Capital City Comic Con is coming back to Greater Victoria next March. The Sci-Fi and comic book convention hasn't been held for two years because of the pandemic.
 
The 2022 event will run from March 25 to 27 at the Victoria Convention Centre as well as Crystal Garden across the street. Start planning your costume now!

As we head into the final month of the long strange trip that has been 2021, there is good news for local business in 2022. The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority has announced next year's cruise ship schedule.
 
A record 350 ships are expected to call on Victoria, with the first arriving April 6. The visits will bring an estimated 759,000 passengers to our region, helping tourism operators and local businesses from April until Oct. 26.
 
The Chamber has been advocating for the safe return of cruise ships to Victoria, urging the federal government to act decisively to stop political efforts in the US to exempt cruise ships from the Passenger Vessel Services Act. The act, which prevents foreign-flagged ships from travelling directly between states, has been a catalyst for Canada's cruise industry.

Areas of Greater Victoria are experiencing their wettest fall on record, with the Gonzales weather station reporting almost 300 times the rainfall of a typical year.
 
The parade of storms caused substantial damage to infrastructure in BC. And while the current forecast suggests the worst is over, the coming winter is expected to be wetter and colder than most years. Meteorologists at the Weather Network have released their winter forecast and say we can expect "tumultuous temperature patterns."
 
The prediction is based on a La Niña weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean that will bring frigid weather that could extend ski season well into March.
 
"This will bring an abundance of snow to the alpine regions, and, at times, we expect significant snowfall across lower elevations, including Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, Victoria and the Okanagan Valley," the network's report says.

As November's heavy rains continue to cause disruptions on BC highways, a group of Island transportation advocates are renewing calls to bring back rail service as an alternative route over the Malahat.
 
Highway 1 was closed after the Nov. 15 atmospheric river brought record rainfall that caused mudslides on the Malahat. The highway closure contributed to supply shortages in Greater Victoria.
 
The recent South Island Transportation Study found that bringing back rail service would be too expensive, but their numbers are contested by the Island Corridor Foundation.
 
The Chamber has long advocated for better transportation planning in Greater Victoria. If a rail service is feasible, it's worth investing in the Island's infrastructure so we can avoid future disruptions to the supply chain.

A major project that promises to boost Greater Victoria's tech sector and bring hundreds of good jobs to the region is going to public hearing this Thursday.
 
TELUS Ocean, a 12-storey office tower with a striking design, is planned for what's known as the Apex site across from the Victoria Conference Centre in the City of Victoria. TELUS Business plans to use the office as its regional headquarters and an innovation hub showcasing advanced communications and information technology.
 
The project is being led by Aryze Developments, who have crafted a proposal that promises to add new, vibrant public spaces to the area along with the world-class iconic architecture.

The province has extended fuel rationing requirements for non-essential vehicles until Dec. 14. The limit does not apply to essential vehicles, which include commercial transport trucks, home care workers and refrigerated trucks.
 
Rationing is required due to the shutdown of the Trans Mountain pipeline because of intense flooding in southern BC. The pipeline, which supplies most of the fuel used on Vancouver Island, is expected to be restarted later this week.

The City of Langford has adopted a policy to help reduce the carbon footprint of new construction in the municipality. The low-carbon concrete policy takes affect June 1, 2022 and will require all city-owned or solicited projects to use concrete produced with carbon dioxide mineralization technologies. The policy also applies to private projects greater than 50 cubic meters.
 
The Chamber applauds this innovation led by business as real solution for climate challenges affecting us locally and globally.

The provincial government has settled on mandating five paid sick days for workers in BC, starting Jan. 1. The announcement was made today after several rounds of consultation were held this year.

"Chamber members have been clear that no one wants sick employees in the workplace," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. "We think five days is much more acceptable than 10 days, and that five days fits with what many businesses are already offering."

The new regulations apply to workers covered by BC's Employment Standards Act, including part-time employees. The permanent rules replace temporary measures introduced in May.

Chamber members are part of a compassionate community and many businesses in Greater Victoria have been asking how they can help people who were severely impacted by recent flooding in BC.

"I've reached out to our colleagues at chambers in Merritt and Abbotsford and other communities dealing with devastating weather events," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. "Right now they're still focused on getting through the next few weeks but they're grateful to know other communities are ready to help."

Ways to Help:
Abbotsford Disaster Relief Fund
Merritt links for donations
Province of BC Emergency Supports

When a flight from Seattle touches down next Tuesday at Victoria International Airport, it will mark another milestone in our economic recovery. The plane will be the first with international passengers since the start of the pandemic in 2020.

For the latest requirements for travellers, make sure to check for current updates from the federal government.