An initiative that was adopted early by Greater Victoria businesses is now in effect across the province. As of July 15, plastic shopping bags and single-use products are no longer allowed to be offered to customers anywhere in BC.
The province estimates that British Columbians threw out more than 340,000 tonnes of plastic items and packaging in 2019, equal to more than 65 kilograms of plastic waste per person. Feeling safe at home and at work is a fundamental requirement for good business and great community. The Chamber supports initiatives such as two recent announcements about investments in housing and support programs to help people reintegrate into society.
Access Hub for Street Community The City of Victoria has agreed to provide up to $1.8 million for the operations of a new access hub facility at 2155 Dowler Pl. that reduces the risk and impacts of homelessness. Funds come from the Financial Stability Reserve, which can be used in situations related to public safety. The 5,264 square-foot property will include community space for people to have immediate access to supports aimed at breaking the cycle of homelessness. The property will be fenced and security will be on site to address any impacts on neighbouring properties Transitional Housing for Fresh Start On Tuesday, the province announced plans for 28 transitional homes with supports for people leaving the correctional system. Located at 736 Princess Ave., the six-storey building will be owned and operated by the John Howard Society of Victoria, which is dedicated to helping people with programs and services focused on employment, housing, mentorship and restorative justice. The building will be the John Howard Society’s new headquarters. The upper floors of the building will have 28 studio apartments, each with a private washroom and kitchenette. The District of Oak Bay is among nine Island municipalities that are getting grants from the provincial government to help streamline their housing approval processes.
In fall 2023, the province made legislative changes to try and reduce red tape at the municipal level. Better planning and improved zoning rules are part of the process. The province also developed a reporting schedule to track progress to getting houses built. All local governments must complete an interim housing needs report by Jan. 1, and then municipalities must update their official community plans and zoning bylaws by Dec. 31, 2025. The International Credentials Recognition Act comes into effect July 1, requiring regulatory bodies to reduce red tape in 29 professions and make it easier for qualified professionals to have credentials recognized, no matter where they were trained.
A major change is eliminating the catch-22 that required someone to have work experience in Canada even though they couldn’t work in Canada because of the lack of Canadian work experience. The professions include engineers, social workers, veterinarians, paramedics, early childhood educators, teachers, biologists, land surveyors, architects and more. "The Chamber continues to call for changes to credentials to allow more trained professionals to do the work they have been trained to do," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "We need a skilled labour force and these changes make sense." A full-house enjoyed lunch today at the Sandman Hotel Victoria while listening to Conservative Party of BC leader John Rustad explain how he would change the province if elected.
Rustad offered his thoughts on the economy, public safety and other issues, often weaving in small-town stories from rural constituents. "Some people really liked what Mr. Rustad had to say, some learned about his policy ideas for the first time, but every attendee who was there came with an open mind and respect for our democratic process," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said about the event. "I want to thank everyone who has attended our Leading to Election events. We have a role as the Voice of Business to give our members a chance to hear first-hand from the people running for election this October." The first Leading to Election event was held in April with Premier David Eby, leader of the BC NDP. On June 6, The Chamber hosted Kevin Falcon — the leader of the Official Opposition and leader of the BC United Party. Our fourth event will feature the leader of the BC Green Party in September. There has been no shortage of intrigue on the campaign trail leading up to the October provincial election.
Last week, The Chamber hosted Kevin Falcon — the leader of the Official Opposition and leader of the BC United Party. About 80 Chamber members were treated to a firsthand account from Falcon about his plan to form government, despite trailing in the polls. Falcon said voters haven't given their full attention to the election yet, and will prove that they want a centrist party. However, the business community remains concerned that the BC United Party's pro-business platform will compete for votes with the Conservative Party of BC. Chamber members have a chance to make up their own minds by reserving a seat at our next Leading to Election Luncheon on June 19 with BC Conservative leader John Rustad. "Please send us your questions and I will add them to the list for what is promising to be a dynamic Q&A session with Mr. Rustad," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. Questions can be sent to [email protected]. The Chamber hosted the first Leading to Election event in April with Premier David Eby, leader of the BC NDP. Our fourth event will feature the leader of the BC Green Party in September. On Saturday, the province's minimum wage increases from $16.75 to $17.40 an hour.
