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

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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

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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

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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.

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

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

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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.

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

Secondary suite program aims to add 3,000 homes

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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

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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

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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

More local municipalities must meet housing targets

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On Tuesday, the provincial government released the next round of municipalities facing scrutiny to ensure they are helping increase BC’s housing supply.

The next 20 priority municipalities include the following in Greater Victoria:

Central Saanich
Colwood
Esquimalt
North Saanich
Sidney
and View Royal.

The first list, released last spring, included the City of Victoria, the District of Saanich and the District of Oak Bay. Each community receives a target number of total units that are expected to be built within a specific time-frame. The targets for the latest communities will be made public this summer.

“The Chamber supports efforts to increase housing supply and we continue to advocate for all levels of government to smooth the process for builders so the construction work needed can be done,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “I’m looking forward to speaking with Premier Eby next week at the Chamber breakfast to hear firsthand how the province is advocating for support from the federal government.”

The Chamber hosts Premier Eby on April 30. Register now to reserve your seat at the table.

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