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It's Budget Season for all levels of government. After the province reveals BC Budget 2023 on Feb. 28, the federal government will announce its own budget at some point in the following weeks. Municipalities in BC don't have the same flexibility, with legislation requiring financial plans be adopted by March 31 and tax rate bylaws before May 15.
The Chamber is working to remind Greater Victoria municipalities that they need to support their community's businesses through fair taxation. We encourage Chamber members to get involved with their local government through however they can. In the City of Victoria, for example, Council is asking The Chamber for member feedback on a 6.96% increase to residential property taxes that's largely the result of inflation. While that's down from the almost 9% increase initially proposed in January, there might be more opportunities to find efficiencies. Businesses that pay property taxes in Victoria are urged to voice their formal feedback by:
If you have questions or concerns about municipalities outside Victoria, please let us know by emailing communications@victoriachamber.ca. And watch for more coverage on The Chamber's budget advocacy on social media and in upcoming editions of BizNews.
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Housing supply is a hot topic as many regions compete for skilled workers. The demand is especially high for homes accessible to people who earn a living in Greater Victoria's economy. One of the solutions is to think about workforce housing as an investment that directly benefits our region's employers. Last week, BC Housing announced the Capital Regional District Housing Corporation project in the City of Langford is now open. The five-storey wood-framed building at 2782 Spencer Rd. includes 58 rental units for families and individuals.
BC Housing also announced 72 new units in the City of Victoria — 51 affordable housing and 21 supportive units — are open at 210 Gorge Rd. in partnership with the Cool Aid Society. A five-storey wood-framed building as well, the Victoria site includes ground-floor offices that include supports that will help residents become more employable and make the community safer. “We are already seeing the positive impact of this unique project," Victoria Cool Aid Society CEO Kathy Stinson said in a news release. "Families, single people, seniors and people who need supports are getting to know one another, which is having the desired effect of helping to reduce the stigma around homelessness and creating a sense of community for everyone who lives there.” There are a few fresh faces on the Victoria Regional Transit Commission. On Monday, the province appointed six new people to the commission:
The transit commission decides on fares, routes and service levels as well as distribution of its share of revenue raised from taxes on fuel and property. A transformative housing development is going to the City of Victoria for approvals this week. The proposal for Harris Green Village includes 1,500 suites and more than 100,000 square-feet of commercial and retail space.
The neighbourhood, adjacent to downtown Victoria, is considered an up-and-coming-area of the city. The proposal by Starlight Investments goes to Public Hearing on Feb. 9, for council to consider an amendment to the Official Community Plan and rezoning for 1045 Yates St. and the 900-block, as well as a development permit for Phase 1. "We know our region needs housing supply and this is a significant opportunity to create much needed rental homes in an area that has a lot of appeal," said Chamber CEO Bruce Williams, who is speaking at the hearing via video on behalf of the need for housing. Another tool for emergency service providers will help people feel safer downtown.
The Victoria Police Department and Island Health are working together to create a new team to help people in distress. The Co-Response Team will consist of a mental health professional and a police officer who will be available from 8 am to 8 pm, seven days a week. “These services provide rapid interventions, connect people with services and aim to reduce a person’s involvement with emergency health services, the criminal justice system and law enforcement,” Island Health Board Chair Leah Hollins said. The Chamber is a vocal advocate for safe communities, and we support efforts to address the root cause of these issues — mental health and addiction — that make people feel unsafe. Greater Victoria municipalities are currently sorting through their wish-lists of wants and "nice-to-haves" ahead of approving a final budget in the spring.
The Chamber is working to remind local governments in our region that it's never a sensible plan to burden businesses by unfairly raising taxes. "I speak with mayors around the region quite regularly, and they all understand the importance of supporting sustainable business growth," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "However, there are always competing pressures to spend limited tax-dollars so it's important we use our voice to talk about the fundamental role that healthy businesses play in creating vital jobs and providing services that make our communities great places to live, work and play." Municipalities have until May 15 to adopt their annual tax rate bylaws. Share your thoughts on budget priorities for your local government by emailing communications@victoriachamber.ca. A plan for the Bateman Foundation Gallery and the Maritime Museum of BC to swap spaces makes sense for both organizations. The idea is for the Bateman Gallery to set up a temporary exhibition space at 744 Douglas St., where the Maritime Museum currently resides.
