Business Matters May 2014 by Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

Foundation for Our Future

Economic Development Meets Local Government

BUSINESS MATTERS

Dollars and Municipal Sense

Credit (or Debit) When Due

May 2014 VICTORIACHAMBER.CA

BUSINESSMATTERS

CONTENTS

Credit (or Debit) When Due

Processing payments doesn’t need to be painful when you know the rules.

Dollars and Municipal Sense

Member News

A look at the important work municipal governments are responsible for. Keep up with what’s happening in The Chamber community.

13 Foundation for Our Future

Supporting good governance with The Chamber’s Four Pillars.

17 Calendar of Events 19 Where Economic Development and Local Government Meet 23 New Members

Studies show that people prefer to do business with Chamber members. Check out who has recently made the decision to join us.

29 100 Years of Submarines

Would you believe that Canada’s first submarines were launched via intrigue and backroom discussions in our very own Union Club.

30 Advocacy in Action

Natural Gas Rates to Drop, Film Industry Gets a Boost, Labour and Skills Training Concerns, Council Responds to Business Pressure on Sandwich Boards, Parking Update, Open Letter to Esquimalt Council.

BUSINESS MATTERS May 2014 Business Matters is a bi-monthly publication of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and a key business resource targeted to 2,000 business leaders in our community. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is a progressive, inclusive and dynamic community leader. It is a supportive resource for business people who wish to learn, grow and create a stronger business and a more robust and sustainable community while respecting people, planet and profit. To advertise in Business Matters, contact us at: The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce #100 - 852 Fort St. Victoria, BC V8W 1H8 (250) 383-7191 chamber@victoriachamber.ca

Publication Mail Poste-Publications 40005319

Cover photo courtesy of John Yanyshyn, Visions West Photography. www.visionswest.bc.ca

Congratulations to all the

2014 Greater Victoria Business awards 2014 Governors’ Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

WINNERS & FINALISTS Business Leadership Chard Development Runner-up: Lifetime Networks

Innovation AOE Accumulated Ocean Energy Inc. Runner-up: BC Cancer Agency - Vancouver Island

New Business PBX Engineering Ltd. Runner-up: Innovative Fitness Victoria

Outstanding Customer Service Balance Home Cleaning Runner-up: ICE - Island Centre of Hockey Excellence

Business of the Year (1-10 Employees) Atomique Productions Ltd. Runner-up: Cedarwood Productions Inc.

Bob Skene

Past President of Royal Roads University

Our generous sponsors:

BUSINESSMATTERS

Sustainable Business Practices Big Wheel Burger Runner-up: Oughtred Coffee & Tea Ltd.

Business of the Year (11-25 Employees) National Courier Service Ltd. Runner-up: Triangle RV Centre Ltd.

Business Person of the Year Sybil Verch, The Verch Group at Raymond James Runner-up: Dan Dagg, Hot House Marketing

Business of the Year (26-75 Employees) Spinnakers Brewpub & Guesthouses Runner-up: Outset Media Corp

Young Entrepreneur Janna Malo, Fired Up! Paint Your Own Ceramics Studio Runner-up: Andrew Higginson, Higginson Consulting

Business of the Year (76+ Employees) Wilson’s Transportation Ltd. Runner-up: Epicure

Employee of the Year Paul Rudd, Adrena LINE Zipline Tours Runner-up: Chris Loran, The Q! and The Zone

Employer of the Year Accent Inns Runner-up: Seaspan Victoria Shipyards

Credit (or Debit) When Due No matter what your business does or how many customers you interact with daily, processing payments is an important part of your overall operations. Businesses that don’t accept credit cards may be missing out on sales and are definitely missing out on payments that begin with “the cheque is in the mail.”

• Transaction fees (anywhere between 0.5 per cent and 5 per cent per processed transaction). Many resellers will also charge additional transaction fees (anywhere between 5 cents to 15 cents for each transaction made)

The challenge is which provider, what services and what rates will best serve the needs of your business. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada has a few recommendations on how to choose the best service provider for your business.

• Does your new supplier adhere Chamber Merchant > When youServices will receive funds for Credit Card Processing to Help Drive Business Success strictly to the Payment Card Industry transactions processed on your (PCI) Data Security Standard? behalf. Typically, merchants receive have The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and First Data, a leader in the electronic payment processing industry, • If you’re looking at mobile, do theypartnered to bring you exclusive benefits to your business. Together we are funds 1help -3grow days after the ready to help you with preferred tailored to suit your needs. use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) pricing and productsthe transaction date; protocol and encryption keys? On Chamber Pricing: Expiry date(s) for Preferred the contract(s); your side make sure your mobile Full Suite of>>Products Discount Rate/ is Visa 1.55% • Ecommerce Whether the contract device is password-protected by • Wired & Wireless Transaction MasterCard 1.60% Terminals automatically renewed unless Fees* Discoveryou 1.60% something a little more secure than• First Data Mobile Pay Card Brand 0.12% give notice; • Gift Cards Solutions “mycat123.” NQA 0.25% > How to cancel, is Electronic Cheque Acceptance what notice • TeleCheck Interac Debit $0.05/Transaction • Ensure that you’re looking after the Ask us about Amex required, and any costs that may privacy and security of your Contact us at 1-888-265-4117 apply. or via email atFor example, if you cancel customers. Ensure the service in circumstances Monthly not covered by chambermember@firstdata.com doesn’t store credit card information Account Fee $5.00 the Code of Conduct, would you be and that you don’t either. Follow the required to pay a flat cancellation rules for the Protection of Privacy Act fee or liquidated damages, which and get close up and personal with could be much higher? Are there your shredder. fees to close the account if you do not renew at the end of the contract? Review the contract documents > Who to contact if you need to raise of each potential service issues. • Consider having the contract(s) provider. reviewed by a legal advisor, accountant or trusted business Find out whether you will have a association. single contract with one supplier for • Always insist on having a complete all services or whether your package copy of what you sign, along with includes services from multiple the fee tables, and keep these providers (a reseller). If multiple service documents for your records in case providers, note that your relationship of discrepancies or disputes. Make with each provider may be subject sure any verbal commitments are to different terms and conditions, included in the documents. including when your contract comes up • Never sign a contract under for renewal or renegotiation. pressure. As of November 2013, if a service One of the benefits of Chamber provider offers you a package that membership is extending your includes contracts with more than one buying power beyond your individual provider, the documents you receive business. must have a summary that identifies the key details of each contract, as The Chamber in conjunction with outlined in the FCAC Commissioner’s chambers across Canada is pleased to Guidance on this issue. be able to provide Exclusive payment processing rates to our members • To make the best decision for your business carefully review: through First Data. > Your obligations and fees; > Merchant discount rates or flat You can include First Data in your fees applicable to different cards search for the best rates by calling and transaction types, and any 1-888-265-4117 or going to minimums or tiered pricing that may www.firstdatacanada.ca/chambermembers apply;