BC continues to have the highest minimum wage among Canadian provinces. "First, we acknowledge that times are challenging — especially for people trying to make a living while earning minimum wage," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said, noting that many Chamber members already pay higher than minimum wages. However, increasing the cost for employers and businesses will result in higher costs for goods and services. Businesses set prices based on their costs, including payroll. Linking minimum wage to the outsized inflation of recent years is out of step with today's economy and the pressures faced by recovering businesses. "Increasing minimum wage by almost 4% creates a more challenging environment for businesses in BC, especially compared to Alberta where the minimum wage is now $2.40 less," Williams said. "It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that adding expenses is not the way to attract employers to our province." And with fewer employers, there is less competition for employees — driving down their earning potential. "No one wins when businesses leave because they can’t afford to operate here," Williams said. "The best thing government can do is reduce the cost for entrepreneurs and the private sector. We want the economy to grow and lift everyone by enabling employers to hire more people and pay them competitive wages." You can expect fireworks, or at least fiery orators, if you're lucky enough to reserve a seat at The Chamber's Election Leaders Luncheons coming up in June.
Kevin Falcon, leader of BC United and leader of the Official Opposition, started the year as the top challenger to the current BC NDP government. However, Falcon's party has fallen in the polls and now trails the Conservative Party of BC, led by John Rustad. "Polls are not the same as election results, so we need to be careful putting the cart before the horse," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "But I know Chamber members are looking forward to hearing directly from these two leaders, and their strategies for attracting voters in the October election." Check out some recent headlines from the campaign trail: More homes.
That's the simple answer to so many of the complex challenges affecting our economy — from attracting and keeping workers to providing shelter for people camping on city streets. The Chamber consistently advocates for policy changes and investment that will boost our housing supply. And we applaud the latest announcement this week that sees a pilot Building Permit Hub begin operations in select regions of the province, including in the City of Victoria and the District of Saanich. The online tool is expected to be available at the local level this summer. The goal is to streamline and standardize local permitting processes that can be complicated and delay home construction. "This new one-stop shop for local building permits will reduce red tape for homebuilders, local governments and First Nations, and ultimately save money, speed up construction and help people get into homes faster,” BC Premier David Eby said in a news release. The new hubs:
Does your business provide products or services needed for the Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project?
Infrastructure BC is hosting an in-person business-to-business networking event on June 25 for contractors, suppliers and businesses who might be interested in working with the project's shortlisted proponent teams. The event also allows prospective proponents to enhance their knowledge, understanding and awareness of local services and build relationships with local contractors, suppliers and businesses. The Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project involves the demolition of the existing FRS Clipper Terminal infrastructure and the construction of a new consolidated preclearance terminal building. The new facility will have modern border security standards that abide by the Land, Rail, Marine, and Air Transport Preclearance Agreement between Canada and the US. Construction is scheduled to commence in early 2025 with the new terminal completed and operational by 2028. For more information, email [email protected]. Register Social media companies have agreed to work with the provincial government and do better at protecting British Columbians.
“Helping young people stay safe online is one of the most important challenges facing parents, governments and technology companies today," reads a joint statement from the province along with Meta, Google, TikTok, Snap, and X. "This historic collaboration between government and industry pioneers aims to raise the bar for youth safety online." Issues discussed include online sexual exploitation and sharing private images without permission. The platforms agreed to work together to fight criminals who target victims across different apps. BC’s Intimate Images Protection Act will be more effective with formal cooperation from social media companies at the table. "The companies have agreed to provide BC with direct escalation channels that will allow them to quickly report non-consensual intimate images prior to the issuance of an intimate image protection order, and that when an order is issued that it is expedited and actioned swiftly," the media release said. The table is also looking at helping get word out to the public during crisis situations, such as wildfires or other climate emergencies. “Meta, Snap, TikTok and X have offered to provide the Province and additional crisis response organizations with advertising support to amplify awareness of safety resources throughout the wildfire season" the statement said. “The table is committed to continued engagement leading to further concrete actions to be announced in September.” The CEO of Our Place Society announced yesterday that he hopes to find homes by the end of the year for people living on the street in the 900-block of Pandora Ave.