The board chair of the Bateman Foundation, David Schneider, said the move will allow their organization to "re-imagine how we can connect people to nature through the power of art in a community-focused interactive space. It would also achieve a major goal of the Maritime Museum, which has had its eye on setting up in the CPR Steamship building. “We do want to get a toehold in the building,” Maritime Museum chair Jamie Webb told the Times Colonist. Webb added that he's hopeful BC's Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, which manages the Steamship Building, will agree to the plan and provide a "favourable lease" that lets the museum establish itself in the new location. Webb received good news yesterday when the estate of Cora Shaw donated $1 million to help secure the museum's long-term viability. As property assessments arrive in BC mailboxes, people in Greater Victoria can expect a mixed message about the value of their properties.
“Homeowners across Vancouver Island can generally expect about 10% to 20% rise in assessment values with a few exceptions," BC Assessment's Vancouver Island Deputy Assessor Jodie MacLennan said in a news release. “While the current real estate market has been trending downwards, it is important to consider that 2023 assessments are based on what your home could have sold for as of July 1, 2022, when the market was performing higher." The increase in property values is reflected in an increase to the threshold for the Home Owner Grant, which is now available for properties worth up to $2.125 million. The grant amount has not changed, however. An increase in your BC Assessment does not directly result in an increase to your property taxes. If your property increased by the average rate or less for your municipality, your taxes could decrease. Businesses that service the real estate industry are a major contributor to Greater Victoria's economy. However, rising interest rates have slowed sales. Throw in the traditional quiet period around the holidays and fewer properties are changing hands. Only 384 sales were recorded in the region for November, down from 653 last November.
There are also concerns about potential unintended consequences of recent changes to the provincial Strata Property Act. "It is an open question whether these changes will bring any additional rental stock to the market — with BC's complex Residential Tenancy Act not all homeowners of vacant strata homes have a desire to become landlords and current interest rates are less attractive to investors who may want to purchase strata rental properties," Victoria Real Estate Board President President Dinnie-Smyth said in a news release. "It is also possible that these measures will contribute further to eroding housing affordability as older stratas with rental restrictions were generally valued lower than their rentable counterparts." Slower sales have also contributed to a slight dip in market values over the last few months. That could mean some property assessments — being sent out soon to homeowners from BC Assessment — will be higher than current market value. “I want to emphasize that assessments are based on July 1 values of this year, meaning that when similar properties were sold up to and around July 1, those market value sales are used to calculate your assessed value," Assessor Bryan Mura said in a news release. “An increase in assessment value does not, however, necessarily result in an increase in property taxes. Taxes are typically only affected if you are above the average value change for your community." A movement that initially took hold in the City of Victoria is set to become a Canada-wide initiative as of Dec. 20. The federal Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Regulations aims to stop the manufacture, import and sale of bags, cutlery and other items made with problematic plastics.
The Chamber worked closely with Victoria and other local governments. Our goal was to make sure the initial regulations incorporated innovations that businesses were already using to address consumer concerns. The public has, for many years, supported businesses that provided alternatives to plastic waste. Having the same rules across the country will help businesses work with the requirements efficiently and effectively. Access to affordable housing is key to ensuring Greater Victoria employers are able to find and keep workers. Yesterday, the province announced a new ministry would be created to focus solely on housing and, on Monday, BC Premier David Eby unveiled three actions aimed at quickly getting more homes built.
"The Chamber has long been vocal about the need to streamline processes and invest in programs that increase housing supply," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "We're happy our new Premier is listening, and we look forward to working with the province to connect the businesses and people who make housing happen with the policy makers who need to support them." The new Minister of Housing will be named on Dec. 7, when Premier Eby shuffles cabinet. The action plan will see strata rules changed to reduce vacancies and end restrictions against young families. As well, the province will monitor municipalities and step in if local governments are unable to get homes built. “Housing affordability and availability are among the biggest problems people in Saanich and across the province are facing," District of Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock said in the news release. "We all need to work together to address this issue and deliver the homes people need for sustainable and thriving communities. I’m glad the Province is taking these steps to help ensure municipalities build the housing people in their communities need.” The legal sale of cannabis in BC continues to grow, potentially reducing the size of the black market. Statistics Canada's figures show that British Columbians spent $57.3 million on legal cannabis in July — the highest month yet recorded.
