There's still plenty of room for diehard fans as well as those new to the bandwagon.
The Vancouver Canucks Stanley Cup playoff run has been a pleasant experience for many of the province's pubs and restaurants. In Greater Victoria, a number of Chamber members are supporting fans by showing games on their big screens. The Victoria Royals also announced that they will be opening Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre for a ticketed event allowing fans to watch the Canucks together. "It's hard to not get caught up in the excitement, even for folks who might not be the biggest hockey fans," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "The atmosphere at local establishments is fun and festive. Let's hope the Canucks can keep it going all the way to the finals this year." BC's Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport said the Canucks' run is especially helpful at creating business during the weekdays. Minister Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich South, told CFAX that having the province's home team in the playoffs is good for the economy while also boosting the spirits of their fans. The Canucks are currently in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Their series against the Edmonton Oilers is tied at two wins each, with games set for Thursday, Saturday and Monday (if needed). 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." The Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act took effect today. Among the changes, according to the province, are:
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. Peter Hayman is the new leader of Vancouver Island South Film & Media Commission. Hayman will replace current film commissioner Kathleen Gilbert, who is retiring April 30.
The not-for-profit organization promotes Greater Victoria as a premier location for the international film industry. The commission has its roots as a Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce committee, starting in 1974, before it became the Victoria Film Commission in 1983. Hayman lives in North Saanich and was a studio musician and songwriter who studied film at UCLA, and worked as a film editor, producer and director. He founded a production company and has experience integrating new and traditional media. “I look forward to sharing my own enthusiasm with those looking for the perfect place to create their film and media projects,” Hayman said in a media release. The rules targeting short-term rentals in BC have been updated to provide a little more clarity.
The Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act takes effect May 1. The updates, once approved, will include an exemption from the principal-residence requirement for certain strata-titled hotels and motels, so they can continue to operate. Strata hotels and motels consist of individually owned strata lots, where accommodation is provided in a manner similar to a hotel or motel. The definition requires the facility meet certain criteria, based on whether they were operational before Dec. 8, 2023. "The Chamber has been at the forefront of calling for increased housing supply, but we also stand for fairness and have called on government to protect purpose-built visitor accommodation," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "Difficult decisions are required to find the balance between having enough rooms to adequately support our important visitor economy, and ensuring there are enough homes for all residents." Contracts have been announced for construction on the Belleville Terminal redevelopment project, which will give our region a secure, modern pre-clearance terminal to act as an international gateway for goods, services and passengers.
Work will begin immediately on a temporary terminal, with estimated completion in fall 2024. Offsite work on a new wharf will begin soon near Cowichan Bay, before moving to the Inner Harbour this summer. The project is also advancing toward the Phase II permanent upgrades to the terminal. "As a gateway to Canada, to British Columbia and to our region, Belleville Terminal serves as a vital connection point for trade and tourism. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has made the case for modernization for more than 20 years," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said when the province announced the redevelopment would begin this year. "I'm encouraged to see progress being made now. There is an urgency to ensure Belleville can continue to serve as an important border crossing and point of entry, and the time is now for this project to happen." During construction, pedestrians won't have access to the causeway behind the Steamship building. There will be no impact to Clipper and Coho ferry sailings. The upgrade brings the terminal into compliance with the Canada-U.S. Land, Rail, Marine and Air Transport Pre-clearance Agreement, and will streamline travel by allowing passengers to complete the customs and immigration process in Victoria prior to disembarking in the US. Visitors spend $174 million annually, generating $268 million in economic output and $155 million in provincial gross domestic product, according to the media release. The project is expected to be complete in time for the 2028 tourism season, with a budget of $303.9 million and a $41.6-million federal contribution. The provincial government is raising the minimum wage by 65 cents, effective June 1.
The increase means the lowest an employee can be paid is $17.40 per hour, up from $16.75. The rate reflects annual inflation in the province. "We know many Chamber members already pay more than the minimum, but inflating the base rate inevitably increases the wages of other employees, which adds further costs during a time of economic uncertainty," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "Businesses are already working hard to find and keep good workers, and we understand that increasing wages is part of that. And while we appreciate that the government is giving businesses time to adjust and offering future certainty by tying the increase to inflation, we think there are better ways government can lower the cost of living to make our province more affordable." Investing in celebrations of sports, arts, culture and farming helps build great communities. The economic return also benefits many tourism and hospitality businesses — a sector that is still recovering from the pandemic and the current slowdown in consumer spending.
