The 41st Flower Count kicks off tomorrow, March 3, and runs until March 9. Not sure just how many blooms your large heather bush and small cherry tree carry - never fear there is a formula for that! 

And because we were taught to share don't forget to post your pics counting the blooms for #Flowercount. Each flower you count puts your area closer to winning Bloomingest Community so don't delay.

In 1975, The Chamber first started the annual program, to promote the beauty and colour of our region to help attract tourists. Today a wide variety of community leaders support this tongue-in-cheek event.
Gas Tax
The Victoria Regional Transit Commission (VRTC) aims to improve transit in Greater Victoria. For years, it has had its eye set on increasing the dedicated fuel tax applied to the region. They have lobbied the BC Government to amend the Motor Fuel Tax Act, asking to increase the gas tax from three-and-a-half cents per litre to five-and-a-half cents, an increase estimated to generate $6.5 million.
 
"The Chamber understands the need for capital infrastructure investments in BC Transit, provided such investments were not done at a rate that exceeds the taxpayer's ability to pay," said Chamber CEO Bruce Carter. "We support the gas tax hike, as long as the tax is wholly allocated to capital improvements."

 
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Region Needs Transportation Authority
The creation of a regional transportation model in which a single body is responsible for transportation and infrastructure across Greater Victoria would enhance regional economies.

Travel times are increasing and infrastructure is aging, while transportation strategies are becoming increasingly disjointed. The current transportation management system is not effective at addressing these issues. We have overlapping responsibilities between municipalities, Victoria Regional Transit Commission, the Ministry of Transportation and the Capital Regional District, creating a situation where acting in a coordinated fashion is difficult and complex.

The Chamber has long advocated for the BC Government to create and implement a regional transportation authority for Greater Victoria, which would have the authority and funding to effectively implement regional transportation planning, development and maintenance.

"A strong transportation system is critical to economic development," said Chamber CEO Bruce Carter. "Fast, easy and reliable transportation modes will attract and retain investment as well as improve quality of living."

 
BUSINESS LEADERS LUNCHEON:

Fraud, vandalism, shoplifting, and other illegal activity can have a real impact on businesses and their bottom line. Join BC Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Morris to learn and discuss the Province's strategy to improve community safety in British Columbia.

Tues, April 12 | 11:30 am-1 pm
Coast Victoria Harbourside Hotel & Marina, 146 Kingston St.

 


Coming to a Coffee Table Near You

The much awaited Chamber Annual Directory and March Business Matters is in the mail and heading your way.

Our latest edition features articles about infrastructure, BC Ferries and stories about members like you. 

Don't worry if someone's "borrowed" your copy - you can always read it online.   
Click here for more info or to purchase tickets.
Biketoria is Growing

Trek Bikes Victoria had the grand opening for its second location at 398 Harbour Road next to the Galloping Goose trail Mon, Feb 29.

"Thousands of riders pass the storefront each day. It will be a hub for group rides, the perfect place to grab a rental bike and explore our great trails and the city,"
Scott Mitchell of Trek Bikes Victoria explains.

Trek Bikes Victoria: member since 2015 
BUSINESS LEADERS LUNCHEON:

Hear Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps reflect on her first year in office. Find out what's ahead for the City of Victoria over the next three years and how this will impact your business.

Tues, May 10 | 11:30 am-1:30 pm
Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville St.

 


Inner Harbour Ready for 2016
 
The Inner Harbour is one of our region's greatest assets, an international gateway helping to link BC to external markets via boat as well as float plane and helicopter. For example, Belleville International Ferry Terminal, home to the Coho and Clipper, brings in more than 665,000 people annually and generates an estimated economic impact of $180 million a year. 
 
Over the past year, Greater Victoria has seen numerous and vital improvements to the Inner Harbour, including:
  • Over $10 million in upgrades and improvements to Belleville Terminal, including replacement of Coho's wharf, dock and car ramp,
  • Harbour Air and Kenmore Air had its $4 million, 5,200-square-foot floating terminal towed into place by barge and tug over the weekend, and
  • Thanks to Clipper and new-comer Riverside Marine, the Inner Harbour will soon see expanded passenger ferry service to key destination points.
These improvements will support Greater Victoria's tourism sector, which is expected to do even better in 2016 than the year prior, already a record-breaking year.

Westshore Expansions
  • Yesterday the Victoria Conservatory of Music opened its Westshore location at 210-1314 Lakepoint Way. For the month of March the Victoria Conservatory of Music has partnered with Island Savings to offer free sample classes.
     
  • In November Collins Barrow Victoria opened a second location at 218-967 Langford Parkway. "Many of our current clients either live or do business in the Westshore," says Todd Troyer, principal at the Langford office. "It made sense to look after their needs as well as to service this growing area." 

The Chamber is on the lookout for beer, food and wine participants for YYJ Eats, Thurs, June 21 in Market Square from 5-7 pm.

For more information see the YYJ Eats Participant Application Form or contact Events Manager, Christine Lewis at 250-360-3477.

Feed your appetite for promoting your business!
Opportunities are also available for sponsorship. Please email your sales representative or call The Chamber at 250-383-7191.

Royal Roads President's Second Term Extended
Effective July 1, 2017, Dr. Allan Cahoon's 18-month extension will offer leadership stability and consistency as Royal Roads University embarks on a new five-year operations plan and welcomes new board members in the coming year.

Cahoon will continue to focus on his priorities of promoting Royal Roads' demand-driven program offerings, as well as advocating for the construction of a new building on campus to meet its student growth projections.

 Royal Roads University: member since 1996 
 
Welcome to Our Newest Member!
If you use Instagram be sure to  follow The Chamber @victoriachamber to keep up with our adventures and rad #tbt.

#100 - 852 Fort St.,
Victoria, BC V8W 1H8
Phone: 250-383-7191
Fax: 250-385-3552
 chamber@victoriachamber.ca