Your weekly round up of BizNews across Greater Victoria
The Greater Victoria Business Awards are tomorrow night! A spectacular night of prestige, entertainment and celebration, the awards recognize members in 13 different award categories. Didn't get tickets to the sold out event? Follow @chambervictoria on Twitter for live updates. The winners - and their videos - will be available online April 22.
Tent City - Bad for Business
There is no question that the tent city at the courthouse is having a significant effect on our economy. Publicity around homelessness is bad for business, particularly in a region dependent on tourism. In addition, businesses are reporting a significant increase in the homeless population as evidenced by panhandling and people sleeping in doorways or other public spaces.
The Chamber has had numerous meeting with government officials to address the concerns of our businesses and will continue to do so. We will meet with the VicPD Police Chief and the Coalition to End Homelessness over the coming weeks to see how they can help resolve this situation.
The Chamber is purposely trying to stay out of the media and newspapers as - again - the publicity is bad for business.
If you have any questions or would like to express your concerns please feel free to contact me directly: ceo@victoriachamber.ca
Concert Properties is proposing a $75 million, 15-storey independent seniors living complex. Located at 701 Bellville St - the site of the former Crystal Court Motel- the proposed development will include a total of 173 units and a 3,500 square-foot restaurant on the corner of Belleville and Douglas streets.
The project still needs to be approved and timelines are pending.
The Honourable Kent Hehr will speak about Budget 2016 and the Government of Canada's plans to improve the lives of veterans and their families.
Wed, April 27 | 11:30 am-1 pm
The Union Club of British Columbia, 805 Gordon St
Development Delay
The City of Victoria has refused to back down from a requirement for an almost $1 million amenity contribution - likely the largest every demanded - before two residential towers on industrial/commercial property across from Mayfair Shopping Centre will be allowed to proceed.
Under Victoria's existing density bonus system, the developer is required to make an amenity contribution equivalent to 75% of the additional value of the land.
The project represents a $52-million investment - likely the most significant capital investment in the area since Mayfair Shopping Centre was built - and is high risk as it is located in a neighbourhood in transition and facing some challenging site conditions. Property taxes are assessed to be about $385,000 a year. The first proposal for this site was before City Council more than three years ago and included an entire building of affordable housing. The cost of the delay is in tax revenues, density increases and affordable housing.
"The City of Victoria's density bonus system does not appear to be working, indeed it may be discouraging development," said Chamber CEO Bruce Carter. "Perhaps it is time to revisit this program altogether."
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Colwood Businesses Get Needed Break
Colwood is following Langford's lead by eliminating annual business licence fees. New businesses will pay a one-time fee when they first apply for a perpetual business licence. Existing businesses will be asked to complete an online renewal each year to keep their licence in good standing.
As reported in this Times Colonist article, Colwood Mayor Carol Hamilton supported the change to a perpetual business licence despite the business tax revenue drop, saying the municipality "has to start somewhere" to attract and retain business.
"I commend Colwood for this decision," said Chamber CEO Bruce Carter. "Moving to reduce business costs and improve internal efficiency just makes sense."
Congrats Pierre!
Pierre Gauthier, general manager of the Cineplex Odeon, has been in the movie business for 55 years and is currently Canada's longest reigning movie theatre manger. His commitment to the industry was recently honoured at Cineplex Entertainment's general managers' conference in Toronto.
Pierre got his start in Quesnel at an early age, selling popcorn and candy, cleaning the theatre and standing on a Coke box rewinding films.
Cineplex Odeon Victoria Cinemas: member since 2014
The BC Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Morris is responsible for policing in BC, security industry licensing, emergency services, road safety and more.
Join Minister Morris for lunch and discuss the Province's strategy to improve community safety in British Columbia.