The Chamber continues to be a vocal advocate for this sector, and we applaud this morning's news that the BC Fairs, Festivals and Events fund is being extended. “The BCFFE program single-handedly saved our business and that of many of our colleagues here in BC," 17 Black Events executive director Scott Gurney said. "The program has also ensured that businesses within BC’s live event ecosystem, like specialty service providers, suppliers and rental companies, have been able to survive, too. The impact of this program reaches far and wide with its economic outcomes, but more importantly, from a social point of view, it has ensured that British Columbians have continued access to arts, culture and live events.” Events between April 1, 2024, and Sept. 30, 2025, are eligible for funding to cover expenses ranging from operational costs, Indigenous consultation and honorariums, to venue rental, marketing, wages and promotion. Applications are being accepted until 11:59 pm, Feb. 25. Organizations are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. “We are extremely grateful for the past two years of BCFFE funding," Rifflandia Entertainment Company president and CEO Nick Blasco said. "Suffice to say, the program has been essential to the growth and future of our festival and so many others throughout the province.” There can be no doubt about it, Greater Victoria loves hockey. That was on full display last week as the many communities that have a connection to the sport came together for a celebration of Canada’s game.
Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada was a major success, raising community spirits and bringing activity to businesses downtown and across the region. The mid-January festival took place over four days last week, with the official "hockey day" bringing 20,000 people to Ship Point in the Inner Harbour on Saturday. "We heard reports that it was like a summer day for tourism," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said, noting that $100,000 was raised for the Courtnall Society for Mental Health. The impact on tourism is still being assessed, as more than nine million Canadians saw images and stories of Greater Victoria during a full-day of NHL broadcasts on Sportsnet. “Civic pride was the big thing here,” Williams told the Times Colonist. “We were successful because people came together and really celebrated the game we love so much.” The Chamber was among many organizations that stepped up to sponsor the event. After years of flirting with football fans in Atlantic Canada, the CFL is turning its attention to the West Coast. The first Touchdown Pacific game will take place at Royal Athletic Park on Aug. 31 between the BC Lions and Ottawa Redblacks.
“As a lifelong fan of the CFL, I am thrilled to welcome Touchdown Pacific to Victoria," City of Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto said in the news release. "The passionate fans in our community, combined with our historic natural grass stadium, will make this Labour Day contest a classic football match, and a highlight of the 2024 CFL season, with family-friendly festivities beforehand.” The stadium, which serves as the home of the Victoria HarbourCats, will be expanded to hold up to 14,000 fans, including standing room. In 2023, Touchdown Atlantic generated more than $10 million in overall economic impact for businesses and communities in the Halifax region. In Greater Victoria, sports tourism helps drive more than $100 million in visitor spending annually. Destination Greater Victoria and the Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission were key in bringing Touchdown Pacific to Victoria. Advocacy efforts to extend the CEBA repayment deadline appear to be working. The Chamber and our national network along with many other business organizations are calling on the federal government to give businesses more time to repay without losing the forgivable portion of their CEBA loans.
Chamber Chair Kris Wirk said in a September media release that “The reality facing many small businesses — especially those in hospitality, tourism and retail — is that they have a viable path to making a full recovery but it’s going to take longer than expected.” This week, federal Small Business Minister Rechie Valdez told BNN Bloomberg that she's heard the message and seen the struggles facing businesses firsthand. She promised to go back to government to do more. Under the Canada Emergency Benefits Account, businesses that needed help during the pandemic were offered loans of up to $60,000. Part of the appeal was that one third of the loan would be forgiven if paid by the deadline, which was extended from Dec. 31 to Jan. 18. And while 2024 seemed like a long way off in the depths of the pandemic, unforeseen challenges with inflation and interest rates has kept many businesses from fully recovering. Chamber member Megan Johns, owner of The Green Kiss explained the situation succinctly to CBC, noting that she was on schedule with her CEBA loan until operating costs began to soar faster than her business could grow. "Margins are getting smaller and smaller and smaller due to the rising costs across the board," Johns said. "Every aspect of the business has become more challenging and it is more challenging now than it was in 2020 so far." Greater Victoria has risen to the top of Conde Nast's annual ranking of the Best Small Cities on the planet. More than 520,000 people took part in the readers' choice awards.
