Regional Governance Legislation Lagging
"Regional governments play an important role in our communities," said Chamber CEO Bruce Carter. "As BC grows, the role of the regional governments becomes more important, but the underlying legislation - namely Local Government Act and Community Charter - no longer function effectively in this changing environment." A new Chamber resolution calling for modernization of legislation relating to local governance, " Rebalancing Municipalities and Regional Districts", was approved by The Chamber's board and adopted by the BC Chamber at its annual general meeting earlier in 2015. The resolution recommends that the Province: modernize regional district legislation, eliminate the conflict between municipal and regional governments, and consider assigning authorities to regional districts without the need for agreements.
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More "Umph" to Tourism
If its proposal receives the City of Victoria's approval, Tourism Victoria will have more budgeting certainty as well as more resources to market Victoria to the world. Under the terms of its proposal:
- funding would be approved every five years instead of annually.
- sales and marketing staff will integrate with the Victoria Conference Centre
- $1 million over 11 years will be designated to the David Foster Harbour Pathway.
"The Chamber supports Tourism Victoria's proposal. Its plans to improve key tourism infrastructure and increase its marketing reach will directly support Greater Victoria's tourism sector, an economic driver of particular importance to our members as well as the overall business community," said Chamber CEO Bruce Carter. Tourism Victoria: member since 1988
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Rampant Taxes?
We pay taxes to all three levels of government. Plus PST and GST. We also have a host of other taxes: health, social security and employment taxes, import duties, license fees, taxes on the consumption of alcohol and tobacco, natural resource fees, fuel taxes, hospital taxes, and other levies. On the heels of BC Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development telling voters that he will work with mayors to help address governance issues with Greater Victoria - the Capital Regional District has planned an increase in property taxes.
"The overall tax burden is a real issue within Greater Victoria, and needs to be addressed during discussions - whether private or public - on improving regional governance," said Chamber CEO Bruce Carter.
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Chair's Holiday Reception
The Chamber wishes to take this opportunity to thank those who have contributed to our success throughout 2015. Please celebrate the holiday season with us!
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Eyes to the Sky
Not only has Harbour Air added Salt Spring Air to its stable, it has construction underway for a $4 million floating terminal. Built in partnership with Washington state's Kenmore Air, the two-storey terminal will operate under a 20-lease lease with the City of Victoria. The on-water terminal will be in front of 950 and 1000 Wharf St., adjacent to Ship Point. Harbour Air carries about 420,000 plus passengers on 60,000 flights each year using its 34 aircraft. It has 400 staff, with 100 on Vancouver Island. Harbour Air: member since 1993
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Thinking of Moving?
Don't forget to factor in the BC Property Transfer Tax - one of the highest land-transfer taxes in Canada. The amount of Property Transfer Tax we pay in BC is based on the fair market value of the land and improvements, e.g., buildings, on the date of registration. The tax is charged at a rate of 1% for the first $200,000 of the market value and 2% on the remainder. For example, if you purchased a single family home in Saanich October 2015, then - using Victoria Real Estate Board benchmark of $561,400 - you would have paid $9,228 in Property Transfer Taxes to the Province. "Phasing out the harmful Property Transfer Tax could have significant positive impacts in our economy," said Chamber CEO Bruce Carter.
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2016 GREATER VICTORIA BUSINESS AWARDS Nomination Information Session
Would you like to know more about the awards and the nomination process? Find out everything you need to know at this information session. Wed, Dec 2 | 8-9 amThe Chamber, 852 Fort St.
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Academic Stars Converge on Victoria
Canada's national academy, the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) is bringing over 400 scientists, scholars and artists from across the country to the Fairmont Empress Hotel downtown Victoria on Nov. 26-28 for the society's annual general meeting. "This gathering is an opportunity for all of us to welcome Canada's eminent scholars and celebrate their impacts in areas vital to Canada and the world," says University of Victoria President Jamie Cassels in their news release. In addition to celebrating academic achievements, such an event contributes to the economic impact of public post-secondary on Greater Victoria. Each public post-secondary institutions draw visitors every year to the region for a variety of reasons: conferences, athletic and cultural events, graduations as well as events for prospective student and parents. Visitors' spend well over $100 million a year in the region on accommodation, entertainment, etc. supports local businesses and households. | The University of Victoria: member since 1976 |
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Congratulations!
At the recent Royal Society of Canada's annual meeting in Victoria, University of Victoria faculty members: playwright Joan MacLeod, chemist Frank van Veggel, and philosopher James Young, were welcomed as new fellows, Canada's highest academic honour.
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Chamber Members Mean Business
A big Chamber welcome to our our newest members!
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Want to Make Headlines?
Submit your news story to the bi-monthly Bu siness Matters magazine! The upcoming January edition of Business Matters is accepting submissions for the Member News section. If your business recently reached a milestone, received an award, hired a fabulous new senior staff member or has otherwise done something notable - simply email us 100 to 150 word paragraph so we can make sure that everyone gets to read all about it. Submissions for the Jan magazine are due Monday, Dec 1.
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