Government Provincial Archives

Chamber hosts final election event with Green Party leader

September 11, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Government Provincial/by Jim Zeeben

Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau stands with Chamber CEO Bruce Williams before yesterday’s fourth and final Leading to Election event.

The Chamber hosted the fourth and final Leading to Election event yesterday, with about 30 people enjoying breakfast and a lively Q&A with BC Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau.

Furstenau spoke about her entrepreneurial history as a university student operating a food stand at the Moss Street Market, which led to a catering enterprise. She also worked as a bookkeeper and says the experiences helped her understand the hard work and risk of running a small business. She’s taken that understanding with her into politics, noting that the private sector generates the revenue that the public sector spends.

And the way that the government spends needs to change, she said, pointing out that BC has the same budget as Denmark but delivers a lot less to its citizens.

“If we’re going to spend $89 billion, I want all the nice things,” she said, adding that Denmark has better healthcare and social security programs.

Questions raised by Chamber members included how the BC Greens would address transportation challenges and how they would support a minority government if given the opportunity.

Fursetenau said the party would learn from its past mistakes and focus on reframing the narrative of government so that British Columbians have faith it can work for them and drive innovation to support the private sector economy.

Pre-approved housing designs available for download

September 4, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Government Provincial, Housing/by Jim Zeeben

The province has introduced a plan to speed up housing construction by allowing cookie cutter designs. The concept relies on “building blocks” that allow for adding elements such as a garage or bedroom. Homes can be up to three storeys.

“They include concepts for duplex, triplex, quadplex and townhouse designs. Also included are a variety of roof shapes and exterior finishes, so all the designs can blend in seamlessly with existing neighbourhoods, keeping with the intent of small-scale, multi-unit housing to add density,” the province’s media release said. “There are also designs for accessory dwelling units, such as laneway homes, and a fully adaptable cottage suitable for aging in place.”

The designs comply with the 2024 BC Building Code and can be customized for different lot sizes and specific site conditions. Designs can be downloaded at no cost.

The hope is that local governments and builders will quickly become familiar with the plans, leading to quicker approvals and construction.

Province’s political landscape shifts as BC United Party folds

August 28, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Government Provincial/by Jim Zeeben

A scenario discussed earlier this year during The Chamber’s Leading to Election series has now become reality.

The BC United Party’s leader Kevin Falcon announced today he is stepping aside and will work to have his party’s candidates merge with the Conservative Party of BC.

In a joint media release, Falcon stated he suspended his party’s campaign because he thinks staying in the race would split the vote and allow the incumbent BC NDP Party to easily win the Oct. 19 provincial election.

The move was applauded by Conservative party leader John Rustad, who told a full-house of Chamber guests in June that he was committed to staying in the race.

“As a Chamber that represents all sides of Greater Victoria’s business community, we are firmly non-partisan,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “We will continue to work to provide our members with opportunities to speak directly with people in power, and those looking to be, so that we can proactively build a better community for all.”

Seminar at Chamber aims to help ‘get out the vote’

August 16, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Chamber News, Government Provincial/by Jim Zeeben

The Chamber is teaming up with the Democratic Engagement Exchange and Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria to offer a free elections readiness workshop on Aug. 29.
This training session will help people support a healthy democracy by providing best practices for non-partisan voter engagement. The workshop is being held in The Chamber’s seminar room and run independently by the Democratic Engagement Exchange, funded in part by Elections BC.

Aug. 29
Time: 1-4 pm
Seminar Room, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, #100-852 Fort St.

“Community-based organizations and local leaders are the backbone of our democracy,” states the Democratic Engagement Exchange. “By addressing community concerns, providing essential voting information, and fostering a culture of engagement, you can make a real impact.”

Register for the Workshop

Belleville Terminal construction starts this week

July 3, 2024/in Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Government Federal, Government Local, Government Provincial, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

Work is getting underway on the redevelopment of Belleville Terminal, with Phase 1 Wharf Modifications starting at the Steamship Building’s water lot.

A barge with a crane derrick is on site, and work will take place from 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and potentially weekends depending on scheduling. However, no work will occur over long-weekends, and should be completed by the end of August.

“Potential impacts from this work include noise from the removal of existing pilings and installation of new pilings as well as the visual impact of the crane derrick within the inner harbour,” states a memo about the project from the BC Ministry of Transportation and Projects.

The Chamber advocated for two decades to gather support for the modernization of this important international gateway that greets thousands of travellers every year.

“It’s great to see the project finally underway and we know the temporary disruption will be worth having a 21st century facility in place,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said.

You can stay updated on the Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project by visiting the project website.

BC Conservative leader speaks at Chamber election luncheon

June 19, 2024/in Chamber Awareness, Government Provincial/by Jim Zeeben

A full-house enjoyed lunch today at the Sandman Hotel Victoria while listening to Conservative Party of BC leader John Rustad explain how he would change the province if elected.

Rustad offered his thoughts on the economy, public safety and other issues, often weaving in small-town stories from rural constituents.

