Meet the candidates: Chamber hosts lively debate on priority issues for business in Victoria11/25/2020
Meet the candidates: Chamber hosts discussion on priority issues for business in Victoria
The Chamber hosted a virtual Candidate Discussion today ahead of the City of Victoria's by-election on Dec. 12. The panel featured five candidates selected for their experience and approach to business issues facing the city. We also think voters should be aware of which candidates are running as independents, and who is running on behalf of a slate. The five who took part in the discussion:
You can watch the video at victoriachamber.ca/vicbyelection. On the same page you can find the Questions and Answers open to all 11 candidates on the ballot. For more information on when and where to vote, including for those who own property in the city but reside outside it, go to victoria.ca. Ensuring all sectors play a role in recovering from the pandemic is one of the key elements of Reboot: Greater Victoria's Economic Recovery Plan. The report, released Monday, is the work of the Rising Economy Taskforce, which brought together 40 business, community, government and academic leaders to work on 12 sector committees.
"I worked closely with other community leaders and the South Island Prosperity Partnership, and I think this report is an invaluable tool for making decisions about where we want to see investments made to achieve a full and equitable recovery," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. Among the recommendations are a call to embrace the 21st-century innovation economy and the creation of an Indigenous Economic Development Office. Chamber staff took part in the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting this week, helping adopt a number of policy resolutions that address important issues for our members.
"By joining with our Chamber network, we can amplify our calls for government to better serve Canadians by focusing on helping the business community," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. "Greater Victoria shares many of the concerns of other regions in Canada, such as ensuring indigenous communities are included in conversations about local economies and advocating for investment in marine industries in Canada." The Chamber also heard from a panel of experts on what to expect after next Tuesday's elections in the US. “I just hope that everybody doesn’t retreat into their corner of the sandbox and play by themselves because this will cause both health risks and economic collapse,” said panelist David MacNaughton, Canada’s ambassador to the U.S. from 2016 to 2019. The Capital Regional District has launched a new program to help businesses in the region check the efficiency of faucets used for hand-washing. If the faucet isn't operating at maximum efficiency, the CRD will replace the faucet's aerator for free. The new aerators use less than two litres of water per minute, compared to as much as 11 litres per minute in older faucets. The update can save businesses money and waste less water. The regional district estimates that 25% of all water in Greater Victoria is used for commercial and industrial purposes. That adds up to 10 billion litres per year. Sign up here for this free service, or call 250 360-3103. The Chamber strongly supports Greater Victoria mayors who are calling on the new provincial government to do better to improve regional transportation on southern Vancouver Island. Specifically, we have been calling for a regional approach to how transportation is governed. We need to think broadly to address transportation issues and take advantage of opportunities to create 21st century solutions.
The mayors of Saanich, Victoria, Colwood and View Royal were among the group that co-authored a letter to the province. The Chamber supports efforts to protect the environment from harmful single-use plastics, and we call on governments to work with businesses to support innovations that address these concerns.
Today's announcement from federal Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson to eliminate waste plastic by 2030 is welcome news. The plan is to target single-use plastics, specifically plastic checkout bags, straws, stir sticks, six-pack rings, cutlery and hard-to-recycle food containers. Having a national strategy will help ensure the rules are standardized so that businesses understand their requirements. The public has, for many years, supported businesses that provided alternatives to plastic waste. Going forward, governments need to ensure they are following the lead of the public and businesses in order to get the best response to this new initiative. We are starting to get some perspective on the pandemic and what we've been through and where we're going. However, back in the spring, the world was a much more uncertain place and BC Ferries CEO Mark Collins says he's proud of how his team rose to the challenge.
Collins, who was the guest of The Chamber's Business Restart Series yesterday, says his team at BC Ferries stepped into the unknown in order to meet its mandate and keep alive vital supply chains and transportation services to remote BC communities. Collins also offered hope to commuters enticed by the idea of a ferry between Colwood and Victoria. "We really think there's a business case here," Collins says, detailing the cost and timelines that show the service is viable. To obtain a copy of the full presentation email us at eventsmanager@victoriachamber.ca One of our region's most famous landmarks is taking the winter off to freshen up and modernize its heating system. The storied 112-year-old Fairmont Empress Hotel announced this week that it will be closed from January to April. The $3 million upgrade will make the building more energy efficient — always worth the effort. The work is timed for what is traditionally the slowest season for tourism in the region.
The results of a long-awaited inventory of licensed child care spaces in Saanich will be revealed next Monday. The District of Saanich partnered with Central Saanich, Highlands, North Saanich, Oak Bay and Sidney to be part of a Union of BC Municipalities initiative aimed at improving child care delivery in BC. Better access to quality child care — an ongoing Chamber advocacy priority — is needed to ensure families with young children can fully participate in the workforce. Saanich is asking anyone who has input to provide on the issue to register before Monday, by emailing council@saanich.ca or calling 250-475-5501. Carriage homes will increase housing in Saanich A decision by Saanich council last week could see hundreds of affordable homes built in the municipality without the direct involvement of government. The District of Saanich will now allow for carriage homes on properties that meet the necessary requirements. “It took years for us to get here,” Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes told CHEK news. “Imagine there’s 30,000 single-family homes ... If just 1,000 properties (build a carriage home), we’ve added 1,000 rental homes without government involvement.” Saanich seeks input on e-mobility strategy The District of Saanich is looking for input on its draft e-mobility strategy. You can complete the survey here or email feedback to sustainability@saanich.ca. The survey is open until Sept. 27. Saanich has also created an info sheet about e-bikes to encourage more residents to adopt this climate-friendly mode of transportation. Check it out here. To learn more about e-bikes firsthand, check out these Chamber-approved retailers! District of Saanich: Member since 2019 A major new development in the City of Colwood will broaden the municipal tax base, create jobs on the West Shore and potentially ease transportation issues in Greater Victoria.
