News Releases
Chamber Calls for City to Provide Business Certainty
June 29, 2009
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is concerned that the City of Victoria council is creating an uncertain environment for construction investments in the city with their decision regarding the development of a condo building on Richmond Road.
“It is rather disconcerting that council has made this decision in a vacuum of by-law or a policy framework to support it,” says Bruce Carter, chamber CEO. “Doing so creates a significant element of business uncertainty in Victoria and could drive business elsewhere.”
The developer needed a permit to demolish the five suite apartment building to build a twelve unit condo project. The property is correctly zoned for the proposed development. Council decided to disallow the project citing heritage concerns even though the property is not on the city’s heritage registry and is not designated as a heritage building.
The construction industry is an important part of the region’s economy, responsible for 50% of the job growth on the Island in the last economic cycle. “The construction industry is certainly in a downturn in the current economy,” continued Carter. “It is important that all levels of government do everything they can to encourage economic activity. This is an example where the city could have very easily participated in economic stimulation for Victoria, simply by following their own guidelines. We urge council to reconsider this hasty decision and work towards encouraging economic activity rather than preventing it.”
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has over 1500 members and is the voice of business for the Greater Victoria region. The Greater Victoria Chamber has received Accreditation with Distinction from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
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For more information contact:
Shannon Renault
Manager Policy Development & Communications
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Tel: (250) 383 7191 Ext 208 Cell (250) 812-0510
Email: srenault@gvcc.org |
Bruce Carter
Chief Executive Officer
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Tel: (250) 383 7191 Ext 201
Email: bcarter@gvcc.org |
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New Publication Showcases Greater Victoria to the World (July 14, 2009)
Greater Victoria Named Top Micro City of the Future (July 08, 2009)
Chamber Calls for City to Provide Business Certainty (June 29, 2009)
Annual Report Shows Why We’re A Natural Place to do Business (May 05, 2009)
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Chamber Celebrates Outstanding Performance at Chamber Awards (April 21, 2009)
Regional Economic Summit Brings Call to Action (April 07, 2009)
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Mooring Dolphins a Good Investment of Government Dollars (March 30, 2009)
Infrastructure Announcement for Ogden Point a Win for the Region (March 30, 2009)
Victoria Leads 2009 Flower Count (March 23, 2009)
Alex Campbell Wins Lifetime Achievement Award (February 24, 2009)
Greater Victoria Highlighted in Island Economic Study (February 23, 2009)
Provincial Budget Brings Mixed Blessings to Capital (February 17, 2009)
Budget Supports Competitiveness and Clean Technology (February 17, 2009)
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New Partnership to Lead Victoria Flower Count (February 10, 2009)
Infrastructure Projects Should Build Future Capacity (February 04, 2009)
Chamber Assesses Federal Budget Impacts to the CRD (January 27, 2009)
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