Before you joke that you have thrown someone/something "under the bus," you might want to think again - of Wilson's Transportation and its plans for expansion. Over the coming years, being anywhere near this locally-owned bus company might just be the place to be. Read more about Wilson's in the most recent edition of Capital magazine.

We pay taxes to all three levels of government. Plus PST and GST. We also have other taxes including health, social security and employment taxes, import duties, license fees, taxes on the consumption of alcohol and tobacco ('sin' taxes), natural resource fees, fuel taxes, hospital taxes, and other levies. In a recent Times Colonist article, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) singles out Victoria as "the nation's worst offender" for having inflation-adjusted operating spending increase by 36 percent - six times the rate of population growth from 2003 to 2013. We can agree or disagree with CFIB report methodology, but certainly, a measure of our overall tax burden might well help elected officials at all levels adjust their thinking - and budgets.

"Our goal is to work with local governments, challenge them as we've challenged ourselves to look at our spending and make sure we make decisions with one thing in mind: there is only one taxpayer," said BC Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Peter Fassbender.

Hear more about Minister Fassbender's approach to local governance at The Chamber's Business Leader's Luncheon on Tues, Nov 17.

The BC Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Todd Stone, was the Chamber's guest speaker on Oct. 29, speaking about infrastructure investments in the region - past and present. Stone spoke on recent infrastructure projects, including Belleville Terminal and the McKenzie Overpass. Regional mayors in attendance - Mayor Atwell, Mayor Desjardins, Mayor Tait and Coun. Haynes - were commended on their collaborative approach on recent initiatives.

The Capital Regional District is seeking individuals to serve on the Arts Advisory Council (ACC). The AAC adjudicates funding programs and provides advice to the CRD on issues relating to the arts in the capital region. Application deadline is Friday, January 29, 2016 at 4:30 pm.

Capital Regional District: member since 1993

City's $975,000 Fee Too High: Developer

Victoria requires developers to make contributions when requesting a change in zoning that would increase allowable density, which thereby increases the value of the land. For properties outside the core, city policy calls for a contribution equivalent to 75% of the additional value of the land. In the case of a development across from Mayfair Shopping Centre, the potential increase is estimated to increase the property by $1.3 million, so the contribution is assessed at $975,000.

"Encouraging development that increases density and contributes to rental inventory benefits our economy by lessening the strain on our transportation system and attracting skilled workers to the region," said Chamber CEO Bruce Carter. 

Understanding City Hall Made Easy

Municipal government decisions deeply impact your business. It's the first level of government, not the last. Do you know what happened at the 22 City of Victoria Council or committee meetings between June and Sept? Did you have time to attend the 62.5 hours of meetings?  As part of a pilot project, The Chamber is compiling data on the City of Victoria's Council and committee meetings, posting to their website. Each digest includes summary of motions, Council and committee votes, as well as general description of motions. Catch up on recent decisions here.

Take a Walk in Someone Else's Shoes

United Ways across the country recently launched Make the Month, an interactive online simulator that simulates the limited budget many Canadians struggle with to meet life's basic needs for one month.

"In 2014, we funded 21 programs to help individuals find safe and affordable housing, access to healthy food and sustainable employment," says United Way of Greater Victoria CEO and Chamber director Patricia Jelinski. "By investing in programs and collaborations that address root causes of poverty, United Way Greater Victoria works to ensure that all residents in our community have the necessary resources to move from poverty to possibility."

The availability of apartments for rent in Greater Victoria dropped in the past year, bucking a national trend where availability increased slightly. Figures released by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. show apartments available for rent in Greater Victoria dipped to 0.6% in October, down from 1.5% a year ago. The federal agency said in its report rent increases remained "stable" at 2.6%.

"Rental housing provides accommodation for those who are early in their work careers or those who choose not to pursue home ownership," said Chamber CEO Bruce Carter. "A lack of supply of rental housing can limit both the supply and mobility of labour."

Announcing our 2016 Board of Directors!

The influential Chamber board will work with decision-makers at all levels of government over the year to support our region's business interests, as well as maximize the value of membership with The Chamber.

"Our election process attracts highly skilled and experienced candidates from diverse backgrounds," said Al Hasham, incoming Chair. "We look forward to our work supporting our members and representing the region's business community."

A complete list of our Board here

Chamber Members Contribute to Neighbourhood Resurgence

If you build it, they will come. More people and more stores are moving into the west end of Oak Bay Avenue, where a rejuvenation is underway. The vitality is evident in the growing number of pedestrians, thanks to new condominium projects such as Abstract Developments' Village Walk. Projects such as that and the pending Maddison are bringing new residents to the area which in turn is stimulating business growth and investment by forward thinking landlords and entrepreneurs like Fort Properties Ltd. as they foster the area into a destination location.

Fort Properties Ltd.: member since 2005

Bay Centre Gets Silver

The Bay Centre picked up a silver award at the International Council of Shopping Centers 2015 Canadian Shopping Centre Awards. The Bay Centre won a Silver in the marketing category for their "Win it Forward" Christmas campaign, with design and web by Trapeze Communications.

Bay Centre: member since 1990

Looking for Board Experience?

Looking to gain valuable experience on a society with a working board? The Victoria Esquimalt Harbour Society is a not-for-profit society that encourages participation of individuals, organizations and companies that have a direct interest arising from their use of Victoria and Esquimalt Harbours. The Chamber is a member of the Society and appoints a member to the Society's board.  The Chamber is seeking qualified and interested members who will help the Society advance their objectives. The application deadline is November 16, 2015. Please email The Chamber for an application form.

Special offers abound on The Chamber's website, both for members - and their staff - as well as for the general public. If you are a member and have a special offer, simply log-in to the Members Only section to share. A sample of this week's deals:   
 

Want one The Chamber's name tags? Email us to order yours today.