Our region came close last year, placing second on the list, but this year we are at the top thanks to our proximity to Vancouver and "one of the world’s most scenic ferry rides." The international travel magazine point out the "bucket list-worthy Fairmont Empress," and our reputation as the "most British town in Canada." Other factors were the fact our ancient rainforests are so accessible, as are many easy day trips on the Island. Making strategic investments in the Indigenous tourism sector would generate an additional $684 million in tax revenue that would pay for those investments in five years, says a new report by the Conference Board of Canada.
The report found that recommendations made by the Indigenous Tourist Association of Canada would greatly increase the scale of Indigenous Tourism across the country. ITAC has proposed a $2.4 billion plan, including $1.75 billion for destination development. Construction has begun on the Royal BC Museum’s collections and research building in the City of Colwood.
The 15,200 square-metre building will be a state-of-the-art facility using mass timber to house the Province’s collections and BC Archives. There will also be dedicated research labs and learning spaces. “The provincial collections and archives help us to share the stories of our cultures and communities. It’s vital to ensure they’re kept safe for future generations,” said RBCM's acting CEO Tracey Drake in a news release. “This exceptional facility will also provide a window into the world of the museum, enabling visitors to see our paleontologists, entomologists, botanists, zoologists and more, engaged in active research projects.” The $270 million project is expected to be substantially completed by fall 2025, a public opening is planned for 2026. BC Ferries is waiting to see if it can raise rates, starting next April, to help the organization steer itself through the unsteady waters created by global inflation and the challenges of finding and keeping workers.
There is a shortage of qualified mariners, and new vessels are needed for BC Ferries fleet. The BC Ferries Commission, which is distinct from the provincial government and operations, sets the amount that prices can increase. The public has until Sept. 30 to contact the commission to provide input to help with its decision. Email info@bcferrycommission.ca for more information. High-interest rates and uncertainty over the state of the economy are behind the tourism industry slowing down after its fast recovery from the pandemic. A report by TD titled "A Slow Road to Recovery for Canadian Tourism Spending," states the industry won't fully recover until about 2025.
Current tourism spending is at about 87% of where it was in 2019. "Although more price-conscious tourists could weigh on profit margins in the sector, slower demand growth may allow the industry time to overcome labour shortages," the report states. In BC, tourism employment is the highest its been since 2018 as employers work to overcome challenges finding and keeping staff. Greater Victoria tourism earns environmental rep Back in May, Greater Victoria received some love from a feature in Vogue about how we "became a sustainable travel hotspot." the article identifies a number of Chamber members who have helped make Greater Victoria green, including:
Some good news for Greater Victoria's tourism economy as the Victoria Airport Authority approved a proposal to build a 129-room hotel. The three-storey hotel, one of Marriott International’s extended stay brands, will be located on 3.5 acres of commercial zoned land at the corner of Highway 17 and Beacon Avenue West.
“The addition of the TownePlace Suites Hotel at YYJ will provide travellers and visitors to the region with convenient access not only to the airport and Sidney, but also to the many amenities and services in the area and the Pat Bay highway into Victoria,” Victoria Airport Authority President and CEO Geoff Dickson said in a news release. The all-suite hotel will have studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units with fully equipped kitchens, a gym, pool and 1,500 square feet of meeting space. There will also be a full-service restaurant. Preparations for construction on site will begin in the fall and the hotel is expected to be completed in time for summer 2025. Travel restrictions are being lifted tonight for many areas of Interior BC devastated by wildfires, but for people and businesses forced to flee their homes recovery will take time.
“The emergency order we put in place on Saturday has had the effect we required and thousands of hotel rooms were made available for people forced from their homes, as well as the many firefighters and emergency crews who are protecting us during the worst wildfire season in our history," BC's Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness said in a news release. The Chamber has been in conversation with affected chambers to offer support during this difficult time. "We know that Greater Victoria is an exceptionally compassionate and generous community," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "There are ways to help now, and there will be a need to help communities as they work to recover from so much loss." How to help: If the dialogue around remote work seems to have changed from "when is your team going back to the office to how can you adopt a hybrid workplace," you're not alone. The Canadian Chamber's Business Data Lab shows that North American cities are adapting to a new reality. Employers who are facing challenges finding and keeping workers are embracing workforce mobility as a solution. However, the change requires new strategies for ensuring the economic health and safety of urban cores that have lost jobs to the suburbs. The Chamber is working with our regional partners to rethink the role of Downtown Victoria so that it continues to be the vibrant centre of our regional economy.