“It distresses me to see so many displaced people,” Our Place CEO Julian Daly said in a media release. “No one should be consigned to living on the pavement in our city. It’s a crying shame. All people deserve so much better.” Our Place, located in the middle of the Pandora encampments, recently surveyed people living on the street. Not surprisingly, all of them hoped for a better life. “Each person told us they wanted housing, and what supports they needed to be successful once housed,” Daly said, noting the survey showed people need help with addiction and mental health as much as they do with housing. “There is no one-size-fits-all solution,” Daly says. “Instead, we have to tailor our supports to the individual.” Some of the highlights of the survey were:
Business and industry groups have been calling for policy changes to address the housing shortage facing Greater Victoria. And while many regions in the world are facing a similar challenge, we need solutions that work for Canada and BC.
Last week, the province revealed its three-year pilot to encourage homeowners to add secondary suites to their properties. BC Housing will administer the program, which offers forgivable loans of as much as 50% of the total cost of renovations — up to a maximum of $40,000 — to add a secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit such as a garden suite, laneway house or carriage home. If the new unit is rented at below market rates for at least five years, the loan will be forgiven. The province estimates the program will add 3,000 new rental units at below-market rates. To be eligible, homeowners must also:
If you had vehicle insurance through ICBC in February, you can expect to get cash back this year. The public insurer estimates 2.7 million drivers will each be eligible for the $110 rebate. Additionally, basic rates will not change until March 31, 2026, ICBC said.
"How drivers receive the rebate depends on how they paid for their insurance," states the government's announcement. "For people who paid by credit card, the rebate will be refunded to the credit card. People who paid by cash, cheque or debit can sign up for direct deposit or will receive a cheque from ICBC. For people who are on a payment plan, the rebate will be applied directly to an upcoming payment." David Wong, ICBC's new president and CEO, said “Initial rebate payments will commence in late May, with ongoing processing until the end of July. Customers receiving rebates via cheque are advised to allow additional time for mail processing and delivery.” 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." It's an election year in BC and The Chamber is working to provide opportunities for the province's main political parties to speak with the Greater Victoria business community. On Tuesday, Premier David Eby, leader of the BC NDP, spoke at a breakfast hosted by The Chamber for 300 community leaders.
On June 6, The Chamber hosts the leader of the Official Opposition, Kevin Falcon. Details about the event will be available soon. Falcon leads the BC United Party, which was formerly known as the BC Liberal Party though they represented the conservative side of the political spectrum. "The Chamber is non-partisan but we have a long history of supporting democracy," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "We know BC politics can seem divisive and even confusing, but we believe hearing directly from those who seek to represent us is the best way to help voters understand what candidates stand for." Watch for more details about upcoming events ahead of the provincial election in October. 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. A new hub close to the "heart of Saanich" was given a key stamp of approval on Monday.
The District of Saanich has an extensive plan for the Uptown-Douglas area, which is at the crossroads of Greater Victoria's core municipalities. The area will be zoned to shape new development designed to grow the neighbourhood as a major hub north of downtown Victoria and between the West Shore and Saanich Peninsula. The plan includes turning Oak Street into a vibrant commercial district that creates a walkable boulevard between Uptown Mall and Mayfair Shopping Centre. As part of the plan for transforming the Uptown corridor, the province is proposing changes to Ravine Way to accommodate new bus stops and expanded trails in the area.
An information session is scheduled for May 1, from 3-7 pm at Cedar Hill Golf Course, to review design concepts, get feedback and discuss how to improve the area for people travelling by bus, foot, bicycle, wheelchair or scooter. The District of Saanich's plan for the area around Uptown received a boost on Monday as the province announced it has secured land for a new transit-oriented development.
“Our communities are growing quickly, and people need affordable homes close to public transit, so they can get to where they need to go – and get ahead in life,” said BC Premier David Eby, who will be speaking to Chamber members on April 30. “This new development in Saanich will create a vibrant, connected community where people can find everything they need at their doorstep.” The land was bought by the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s $394-million property acquisition fund. Early plans for the area in Saanich include hundreds of new homes, public spaces and active-transportation connections. There will also be new retail and commercial spaces. Other suggested services include child care, community health and educational facilities. The development will integrate the Lochside and Galloping Goose regional trails to make it a hub for active transportation and BC Transit services, with connections to downtown Victoria, the University of Victoria, the Westshore and the Saanich Peninsula. “The Uptown-Douglas area is the perfect location for a high-density, transit-oriented development and regional transit hub that will no doubt be transformative for this community," Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock said in the news release. Luke Mari, principal of Aryze Developments commented on the announcement, saying “The best transportation plan is a land-use plan. When we put the right homes in the right places – near existing services amenities and transit – we can reduce our dependence on private car use.” The provincial government received another slap for its spending habits from the world's largest credit rating agency.
