Photo by Leanna Rathkelly
See the complete list of Greater Victoria Business Awards winners here, watch the finalists videos here and see the photos here.

Last chance to take The Chamber's Membership Matters Survey! Once completed, you could enter to win flights for two from Helijet.
Diners, Vitamin D for a Price

Victoria's sidewalk caf� fees could soon increase between 53% and 174% under an updated bylaw and regulations. The new fee structure is expected to almost double the total revenue for the city, bringing in $103,859 from 126 accounts compared to the $56,714 currently collected. As reported in this Times Colonist article, the updated guidelines also set standards for access, lights, heaters and advertising. Caf�s will be allowed use of adjacent parking stalls for parklets, provided traffic isn't affected and where it doesn't result in insufficient parking or loading areas.
  
Ken Kelly, general manager of the Downtown Victoria Business Association, said any measure that enhances opportunities to open out onto the sidewalk "is fantastic" but the percentage increase in fees is a concern and council might be better off taking a phased approach.
  
"I agree with Ken that the amount of the increase is a concern," said Chamber CEO Bruce Carter. "The additional costs will be passed on to customers, whether directly through prices increases or indirectly through the corners that will have to be cut."
Chamber News
Opportunities and connections

Chamber ByLaw Updates

The Board of Directors has recommended the membership approve a series of bylaw changes. The Chamber's bylaws have undergone a significant administrative review and there are numerous changes in the linked document. It is the board's opinion that these changes are administrative rather than substantive and the board will seek the member's approval of these changes at the Annual General Meeting on May 10th.

The bylaw changes are detailed here.
 
Join us at this year's Annual General Meeting May 10 to vote on The Chamber bylaw changes and to hear Mayor Helps talk about the future of the City of Victoria.
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.

 

Regulatory Regimes for Rides
With Uber's move into Greater Victoria, hosting information session to evaluate "driver-partner" interest, there is renewed discussion on the shared economy, specifically on ridesharing. 

This Business Examiner article by Chamber CEO Bruce Carter questions whether we need provincial regulations tailored to innovative companies like Uber and Lyft, or to re-evaluate commercial passenger transportation regulation so as to ensure a fair, competitive environment - and level - playing field for all.

Got Spirit?

Fifteen workplaces and individuals were at
 
Jamie Cassels with 2016 campaign chair Bruce Williams from CTV 
Photo by elighphoto.com
honoured at this year's United Way Greater Victoria's (UWGV) Spirit Awards held on April 22. The most prestigious award of the afternoon was awarded to longstanding donor, Jamie Cassels, University of Victoria President and Vice-Chancellor, who received the Chair's Award of Distinction.

"I've been involved with United Way almost my whole life," says Jamie. "The priorities resonate with me; to strengthen opportunities for children, to help alleviate poverty and strengthen our community. What a wonderful way for me to contribute to community building." 

The remaining Spirit Award recipients were recognized for their enthusiasm and success in running their workplace campaigns and for their commitment to helping strengthen the communities in which they live and work. See the full list here.


United Way Greater Victoria: member since 1972

University of Victoria: member since 1976
SEMINAR:
LinkedIn with Viveka von Rosen

Have a LinkedIn account but not sure how it can help you or your business? Join Viveka von Rosen as she explains how to leverage this powerful tool to grow your network.

Register and be entered to win flights for two on Pacific Coastal Airlines!


Tues, May 3 | 2-4 pm 
Cineplex Odeon Victoria Cinemas, 780 Yates St.

Feds to Fund BC Ferries?

Recent media coverage such as this CBC piece suggest that the federal government plans to consider BC Ferries as eligible for infrastructure funding. This is something that the BC Government - and The Chamber - have lobbied for in the past.
 
"BC Ferries is as much a part of BC's transportation system as are the roads and bridges that connect the province," said Chamber Manager of Policy and Public Affairs, Peggy Kulmala. "We look forward to more details on how BC Ferries' infrastructure, including its terminals and fleets, will be considered eligible for federal funding."
 

Clipper's Victoria-Vancouver Plans on Hold

Clipper will delay it's plans to expand its passenger ferry service to Vancouver until Spring of 2017. Concerns were raised about finding the right vessel so customer satisfaction, safety, and reliability wouldn't be compromised.

"With the wrong vessel, we know that the Salish Sea between Victoria and Vancouver can present a challenge to customer comfort," Merideth Tall, CEO of Clipper said in a recent Times Colonist article. "The right vessel will meet or exceed our travelers' expectations by providing the best onboard customer experience. We are not willing to compromise Clipper quality standards or excellence."

Clipper Navigation Ltd.: member since 2014

BUSINESS LEADERS LUNCHEON:

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. 

Tues, May 17 | 11:30 am-1 pm
Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites
345 Quebec St.

 

McKenzie Interchange Design Revealed!

The design for the $85-million McKenzie interchange was revealed Tuesday, a partial cloverleaf, the preferred option of 75% of those who participated in the public consultation. 
 
This design was also determined to be the safest, most efficient option that best meets the long-term needs of this region.

The province said the design will reduce congestion and improve road safety. It will also include bus lanes and overpasses for pedestrians and cyclists.
Welcome to Our Newest Members! 

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