Throne speeches are typically more pomp than particulars, and yesterday's ceremonial start to a new session at the BC Legislature was no exception. However, there were a few items of interest to business in Greater Victoria.
Minimum wage, which went through a series of increases to reach $15.20/hour in BC, will now be tied to the rate of inflation. The housing market, under pressure due to a lack of supply, will soon face a regulated "cooling off period" for buyers. A new plan is being developed to train British Columbians to meet the one million job openings expected in the next 10 years. There were also mentions of modernizing the Royal BC Museum, taking action on reconciliation and improving child care by making it a function of the Ministry of Education. "What we didn't hear was an adequate plan to help business by reducing unfair costs such as the Employer Health Tax, or cutting red tape," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. "We're looking forward to hearing details next week about how government will help business and build resilience in our economy." Chamber Event: A conversation with BC's Finance Minister on Feb. 23 With the forecast calling for plenty of sunshine in the week ahead, it's a great time to enjoy one of the many patios that popped up over the past two years.
Sharing a bite and bevvies outside with family and friends is one of the bright spots to come out of the pandemic. Patios are another example of why innovation led by business is the best way to solve challenges facing our community. Last week, the City of Victoria unanimously approved an application from Phillips Brewing to make their patio a permanent feature of their tasting room. More pandemic patios are expected to officially become permanent in the coming months. The provincial government announced last year that it was giving businesses until June 2022 to apply to make temporary patios permanent. The trend has caught on across Greater Victoria, including in the District of Saanich where temporary patios have also been approved until at least June. How do you think the federal government can help Canada's economy remain robust and resilient in the years ahead?
Now is the time to engage with federal decision makers, who are looking to the business community for help understanding the private sector's challenges and opportunities. The Chamber is preparing a submission for pre-budget consultations. We're also working with the national chamber network to amplify the voice of business. Let us know what you think by emailing communications@victoriachamber.ca before Feb. 18, or answering a questionnaire by Feb. 25. The numbers for December show the tourism industry was returning to pre-pandemic levels before Omicron caused a spike in COVID-19 cases. The Victoria Tourism Bulletin, released this week by Chemistry Consulting, shows the accommodation sector in particular had improved significantly from the year before. Average daily room rates were up $47.21 in December compared to December 2020.
With restrictions brought in because of Omicron expected to ease in the next few weeks, the industry is optimistic for improving business in 2022. A new state-of-the-art Royal BC Museum is being planned to replace the existing facility. The news was announced by BC's Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Melanie Mark.
The museum began operations 135 years ago and is a major attraction in our region. Minister Mark said the current facility doesn't meet modern safety or accessibility standards. "A new and modern museum is long overdue, for the safety of all visitors, to remove barriers so everyone can access it and to keep our irreplaceable collections safe," Mark states. "Continuing on without a major redevelopment is not an option for anyone serious about the stewardship of BC’s history and culture. Our goal is to build a state-of-the-art facility that provides an educational and cultural legacy for the province while at the same time brings significant economic and social benefits to the region." Dine Around, a popular initiative that helps local restaurants and hotels during a typically slow time of year, is officially underway.
The celebration of keeping it local is being organized by the Victoria Branch of the BC Restaurant & Foodservices Association and Destination Greater Victoria. This year, more than 40 restaurants are offering three-course menus with prices ranging between $20 and $60 per menu. Participating hotels are offering Stay in Town rates that range from $129 to $249. The Chamber is a community partner in Dine Around and we're continuing to work in support of the hard hit hospitality sector. The province announced today that applications are now being accepted for the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant. The program is for businesses that were ordered to close on Dec. 22 by the Provincial Health Officer. Gyms, fitness studios and event venues along with bars and lounges that don't serve meals are not allowed to operate under current restrictions. The available grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and can be used for rent, wages, insurance, maintenance and utilities.
The return of Black Ball Ferry Line's MV Coho was big news in Greater Victoria when the iconic ship returned to service. Across the strait, the community of Port Angeles also cheered the return of sailings between countries. The connection boosts the economy on both sides of the border and helps bring together families as well as vacationers.
The Chamber looks forward to renewing Greater Victoria's relationship with businesses and visitors from Washington State. Check out Black Ball's website for up-to-date information on travelling on the MV Coho. Finding and keeping workers continues to be a major challenge facing employers. The restaurant and hospitality sector estimates it's heading into a new year without 20% of the staff needed.