On April 8, S&P Global Ratings downgraded BC from AA to AA-minus, the third drop in a row from the firm. Shortly after, Moody's Investors Service also lowered its rating of the province. The downgrades increase debt servicing costs for the province, taking away from funds that could otherwise go to infrastructure or other services. The S&P report said it could lower the rating further unless a better plan to manage provincial deficits emerges. "We believe that the province's commitment to fiscal discipline and stability has wavered in recent years as BC has materially increased its spending for both operations and capital investment to unparalleled levels, while economic growth is slowing," the report said, offering some positive feedback as well. "Overall, BC's financial planning practices are well aligned with those of domestic peers and are transparent." BC Premier David Eby and Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon announced new rules yesterday to give landlords and renters more certainty regarding tenancy agreements. The proposed amendments to the Residential Tenancy Act will increase flexibility and provide clearer guidelines for issuing evictions.
“While most landlords and tenants play by the rules and have respectful relationships, too many people in BC are still facing unfair rent hikes and evictions under false pretenses,” Eby said in the media release. “At the same time, many people who have chosen to rent part of their home are struggling to end problematic tenancies.” Under the new rules, rent increases will be restricted when a family adds a child under 19 to the household. Landlords also will need to give tenants a longer notice before taking over a unit for personal occupancy. "The Chamber supports policies to increase the supply of stable housing," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "This requires a balance between protecting renters and making sure the rules aren't so onerous they prevent potential landlords from renting out available units." Williams said housing will be a major topic of discussion when The Chamber hosts Premier Eby on April 30. Register now to reserve your seat at the table. Leading to Election - Breakfast with Premier David Eby
The jump at the pumps was no April Fool's prank as the tax on gasoline increased on April 1 to $0.17 cents per litre from $0.14 per litre.
BC has had a carbon tax since 2008. The provincial tax is separate from the federal tax implemented in many other provinces. As such, the rebates available to Canadians in those provinces are not the same as those offered here. In BC, carbon tax rebates are income tested and only available to those earning less than $61,465 per year. "The Chamber supports climate action leadership, and the idea of a carbon tax has its merits," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "What needs further examination is how the revenue from this tax is being used. We know innovation led by business is key to finding climate change solutions and that requires reducing the burden on the private sector." The Royal BC Museum's new archives, research, and collections facility will be officially known as the Royal BC Museum PARC Campus.
The Provincial Archives, Research and Collections reflects "the critical and complex work that will take place in this state-of-the-art facility," the museum's media release said. The museum's new campus is in the City of Colwood, on the territory of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. The facility will be open to the public, "providing opportunities to learn more about BC’s past, provide greater accessibility to the collections, and foster a connection between all peoples of British Columbia and this provincial museum." The PARC Campus, designed with mass timber construction and LEED Gold certified, is scheduled to open in 2026. Canada's Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland made a surprise visit to Victoria on Monday for a meeting with BC Premier David Eby. With the federal budget coming on April 16, Freeland was in town to promote her government's investment in housing across Canada. "For me, it's actually pretty simple," Freeland said at a media event ahead of her meeting with Eby. "It's housing, housing, housing. Supply, supply, supply, affordability, a strong economic plan that delivers great jobs and a real focus on younger Canadians." Freeland stated $34 million in federal funding has helped create homes in Greater Victoria — something the Greater Victoria chamber continues to call for to help our region meet the demand at the root of housing affordability. Freeland highlighted Sawyer Block on Fort Street, which has 60 rental apartments, and a project in Cook Street Village that helped build 47 rental apartments. "Through the Apartment Construction Loan Program, we will also be offering low-cost loans to post-secondary institutions — like the University of Victoria ... so that they can build more student housing on- and off-campus," Freeland said in her presentation. "This will help more students to find housing they can afford close to where they study, and at the same time, it will mean that there are more homes available for those who live in those same communities year-round." Adding on-campus housing is another long-standing chamber advocacy priority, Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "This is a big win for our advocacy work. We know that one of the biggest challenges for building homes in Greater Victoria is our land constraints," Williams said. "Post-secondaries have the space. They need the right financing to make housing work and this is part of that solution." |
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