportunities each organization is dealing with.”

Panel releases plan to make Victoria safer for business

/in , , , , /by

How can we make our communities safer? It’s a fundamental question that speaks to the very foundation of our region’s economy.

On June 19, the City of Victoria will consider the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan that was created through the input of a 10-person panel that began meeting 18-months ago.

“We know Chamber members want more done to protect businesses, as well as helping those who are facing mental health and addiction challenges,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “We’re happy that the panel included people who were able to provide an important perspective from the business community.”

The plan focuses on the need to invest in prevention rather than chasing problems after they manifest. This approach requires support from higher levels of government, even though the municipality is often on the frontline.

“Underpinning many of the recommendations is the knowledge that local government is the closest to the issues and the most attuned to the needs of its own community,” the plan states. “Local governments are highly adaptable in addressing emerging issues, and responding quickly and efficiently. Additionally, key resources for community safety and wellbeing such as parks, public works, protective services, urban planning, and business development are already part of the City’s municipal framework and can adapt to emerging community needs.”

Applications open for Storefronts Activation program

/in , , , /by

The Chamber has been working on an initiative to help businesses in downtown Victoria turn empty or underutilized storefronts into vibrant spaces that enhance the area’s appeal. The City of Victoria‘s Storefronts Activation Program promotes safe communities and business growth and development by connecting property owners with artists and performers to create temporary indoor activations.

Whether it’s a one-day pop-up activation or a year-long series of programming and installations, the City has $100,000 to fund projects that add vibrancy. Funding will be prioritized for projects located in the downtown core.

For details on eligibility, and submission requirements, read the Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI). Submit your proposal by 4pm on July 7. You can email culture@victoria.ca to chat about your ideas or receive feedback prior to applying.

Saanich seeks feedback on traffic calming measures

/in , , , /by

A survey that closes on Saturday will help the District of Saanich roll out its Traffic Calming Policy for municipal roadways. You can have your say on how Saanich addresses road dangers so drivers, pedestrians and cyclists feel safer travelling the district’s streets.

Traffic calming can include speed bumps, bike ways, traffic circles and other infrastructure designed to slow drivers. A survey for offering feedback is open until May 31. The findings will help Saanich refine its plan ahead of council approvals this summer.

Saanich opens approval process for operations centre

/in , , /by

A major redevelopment project in the District of Saanich is using an Alternative Approval Process to receive authority for needed funding.

“The Alternative Approval Process is a fiscally responsible and efficient tool that will help the District ensure that the community has a voice in the future of the Saanich Operations Centre,” Saanich Chief Administrative Officer Brent Reems said in a media release.

The $172 million project will replace aging infrastructure with new facilities for municipal services as well as allocate space for new homes and commercial uses.

Voting is open for Saanich residents, who can submit a form if opposed to the borrowing request. Saanich says the redevelopment will stimulate economic growth, create jobs during construction and ensure reliable services for the next 80 years.

Victoria hosts info session on business of childcare

/in , , /by

Anyone thinking about starting a childcare business or interested in the sector can learn more about current rules at an info session on May 27, hosted by the City of Victoria’s Business Hub.

The session is free and is focused on helping people start or grow a childcare program as a for-profit or non-profit venture. Topics covered include how to get licensed, types of childcare and potential resource partners. Staff and experts will be on hand to answer questions about regulations and experiences.

The Business of Childcare: Small Business Info Session runs from 9 to 11:30 am, May 27, at Victoria City Hall.

Our Partners

Get in touch –

Visit us at 201C – 633 Courtney St. Victoria, BC V8W 1B9

chamber@victoriachamber.ca

We are still experiencing challenges with our phones, visit our Staff Directory to connect with us directly.

The Chamber

Connect
Membership
Advocate

About
Member Directory
Media

Copyright © 2024 Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.

Website by Caorda