“One of our solutions to (traffic congestion) is that we need to begin to create more jobs here in the West Shore,” Colwood Mayor Rob Martin told the Times Colonist. The proposed Allandale District — being developed by Omicron Canada with a Vancouver partner — is going through the approval process with Colwood council. The development would cover 20 acres on four parcels, including a former gravel pit and rock bluffs along Allandale Road and on both sides of Veteran Memorial Parkway. The District of Saanich is continuing to explore a longstanding plan to create a municipal hub along the Uptown Douglas corridor.
On Monday night, Saanich council asked staff to clarify a few items before sending the proposal to public hearing. The plan looks at the potential use of a 155-hectare area for the next several decades. The goal is to make the gateway to Greater Victoria's core a catalyst for housing, transportation and economic development. Saanich Mayor said he expects staff to report back with their findings next month. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has submitted its ideas to the federal government for driving the economy forward as the country emerges from COVID-19 restrictions.
In a pre-Budget submission, the Canadian Chamber has listed recommendations that reduce regulatory burden, rethink taxes, encourage innovation and get Canadians back to work. A total of 33 recommendations aimed at promoting private-sector growth and competitiveness are being presented to the federal government to consider ahead of its critical 2021 Budget. A provincial rebate program is helping businesses transition to electric vehicles. The CleanBC Specialty-Use Vehicle Incentive is offering $2 million in new rebates.
"Eligible specialty-use vehicles include electric passenger buses, airport and port service vehicles, motorcycles, low-speed utility trucks and heavy-duty transport trucks. Rebates range from $1,700 to $50,000 per vehicle and are available for businesses, local and regional governments, and non-profit organizations that are purchasing five or fewer vehicles," says a statement from the BC government. HarbourAir used the rebate program to purchase a fully electric shuttle for passengers travelling between Vancouver's harbour and the Vancouver International Airport. The Capital Regional District has released a report that sheds some light on the connection between affordable housing and transportation networks. One of The Chamber's main advocacy priorities continues to be the need for fundamental infrastructure that allows people to live and work in our region. Transportation and affordable housing are key. The CRD study shows the value of a regional approach to transportation planning. By expanding transit, reducing commute times and improving active transportation networks, we can make sure our region's limited geography is used wisely. The University of Victoria broke ground today on 800 new on-campus homes for students. The $232.4 million housing project includes $128 million in provincial funding. The new units are expected to be ready for students in time for fall 2022.
With workforce homes in short supply in our region, the addition of on-campus housing will help free up much-needed rental units in the community. A new five-storey, wood-frame building on Fifth Street will provide 64 affordable homes In Greater Victoria. The project is being built with up to $17.2 in interim construction financing from BC Housing's HousingHub program. Rent will range from $1,000 per month for a studio to $2,500 for the most expensive three-bedroom option. To qualify, renters must have household incomes between $48,000 and $100,000. “I’m pleased that this project will provide good, affordable homes for working families that are close to their friends, work, vibrant business districts and community amenities,” Victoria-Swan Lake MLA Rob Fleming said in a news release. Construction is expected to wrap up by spring. The building will include space for the Vancouver Island School of Art on the ground floor. If you've been thinking about buying an e-bike for commuting or getting around, the provincial government hopes to make your decision a little easier with an updated rebate program. "E-bikes are a much cheaper alternative to cars and are a safe way to travel," Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claire Trevena said today in a news release. "We look forward to seeing more people using e-bikes for getting around.” People can now trade in an old vehicle and get $1,050 toward the purchase of a new e-bike. The rebates, which have increased by $200 this year, are delivered by the Scrap-It program. As well, a one-year pilot program is offering a $1,700 rebate for business owners who purchase a cargo e-bike. Check out: Greater Victoria e-bike retailers Farm sales reached record levels in 2019, and the provincial government says the growing sector could point the way to economic recovery. BC reported $3.9 billion in farm cash receipts last year, with areas of growth including cannabis, dairy, beef and field vegetables. “COVID-19 has opened our eyes to the importance of our province’s self-sufficiency," said Saanich South MLA and Minister of Agriculture Lana Popham. "I urge everyone to continue to show their appreciation for our farmers and support our local food system by making a special effort to Buy BC.” The BC Farm, Fish and Food Job Connector was launched in May to help farmers find workers needed for this season's harvest. Last year's record represents on increase of $462 million in revenue from 2018. To help Island farmers adapt to the changing climate, the provincial and federal governments have identified 11 strategies to increase resilience. With warmer and dryer conditions, new types of insects and more extreme weather events, farmers need to prepare for challenges and opportunities ahead, the report says. Want to know how you can make your home be part of a climate change solution? The District of Saanich has launched a step-by-step climate action manual called the Resident’s Climate Action Guidebook. The goal is to teach the public how to make their homes more sustainable in six steps and help the municipality build a climate-friendly future. In January, Saanich approved a 131-step plan to reduce the risks associated with climate change locally and globally, cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030, move to net-zero emissions by 2050 and transition to 100 per cent renewable energy by 2050. District of Saanich: Member since 2019 The provincial government has reduced licensing costs for taxi and limo operators to help the sector through the economic downturn caused by the pandemic. On June 22, the annual licence renewal fee was reduced for commercial operators who hold a Passenger Directed Vehicle Authorization, which includes taxi and limousine operators. In the past, these licensees paid an annual fee of $100 per vehicle with no overall fee cap. It has been reduced to $50 per vehicle with a licence fee cap of $5,000. |
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