Transportation Options Archives

Esquimalt seeks feedback on transportation work

January 15, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Government Local, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

Improvements to help smooth the flow of traffic through the Township of Esquimalt continue to be made. The municipality wants to hear from people and businesses who use Esquimalt Road to make sure work continues on the right path.

Esquimalt’s Active Transportation Network Plan was endorsed by council in 2022, outlining several key priorities for the township. One recommendation was creating an improved east-west route, with Esquimalt Road and Lyall Street identified as the top options. The project also includes storm and sewer infrastructure upgrades.

Residents and affected businesses can share their thoughts on route options, and view the project boards to find maps and details about the options. A survey is open until Jan. 27.

The municipality is also hosting an open house on Jan. 16, from 4-7 pm, in the Craigflower Room at the Esquimalt Rec Centre.

Esquimalt businesses can also book a one-on-one meetings with staff to discuss any questions about this phase of the project. The goal of these meetings is to is to go over business-related ideas, questions and concerns as they relate to this project.

Email engineering@esquimalt.ca to book your meeting and learn more about the proposed designs between Joffre and Canteen roads. Times are expected to book up quickly and meetings will be available:

Friday, Jan. 17, 9am – 4pm
Monday, Jan. 20, 10am – 4pm
Friday, Jan. 24 9am – 4pm.

Construction underway on Uptown transit hub

January 15, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Climate Change Solutions, Finding And Keeping Workers, Housing, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

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.

Postal workers ordered back to job

December 11, 2024/in BizNews This Week, New And Established Businesses, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

Snail mail isn’t often top of mind — although getting letters delivered has become the talk of the town, even with the Canada Post strike coming to an end. The impact on the holidays could be devastating for some, especially charities that rely on an annual intake of December donations for a bulk of their revenue.

Stepping up to help, Maximum Express Courier, Freight & Logistics has agreed to deliver donation cheques while carrying out their regular business.

“Maximum Express will pickup your donation cheque from any donor to the charity of your choice for free,” Maximum Express’s Al Hasham said. “Please email info@maxcourier.com or call our team at 250-721-3278 to arrange your pickup.”

On Dec. 13, the federal government stepped in by asking the Canada Industrial Relations Board to assess the situation. On Dec. 16, the board ordered workers to resume operations as of 8 am local time on Dec. 17.

“Given the timing and duration of the strike, when our operations resume we will need to begin processing the mail and parcels trapped in our network. It will take time to clear our network, so customers should expect delays in processing and delivery,” Canada Post said in a statement.

“Some limitations will apply for the first 48 hours after our operations resume – including for pickups and drop-offs. Because of this, we will not receive or pick up new product until Thursday, December 19.”

BC Ferries faces challenges head on with creativity and innovation

November 27, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Government Provincial, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce hosted the final event in its 2024 Business Leaders Series, with a breakfast with BC Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at the Union Club of BC in Victoria.

More than 100 business and community leaders attended the breakfast, which featured a presentation by Jimenez followed by a Q&A session with Chamber CEO Bruce Williams and questions from the audience.

Jimenez addressed the recent news that BC Ferries was changing its advisory committee structure, as well as a call to add five new ships to the fleet.

“We know that BC Ferries has been working to improve how they manage their sailings, which is really important to businesses that transport groceries and other goods to the Island. I think our members appreciated hearing Nicolas explain how those improvements have resulted in fewer cancellations and better certainty for business,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “However, the ferry system has served the province for six decades and still has ships and terminals that were built in the 1960s. The Chamber is supportive of the work BC Ferries is doing to modernize its fleet and introduce efficiencies that will ensure future generations have an even stronger and more environmentally sustainable transportation link.”

Jimenez spoke about the importance of BC Ferries for people and families. The bulk of passengers are travelling for work, to attend appointments or visit family members. Tourism make up a smaller but vital segment of BC Ferries total passenger base, he said.

Going forward, the ferry operator understands it needs creativity and collaboration to address its challenges.

“If we are to close this funding gap that I described, we’re going to need to pull every lever that we can,” Jimenez told the Times Colonist. “We’re going to have to get very creative and we’re going to have to balance the needs of the system around reliability and resilience with affordability.

“So without prejudging what that’s going to look like, I think we’re going to have to have all policy options on the table.”

Feds step in to end labour disputes at Canadian ports

November 13, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Fair Rules, Food Security, Global Uncertainty, Government Federal, Inflation And Rising Costs, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

The Chamber was part of advocacy efforts that succeeded in ending the recent labour disputes that had shut down vital ports across Canada.

The Chamber was a signatory to a letter that went directly to federal Minister of Labour and Seniors Steven MacKinnon. That effort helped push the Canada Industrial Relations Board to announce on Tuesday that it will impose final binding arbitration to resolve labour disputes at ports in British Columbia, Montreal and Quebec.

This decision will swiftly end disruptions and resume port operations, while extending current collective agreements until new ones are finalized.