"We know that our suburban downtowns are thriving, and that's good news for a lot of municipalities in Greater Victoria," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "What we also need to do is make sure that Downtown Victoria continues as a major draw for tourists and a great place to live for residents. Of course, the way we do that is making sure we have a great climate for businesses to thrive so they can provide the goods and services that attract visitors and support locals." The Royal BC Museum has brought back one its most beloved sections. Old Town, an exhibit originally designed to recreate the look and feel of an early-20th-century settler community, reopened to the public last weekend. The space had been closed for a year-and-a-half for repairs and modernization.
"The museum plays a vital role in Greater Victoria as an anchor for local tourism and as a space where the stories of our province are shared with hundreds of thousands of visitors every year," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "It's good to see people once again enjoying and learning from Old Town. The museum is working hard to give a voice to Indigenous peoples whose stories need to be heard, and to the many communities that settled here and helped make BC what it is today." The Chamber is calling on the federal government to give businesses who needed help during the pandemic more time to repay their Canada Emergency Business Account loans.
A letter to the federal Finance Minister was signed by more than 240 Canadian business organizations. "Extending the repayment timeline for the CEBA loan without losing access to the forgivable portion would give many small-and-medium size businesses the stability and certainty they need to get back on their feet on a path to prosperity," states the letter. Chamber CEO Bruce Williams spoke to CFAX Radio this morning to explain why many businesses need extra time. Across Canada. almost 900,000 CEBA loans were approved during the pandemic. "Many businesses had no choice but to take on this loan due to circumstances beyond their control," the letter states. "This includes businesses in some of the hardest hit industries such as the retail industry and tourism sector. Mandatory business closures and other government health restrictions left businesses with severe income losses and cash flow issues." Island communities cut off by wildfires received some good news as the province announced Highway 4 will reopen to limited single-lane travel starting this weekend.
Fallen trees and debris that had been blocking the route have now been cleared. As well, mesh curtains suspended by cranes are being deployed to protect passersby as the impacted slope continues to settle alongside the highway. An alternate route continues to be used by about 1,000 vehicles daily, helping ensure essential goods are available. Tourism support includes increased flights so that visitors can bypass the affected road. It's official. Hockey fans across Canada will have their full attention on the Inner Harbour as the City of Victoria plays host to Scotiabank's Hockey Day in Canada. The announcement was made by Hockey Night in Canada legend Ron McLean during a broadcast of the Stanley Cup Finals last week.
Hockey Day in Canada in Victoria will include about 14 hours of national broadcast time on Jan. 20. The event is being organized by the Victoria Hockey Legacy Society, chaired by John Wilson of Wilson’s Group of Companies, All seven Canadian NHL teams, as well as the WHL's Victoria Royals, will be in action on the day. The games will be interspersed with live programming from Ship Point. One of the physical legacies from the event will be a 24-by-12 metre synthetic ice sheet that will be available to the community for up to 30 years. Want to have your say on the future of tourism in Greater Victoria?
Destination Greater Victoria is conducting resident engagement for a 10+ year tourism master plan. DGV recently wrapped up three town hall sessions and has an online survey open to residents until June 30. The situation is still uncertain for Vancouver Island communities that have had their main transportation routes cut off by wildfire.
Highway 4, connecting Tofino and Ucluelet with Port Alberni and the rest of the Island, remains closed after fire burned more than two square kilometres of forest along the route. "Right now, our thoughts are with everyone in those Island communities," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "The alternate routes are for essential traffic only. They're needed to ensure supplies and emergency personnel can get through. So we're working with our friends at 4VI to encourage people who had planned trips to impacted communities to consider other Island destinations that remain open." Yesterday, the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce relayed that they're trying to stay optimistic. However, businesses will be challenged until they are able to fully reopen. “(We're) really pleased to hear that the fire is now being held, so that gives some businesses time to arrange for alternative arrangements for things coming in, but this is definitely going to be hard on the community,” Alberni Chamber CEO Jolleen Dick told CHEK News. |
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