“Some people really liked what Mr. Rustad had to say, some learned about his policy ideas for the first time, but every attendee who was there came with an open mind and respect for our democratic process,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said about the event. “I want to thank everyone who has attended our Leading to Election events. We have a role as the Voice of Business to give our members a chance to hear first-hand from the people running for election this October.”

The first Leading to Election event was held in April with Premier David Eby, leader of the BC NDP. On June 6, The Chamber hosted Kevin Falcon — the leader of the Official Opposition and leader of the BC United Party. Our fourth event will feature the leader of the BC Green Party in September.

John Rustad at The Chamber’s Leading to Election Luncheon on June 19.

Send us your questions ahead of next week’s Election Lunch

June 12, 2024/in Government Provincial/by Jim Zeeben

There has been no shortage of intrigue on the campaign trail leading up to the October provincial election.

Last week, The Chamber hosted Kevin Falcon — the leader of the Official Opposition and leader of the BC United Party. About 80 Chamber members were treated to a firsthand account from Falcon about his plan to form government, despite trailing in the polls.

Falcon said voters haven’t given their full attention to the election yet, and will prove that they want a centrist party.

However, the business community remains concerned that the BC United Party’s pro-business platform will compete for votes with the Conservative Party of BC.

Chamber members have a chance to make up their own minds by reserving a seat at our next Leading to Election Luncheon on June 19 with BC Conservative leader John Rustad.

“Please send us your questions and I will add them to the list for what is promising to be a dynamic Q&A session with Mr. Rustad,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said.

Questions can be sent to communications@victoriachamber.ca.

The Chamber hosted the first Leading to Election event in April with Premier David Eby, leader of the BC NDP. Our fourth event will feature the leader of the BC Green Party in September.

Reporters scrum Kevin Falcon last week at The Chamber’s Leading to Election Luncheon.

Secondary suite program aims to add 3,000 homes

May 8, 2024/in Government Local, Government Provincial, Housing/by Jim Zeeben

Business and industry groups have been calling for policy changes to address the housing shortage facing Greater Victoria. And while many regions in the world are facing a similar challenge, we need solutions that work for Canada and BC.

Last week, the province revealed its three-year pilot to encourage homeowners to add secondary suites to their properties.

BC Housing will administer the program, which offers forgivable loans of as much as 50% of the total cost of renovations — up to a maximum of $40,000 — to add a secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit such as a garden suite, laneway house or carriage home. If the new unit is rented at below market rates for at least five years, the loan will be forgiven.

The province estimates the program will add 3,000 new rental units at below-market rates.

To be eligible, homeowners must also:

obtain a building and occupancy permit from their local government;
have a combined gross annual income of homeowners on title of less than $209,420; and
have a BC Assessment value on their property below the homeowner grant threshold ($2.15 million in 2024).

New rules for short-term rentals effective May 1

May 1, 2024/in Fair Rules, Government Local, Government Provincial, Housing/by Jim Zeeben

The Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act took effect today. Among the changes, according to the province, are:

Short-term rentals can only be offered in the principal residence of a host, plus one additional unit, secondary suite or laneway home/garden suite on the property.
Strata hotels and motels that have been operating in a manner similar to a hotel or motel before Dec. 8, 2023, and that meet select criteria moving forward, will be exempt from the Principal Residence Requirement.
Non-conforming use of property will no longer apply to short-term rentals.
Short-term rental hosts will be required to display a valid business licence number on their listing.
Short-term rental platforms will be required to share data with the Province.

If the new rules aren’t followed, fines can be levied ranging from $500 to $10,000 per day, depending on who is operating the rental.

BC Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon told the Times Colonist that short-term rentals will be available on a smaller scale as the new rules aim to stop people from taking away large numbers of housing units that could serve as homes for people.

New Rules for STRs

Candid conversation with Premier addresses big issues

May 1, 2024/in Government Provincial/by Jim Zeeben

It’s not everyday that your breakfast conversation includes a candid discussion with BC’s Premier about the major challenges facing business in Greater Victoria.

That was the experience yesterday for 300 people at the Victoria Conference Centre as they were able to nourish their bodies while feeding their minds.

After speaking about the government’s plans to support the private sector and grow BC’s economy, Premier David Eby engaged in a lively discussion with Chamber CEO Bruce Williams about topics submitted by Chamber members.

Community safety is top of mind for many people, and the Premier acknowledged the province is trying to find a solution for challenges facing governments around the world. The recent move to ban drug use in public spaces is an example of how government reversed course on a policy that wasn’t working as intended. The long-term solution is complex, with Eby noting that a continuum of care is required for people experiencing homelessness rooted in mental health or addiction.

Other topics included the province’s plan to avoid disruptions to ferry sailings this summer — something that happened with alarming frequency last year — and how the province can reduce obstacles for builders so that they can increase housing supply.

“The morning flew by and we could have easily kept talking all day,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “I’m grateful for the Premier’s time and for everyone who chose to enjoy breakfast with us. We’ll keep the dialogue going between business and government and work together to find innovative solutions to the challenges facing our community.”

Photo: https://victoriachamber.ca/event-photos-2024.html#Breakfast-premier-eby