Since cannabis was legalized four years ago, statistics show one in five people report using the product over the past year. The Chamber supports fair rules for all businesses, and we believe that the community benefits from an industry operating with legal regulations that protect the public and provide certainty to businesses. Local governments now know who will be leading them for the next four years. Last Saturday's civic elections in BC brought about sweeping changes in some municipalities, while affirming the direction of incumbents in others.
The Chamber will continue our work with all governments in Greater Victoria to ensure the voice of business continues to be heard. "Over the next few weeks I'll be extending an invitation to meet with all of the newly elected mayors and councillors," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "As the regional Chamber, we can help municipalities build good relationships with their business communities. We also work with community chambers to amplify individual voices and connect with higher levels of government." The Chamber looks forward to continuing our tradition of dialogue to help create good economic conditions needed for a healthy business community. New councils must hold their first meeting between Nov. 1 and Nov. 10. New data released by the City of Victoria shows downtown continues to make significant strives toward economic recovery. A number of key indicators are now back to or even above pre-pandemic levels. In the second quarter of 2022, there has been a 37.9% increase in pedestrian counts downtown, as well as a 16.2% increase in business licences and a 22.7% jump in street parking. “When you shop at businesses deeply connected to our community you’re investing in your neighbours, friends, family and fellow local taxpayers. They are the people who make our region a great place to work, live and raise a family,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said.  Advance voting is now open for the Oct. 15 local elections. As leaders in our communities, chamber members can make a difference by encouraging all voters to mark their ballots by Oct. 15.
By voting, you are participating in the democratic process and learning about the people making decisions with your tax dollars. "As a non-partisan organization, The Chamber won't tell you who to vote for, but we will continue to ask that you do vote," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "Even if you're not sure who the candidates are, it only takes a few minutes to find out and begin to learn what they stand for. Democracy is not about being perfect. It's about being able to participate — something we are privileged to do as Canadians." Step 1: Who is running in your municipality? Central Saanich Colwood CRD Electoral Areas Esquimalt Highlands LangfordMetchosin North Saanich Oak Bay Saanich Sidney SookeVictoria View Royal School District 61 School District 62 School District 63 Step 2: How to find out more information on candidates? We're lucky in Greater Victoria to have a number of sources of great journalism committed to keeping democracy healthy. Here are a few sources this week to help you learn more about the Oct. 15 election. The provincial government announced changes on Monday to the way certain property values are assessed. The move could potentially ease a burden faced by businesses whose property has been assessed based on its potential value. For example, a one-storey non-profit serving a downtown neighbourhood assessed as if it housed a high-rise condo resulted in massive unsustainable property tax increases.
The Chamber advocates for Fair Regulations, and we were successful in getting the province to review BC Assessment's "highest and best use" practice. The changes announced this week will allow municipalities to choose lower tax rates for select properties. The election signs are everywhere and the number of candidates and sources of information can seem overwhelming. As leaders in our communities, chamber members can make a difference by encouraging all voters to mark their ballots by Oct. 15.
By voting, you are participating in the democratic process and learning about the people making decisions with your tax dollars. "As a non-partisan organization, The Chamber won't tell you who to vote for, but we will continue to ask that you do vote," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "Even if you're not sure who the candidates are, it only takes a few minutes to find out and begin to learn what they stand for. Democracy is not about being perfect. It's about being able to participate — something we are privileged to do as Canadians." Step 1: Who is running in your municipality? Central Saanich Colwood CRD Electoral Areas Esquimalt Highlands Langford Metchosin North Saanich Oak Bay Saanich Sidney Sooke Victoria View Royal School District 61 School District 62 School District 63 Step 2: How to find out more information on candidates? We're lucky in Greater Victoria to have a number of sources of great journalism committed to keeping democracy healthy. Here are a few sources this week to help you learn more about the Oct. 15 election. The Chamber applauds the decision by the City of Victoria to extend its Business Recovery from Pandemic bylaw into the spring. The bylaw was set to expire at the end of October. The bylaw temporarily allowed businesses to use outdoor spaces for patios and other commercial activities.