To try and help ease the crunch, the BC Restaurant and Food Services Association has asked the Provincial government to exempt BC employers from requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment for the next two years. The Chamber supports this move as well as a request that the federal government speed up the process to allow foreign workers to come to BC. Downtown Victoria continues to show positive signs of recovering from the pandemic. The latest report from the City of Victoria contains a selection of indicators showing an increase in the value of construction and the number of business licences issued. As well, more people are working downtown, and there has been an increase in the number of pedestrians and visitors staying in hotels.
“Growing our economy is key to ensuring we have strong, diversified and resilient communities now and in the years to come,” said Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO Bruce Williams. “The data shows more workers are back in downtown offices, the value of construction has increased considerably and more business licences have been issued this year. Those are all positive signs that our economy is recovering.” As we head into the heart of the holiday season, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has put together a wish list for a few of the things we want in 2022:
"Good business builds great community, and we look forward to helping our members connect and grow in 2022," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. "We'll continue working on our advocacy efforts to ensure business can get the investments they need to continue leading the way on sustainability, inclusion and resilience." Let us know what your wish is for the business community in 2022, and how we can help you achieve success in the year ahead. Email communications@victoriachamber.ca 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. 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. Supporting your neighbours starts with thinking locally.
“In an effort to help people choose to shop at Greater Victoria retailers this holiday season, The Chamber is putting our money where our mouth is and paying the cost of shipping,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. “We all benefit from a strong regional economy and it’s up to each of us to do our part to help with the ongoing recovery.” Effective immediately, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is encouraging holiday shoppers to choose local. The Chamber will cover the cost of shipping for items purchased from Chamber businesses and delivered by proud Chamber Courier partners. The last two years have been challenging for retailers, but the forecast is for Canadians to spend more this holiday season. The Retail Council of Canada recently released a survey that shows people are feeling more confident with their finances this year. Buying online from local retailers is also a good way to support our economic recovery and conserve a little gas by letting someone else do the delivery. For more information on The Chamber’s Shop #ChamberLocalVicBC campaign, visit our website at victoriachamber.ca and make sure to follow us on social media. If your business is interested in taking part in this initiative, please email members@victoriachamber.ca right away. Media Coverage: Shop #ChamberLocalVicBC
The Chamber is helping host a celebration in the Inner Harbour to mark the return of the MV Coho ferry linking Victoria with Port Angeles, WA.
A flotilla will greet Black Ball Ferry Line’s flagship vessel at 9:50 am, Nov. 8, as it arrives in Victoria with passengers and vehicles from the US. The Mwill then prepare for the return trip at 10:30 am — the first time Canadians have been able to take a ferry to Washington State since the start of the pandemic. The MV Coho can carry up to 1,000 passengers and 115 vehicles, and has served the region for 60 years. Ferry service, suspended in March 2020, will resume with two sailings per day for the rest of the year. Restaurants that successfully pivoted to takeout during the pandemic received another boost last week as the province announced unmixed drinks can now be sold with curbside or delivery orders. Starting last Friday, businesses with liquor and food primary liquor licenses can offer single servings of beer, cider, wine or unmixed ounce of a spirit to go.
The province made the change after consulting with business and industry groups. BC has about 2,000 liquor-primary and 6,000 food-primary licensees, which can already sell full bottles of wine and spirits as well as mixed drinks packaged in single servings for takeout and delivery with the purchase of a meal. Starting Nov. 30, the Victoria Airport Authority can begin welcoming international flights. Transport Canada announced yesterday it was easing restrictions on where flights can arrive in order to allow more travellers to visit the country. Currently, only 10 airports are open to flights arriving from outside Canada.
The airports are working with the Public Health Agency of Canada, Canada Border Services Agency and Transport Canada to implement safety measures ahead of Nov. 30. “Increased vaccination levels have allowed us to safely re-open these additional Canadian airports to international passenger flights," Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said. "This measure will help ensure that travellers are able to access more regional airports for their international travels this winter, while continuing to support the Government of Canada’s measured approach to re-opening our border.” In an effort to reduce spending, the federal government announced two new targeted relief programs to replace now-expired subsidies.
The Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program and the Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program will be accessible to fewer businesses than previous programs. The wage and rent subsidies, specifically, were widely used by businesses across Canada to ride out the pandemic recession. Both programs ended Oct. 23. Eligibility for the new programs requires businesses to show significant revenue loss over 12 months of the pandemic as well as in the current month.