“As an Island economy, we need our supply chains to operate efficiently,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Any disruptions can have critical impacts on businesses ability to plan with certainty.”

Ferries celebrates milestone for zero-emission ships

November 7, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

The new boats might symbolize the future of ferry service, but a recent ceremony marking a significant construction milestone dates back to the age of wooden ships.

On Nov. 1, BC Ferries celebrated the successful keel laying of the first two of four fully electric Island Class vessels at Damen Shipyards Galați in Romania.

“The keel laying is a significant milestone, not just in the construction of these ships, but in our journey to provide enhanced capacity and service reliability for our customers while moving towards a cleaner, more sustainable fleet,” BC Ferries CEO and President Nicolas Jimenez said in a media release. “These ferries will not only reduce our environmental impact, but also increase capacity, improve service reliability and provide a quieter, more efficient travel experience for our customers.”

Jimenez, who will speak at a Chamber Business Leaders breakfast on Nov. 26, welded a coin to the central frame above the keel of each vessel, symbolizing good fortune for the ship and its future passengers. The coin chosen is a 1 oz pure silver coin, depicting five orcas off British Columbia coast.

BC Ferries plans to begin using the zero-emission ferries by 2027 on routes between Nanaimo and Gabriola Island, and Campbell River and Quadra Island. Each vessel will carry up to 390 passengers and 47 vehicles, operating with zero emissions by utilizing renewable shore power for battery charging. They will replace older vessels and expand the Island Class fleet, which already includes six hybrid diesel-battery electric ferries introduced in recent years.

Greater Victoria cruise ship season concludes today

October 30, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

Today marks the end of cruise ship season as the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority welcomed the 316th ship to call at the Breakwater District at Ogden Point this year.

More than 700,000 passengers of about 930,000 that arrived here disembarked their ship and explored Victoria’s attractions, landmarks and restaurants.

“The industry remains a strong economic driver for Victoria. The Alaska itinerary is an important growth market,” GVHA CEO Robert Lewis-Manning said in a media release. “The GVHA team is already looking towards the future, with a similar number of cruise ship calls anticipated for 2025. We will continue listening to our communities and improving the cruise experience for passengers, local businesses and residents to ensure everyone benefits from this growing sector.”

Our cruise ship industry contributes $130 million annually to Greater Victoria’s economy and helps create 800 jobs. The Breakwater District at Ogden Point is Canada’s busiest port for ship calls.

“The Chamber has supported the development of our region’s cruise industry since ships began calling at Ogden Point. Every cruise ship season now provides a substantial contribution to our regional economy and its workforce,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Of course, as with every industry, there are always challenges, especially around the environment. I think all of us take pride in our region’s well-deserved reputation for climate action leadership, and in the work being done locally by the cruise ship industry to reduce its carbon footprint. The Chamber will continue to support our community partners, and I expect we’ll see more innovations led by business brought in before the start of next year’s cruise season.”

Saanich making plans to address major challenges

October 24, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Climate Change Solutions, Government Local, Housing, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

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.”

Go beyond the headlines to learn about BC Ferries

October 17, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

It’s not an overstatement to say Greater Victoria depends on BC Ferries to connect us to the world. We rely on this iconic institution for so many of our material needs, from groceries to industrial supplies, and for our connections to family and friends. However, hardly a day goes by without BC Ferries making headlines for sailing waits, electioneering promises or plans for new vessels.

With mounting pressures on transportation and tourism, it’s vital for businesses in our region to understand the state of our primary route off Island. The Chamber is helping our community stay informed by hosting BC Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez on Nov. 26.

Reserve your spot now and submit your questions to hear firsthand about the future of ferries in our region.

Register now for BC Ferries Business Leader Luncheon

Vital Signs Report gives housing failing grade, again

September 26, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Climate Change Solutions, Fair Rules, Finding And Keeping Workers, Housing, Safe Communities, Streamlined Regional Regulations, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

Greater Victoria has earned a “B” from this year’s Vital Signs Report, released yesterday by the Victoria Foundation. It’s the same score as last year.

“For nearly 20 years, Vital Signs has been helping the community identify and respond to the greatest challenges facing our region,” Victoria Foundation CEO Sandra Richardson said in a media release. “This year, the survey found cost of living, housing, and healthcare to be among the most important issues in Greater Victoria.”

The report looks at 12 areas and grades them based on data from a survey completed by more than 6,500 people as well as from sources curated by a local researcher

In the 2024 report, housing rated a D-, down from the D the area received last year. Health and wellness also fell from a B- to a C+ — as did the grade given to our standard of living.

Environmental sustainability earned a B, which is the same as last year.

On the positive side, sports and recreation increased from a B last year to a B+ this year. Belonging and engagement, arts and culture, and economy all stayed the same from last year.

The Vital Signs Report is available online at victoriavitalsigns.ca, as well as in print at various locations throughout the region.