"Businesses are always at the forefront of innovations that move our economy forward and build resilience," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "We're happy to see local governments working with businesses to include initiatives that are being asked for by the public." The deadline extension potentially gives city staff time to look at individual situations to ensure they're safe and accessible, as well as their impact on parking in downtown Victoria. The Chamber applauds the provincial government's initiative to seek public input on plans to rejuvenate Belleville Terminal. The facility in the Inner Harbour has served as a gateway for international visitors arriving by water since 1924. As a champion of our region's tourism industry, The Chamber has consistently advocated for the terminal and the need to modernize it with the times. "We've been calling for renovations for decades, and it's taken time to get all levels of government onboard," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "Now that we've done that, there's no time to lose. The requirements to be a border crossing have changed and there's a real risk we could lose our port of entry." More than 680,000 passengers travelled through Belleville Terminal in 2019 and spent about $174 million in Greater Victoria, says the province's project plan. Belleville Terminal generates 220,000 overnight visitors and sells over 16,000 vacation packages annually to their passengers, all of which are provided by local businesses in Victoria. The province is developing a business case for the project. It's expected to cost up to $290 million and be completed by fall 2027. A temporary terminal will be built until a new facility is ready.  A plan to make it easier to replace single family homes with multi-unit housing within the City of Victoria is heading into its third debate on Thursday.
The Missing Middle-Housing Initiative is a proposal to make the construction of new homes faster. The plan has been working its way through the municipality's channels since 2019 and went to public hearing this August. However, the outpouring of public commentary was more than could be addressed in the initial hearing. Additional time was required last week but was still not enough to conclude the hearing, which will continue tomorrow at 10 am (Thursday, Sept. 8). Information on how to participate, including a link to a livestream, can be found here. Municipal governments are responsible for services and infrastructure that have very real impacts on the daily lives of businesses in their community. Having good quality governance is critical to making sure money raised from taxes is well spent.
On Oct. 15, voters will have a chance to choose who will represent them on their municipal councils for the next four years. "This is an opportunity for individuals to take a look at the candidates and what they represent, and (ask if it's) in the best interest of you, your family, your business, your neighbourhood," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams told Global News. "So make sure you're voting for the right people." Exactly who your options are will be known by 4 pm on Sept. 9, as that's the deadline for candidates to put forward their nomination. For key dates in this year's civic elections, which includes voting in a new school board for your districts, check out this link. Housing supply is critical in order to address the highest expense directly affecting the cost of living in our region and across Canada. With demand growing due to increases to our population, the challenge of our time is to ensure homes are accessible and affordable for everyone needed to help our community prosper.
"It's fundamental economics. A limited supply results in increased demand, which tends to increase costs," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "We need a concerted effort from all levels of government to support builders who need an adequate workforce as well as access to materials and land needed to build more homes." Some progress is being made. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. recently reported that urban housing starts increased in July compared to June. “Historically elevated levels of housing starts activity continue in Canada, which have been well above 200,000 units since 2020,” said Aled Ab Iorwerth, CMHC's Deputy Chief Economist. The Chamber has long called for a renewed approach to policing in Greater Victoria in order to ensure resources are available where they're most needed.
A decision by the Township of Esquimalt to not renew a 10-year agreement with the City of Victoria to share policing costs creates an opportunity for the provincial government to look at a regional police force. "Perhaps this might be an opportunity to make major structural changes in the makeup of the police departments here in the south Island,” VicPD police chief Del Manak told the Times Colonist. A report released this spring by the province from the Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act suggested that a regional police force is past due. The report stated that, when the provincial government ordered the merger of the Esquimalt and Victoria police forces in 2002, the understanding at the time was that "this would be the first step towards regional integration of policing in the Capital Region, but this has not happened." It's a familiar story that has the statistics to back it up. Greater Victoria as a region is one of the safest places in Canada, but the downtown core in the City of Victoria faces challenges that require urgent attention.
A report released this week by Statistics Canada shows Greater Victoria has a Crime Severity Index of 71.5, which is less than the national average. However, there is a huge discrepancy between municipalities. With a CSI of 148, Victoria is an outlier compared to the region's other municipalities. “If there’s any region that could benefit from amalgamation or a regional police force, it would be the Capital Regional District, given that we have the makeup of so many smaller agencies and the Victoria Police Department is carrying the lion’s share of the workload,” VicPD police Chief Del Manak told the Times Colonist. The Chamber continues to call for Better Regional Services and Safe Communities as fundamental requirements for building good business and great community for all.  Image courtesy of bayviewplace.com A proposal to add at least 180 units of affordable housing in Vic West has been made in an effort to help our region's housing crisis. The owners of Bayview Place have offered to donate $15 million to the Greater Victoria Housing Society for an 18-storey building. The property is on the corner of Catherine Street and Esquimalt Road.
Bayview Place is currently working to build new housing on land around the historic E&N Roundhouse. |
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