Next week marks a significant shift in responsibilities and opportunities for businesses in BC that are required to check for proof of vaccination.
On Sunday, everyone over the age of 12 will need to present their BC Vaccine Card to show they are fully immunized against COVID-19. And then on Monday, the province is lifting restrictions on capacity limits in specific situations. This will allow more people who are fully immunized to gather together on Vancouver Island and other areas of BC with high vaccination rates. "The provincial health officer order restricting capacity limits to 50% for inside organized events and gatherings will be revised to allow 100% capacity in those settings where the BC Vaccine Card is in place and proof of vaccination status is checked," BC's Ministry of Health said in a news release. "In addition, the requirement to remain seated at a table in restaurants and pubs will be lifted. Indoor mask requirements remain in effect for all indoor gatherings and events." The changes mean that many theatres, stadiums and events such as weddings can return to full capacity. The Chamber hosted a successful Annual General Meeting yesterday. Members were able to make connections over lunch and hear directly from BC's Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation.
The Hon. Ravi Kahlon spoke about how the provincial government plans to work with business, and answered questions about our ongoing economic recovery. Much of the focus was on helping employers find and keep workers. "Minister Kahlon is very accessible to The Chamber and I believe he truly wants to hear from our members about challenges facing business in Greater Victoria," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "We're looking forward to offering more in-person events for our members to build relationships with each other, and to speak directly with decision makers in government." The AGM also saw members unanimously approve a by-law change allowing the Board of Directors to extend the term of the board chair in dire circumstances, such as natural disaster, pandemic or an extreme financial situation. Greater Victoria continues to have one of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada. September's numbers from Statistics Canada show our region has an unemployment rate of 4.2%. That's the same as August, and second only to Quebec City's rate of 4.1%. The national rate is 6.9% and BC's rate is 5.9%.
"Women, who have been disproportionally impacted by this pandemic, led BC’s increase in employment for the month of September," Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation said in a news release. Kahlon, who will be the guest speaker at The Chamber's AGM next week, noted that BC's average hourly wage has risen to $30.74 an hour, a bigger increase in the past five years than any other province. The Chamber continues to call for the federal government to confirm it will extend the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS). Both are scheduled to end on Oct. 23, but many businesses continue to face ongoing operating and capacity issues. The tourism and hospitality industry, specifically, needs help making it through the fall and winter.
The federal government had, as of Sept. 26, reportedly paid out $94 billion through the wage subsidy program to 4.4 million employers, as well as about $6.6 billion in rent subsidies to more than 1.6 million organizations. The Chamber, through our national network, is asking the federal government to replace CEWS and CERS with a program for businesses still hurt by pandemic restrictions, as well as to commit to not introducing new taxes and forgiving interest payments on government-backed loans to businesses that were hardest hit by COVID-19. News that the US will open its land borders to fully vaccinated Canadians within a few weeks is being welcomed by businesses who depend on the flow of goods and people between countries.
In Greater Victoria, the move helps create certainty for marine passenger services Clipper Navigation Ltd. and Black Ball Ferry Line and helps them plan for a successful return to service. "We know COVID will remain a concern for some time but we also know how to safely reduce our risks," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "Businesses in Greater Victoria have had more than their share of challenges during the pandemic. They're poised and ready to help our region's economy take flight. As the world begins to re-open and opportunities for economic growth return, we will continue to call on government to take measured steps based on science that allow us to welcome more of the world back to Greater Victoria." One of the innovations that helped business weather the uncertain days of the pandemic was the expansion of outdoor service areas. The ability to enjoy a beverage or bite to eat outside was so well-received, the District of Saanich is extending the initiative until June 2022. Businesses are able to add patio service in their parking lots, allowing them to increase customer capacity and meet public demand.
“This patio (rule change) came out and it was a godsend, and it has since turned out to be a remarkable success story,” Victoria Caledonian Distillery and Twa Dogs Brewery owner Graeme Macaloney told the Saanich News. In the same article, Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes said the rules have helped business hang on to valuable members of their team. To hear more from Mayor Haynes, including his announcement that he is seeking re-election in 2022, make sure to check out his recent Chamber Chat with Chamber CEO Bruce Williams. Click here for a list of Chamber members who offered patio service during the pandemic. |
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