Your weekly round up of BizNews across Greater Victoria
Members of The Chamber's current board of directors at the 2016 Business Awards. Photo by Leanna Rathkelly
Representing Greater Victoria's business community, The Chamber's board of directors is one of the most influential community boards in the region. Find out everything you need to know at the Board Election Information Session, facilitated by Al Hasham, Chair of the Board, on Tue, July 12 from noon to 1 pm.
Union Club Recognized as a National Historic Site
The Union Club of British Columbia's landmark building at the corner of Humbolt St. and Gordon St. has been designated as a National Historic Site of Canada. It was one of 13 designations for sites, events and individuals announced as part of Canada History Week, which runs July 1 to 7.
The club was built in 1911 with a brick-and-terracotta exterior in the beaux-arts style, with architect Francis Rattenbury closely managing the project. The building was designed by Loring P. Rixford of San Francisco, who was chosen after an international competition. Total cost of the project, including furnishings, was $351,919.65.
The Union Club of British Columbia: member since 1995
The City of Victoria Council is presently considering a "phased in ban or required retail bag fee, at a cost of no less than 10 cents per bag, to incentivise the adoption of sustainable reusable bags, with the City's recommendation to re-invest those funds to improve business packaging and sustainability programs and future packaging reduction initiatives." (Council Minutes - May 26, 2016).
As The Chamber continues its discussions with City Council and staff along this vein, we look for member feedback on how a ban or a fee would impact their business.
Preliminary feedback includes:
Victoria-only ban/levy creates uneven playing field within Greater Victoria,
levy downloads even more costs on businesses, especially during implementation - Victoria does not need more disincentives to do business downtown, and
businesses are already doing much in regards to solid waste management/diversion, incentives and support would accelerate efforts to help reduce overall solid waste - including reduction of single use packaging.
Members can share how a ban/levy could impact their business in The Chamber's private LinkedIn group or or by email to Peggy Kulmala, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at policy@victoriachamber.ca or 250-360-3476.
Board Election Information Session
Al Hasham, Chair of the Board, invites Chamber members to join him in making a difference.
Representing Greater Victoria's business community, The Chamber's board is one of the most influential community boards in the region. Find out everything you need to know at this information session facilitated by Al.
Dr. Michael Walker, founder and former longtime executive director of the Fraser Institute, has been appointed to the Order of Canada, which recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the country.
"Dr. Walker's diligence, commitment to excellence, and sense of purpose created a truly unique organization," said Niels Veldhuis, President of the Fraser Institute. "The principles of independence, non-partisanship and empirical measurement were forged by Dr. Walker 40 years ago and are the bedrock reason for the Institute's continued success."
The Fraser Institute is ranked the number one Canadian think-tank by the 2015 Global Go To Think Tank Index.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Did you know that the rate of global warming over the last half of the 20th Century was about twice that for the whole century?
Hear the federal government's plan for a clean environment and a sustainable economy and find out how it will impact your business and community.
Jonathan comes to Greater Victoria with a foundation of knowledge specific to our community. He is also the lead on the CRD sewage treatment project for the federal government.
Tue, Sept. 13 | 11:30 am-1 pm
The Union Club of British Columbia 805 Gordon St.
Revision to Pedicab Regs!
The City of Victoria is currently gathering feedback on proposed amendments to the Vehicles For Hire Bylaw. The following changes are being considered:
Increasing the total number of pedicab licences to 46 (from 28),
Limiting the number of pedicabs that a person or business can operate to 28,
Requiring pedicab operators to have acceptable safety procedures in place,
Requiring operators to have the company name clearly displayed on the pedicab, and
Limiting new pedicab licence holders to 15 licences.
You can provide your feedback directly to LegislativeServices@victoria.ca, discuss in The Chamber's private LinkedIn group, or express your thoughts directly to Peggy Kulmala, Policy and Public Affairs Manager, at policy@victoriachamber.ca or 250-360-3476. Peggy will compile feedback and send to Council to inform their decision-making.
Our latest edition features: B.C.'s Future and Immigration; The Shared Economy: More Than Just an App; Celebrating Chamber CEOs and stories about members like you.
Don't worry if someone's "borrowed" your copy - you can always read it online!