Rates can vary greatly among providers, so it is important that business owners shop around before signing.

Keep an eye to security – both internally and externally

Identify the services you need. As a starting point, make a list of the services you need from your provider. Consider questions such as: • From which payment card networks do you plan to accept payments? • Will you accept credit and debit or just credit? • How many payment terminals will you need? Look into the advantages and drawbacks of renting, leasing or buying the terminals. • Do you need mobile, wireless, desktop computer or countertop terminals? • Do you plan to do e-commerce on your website? As payment service providers present their service options, think about which ones best meet your needs and move your business forward. Keep in mind that each option will add to your overall monthly bill and carefully examine cost versus reward. For example, if your company provides on-site service calls, what are the monthly costs for outfitting your repair team with a mobile payment app for immediate payment versus invoicing after installation and cheques being mailed? Average fees for most credit card and debit payments include: • Monthly statement fee (on average, $10 a month) • Monthly minimum fee (on average, $20 per month) • Gateway monthly payment (usually between $15 to $30 per month)

*additional processing fees may apply

BUSINESSMATTERS

Photo of District of Saanich employees courtesy of John Yanyshyn.

Dollars and Municipal Sense Ever need a sidewalk fixed, a road paved, a pothole filled, to pay for parking, to buy a business licence, to play in the park, to call the fire department or to find your dog? Chances are you did not realize these services are provided by your municipal government. As businesses and residents living and conducting business in Greater Victoria it is important for us all to understand the role of municipal governments and their core business. As part of our daily lives, from buying a business license, to paying property taxes and road improvements, the work of municipal governments affects us in a much more tangible way than other levels of government. Gaining a better understanding of municipal governments, what they do and how, provides a better foundation for our expectations for them. Before saying we want more services or less taxes, we need to consider how these are provided and funded. Municipalities were created by and fall under the Provincial government. As a creature of the provincial government, municipalities operate under the Community Charter, the enabling

BUSINESSMATTERS

legislation that gives municipalities their authority. The purpose of this legislation is to provide municipalities and councils with three things. First, the legal frame work for powers, duties and functions. Second, the authority and discretion to address community needs. And third, the flexibility to determine public interest of their communities and to respond to the changing needs of the community.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;As part of our daily lives, from buying a business license, to paying property taxes and road improvements, the work of municipal governments affects us in a much more tangible way than other levels of government.â&#x20AC;?

Who forms municipal governments? How, when and for how long? Municipal governments are formed to manage and deliver services to their communities. Municipal councils are elected members, and currently have a three-year term. However, after the 2014 municipal election, term limits will be extended to four years with the following election falling in 2018. The number of councillors plus mayor varies depending on the population size of a municipality. In B.C., this generally ranges from five-to-nine members on council. All members of council, including the mayor, are entitled to one vote when deciding on matters that are before them. The purpose of a municipality also includes fostering the economic, social, and environmental well-being of the community. Under the Community Charter municipalities are given core responsibilities in a variety of areas. These areas include general government, transportation as it relates to roads, environment including water treatment and supply, recreation and culture including parks, land-use planning and regulation, building regulation, and other regulations (animal control, business licenses etc.).

According to the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), downloading of costs from provincial and federal levels of government has had an impact on municipal governments.1 Usually under new or re-regulation, senior levels of government implement regulatory changes with some funds available for implementation but over time these items are left to the municipalities to cover. As more and more costs are downloaded to municipal governments, it is increasingly difficult for municipal councils and administration to cover the costs of the services they provide. This is especially important to business owners as they pay a larger percentage of property taxes, particularly in light of the limited funds taxpayers have.

Individual councils have the discretion of determining which services are necessary for the community. The only exceptions are local roads and police services for communities with populations over 5,000; municipalities are required to provide these two services. Other services are under the council’s discretion to decide not only which services to provide but also how they are provided. Councils do not have to necessarily provide services through municipalities, they can be offered by another provider. Some councils may decide to provide services in the area of housing and social services. They are able to provide this as the Community Charter gives councils authority to determine which services are important and need to be provided. However, it is essential to note that these services are optional and are in no way required to be provided by a municipality. For example schools, social assistance and hospitals are not the responsibility of municipalities, but are the responsibility of the Province of BC to provide.

Municipal councils are responsible for ensuring that they generate enough revenues to cover expenditures. This management strategy, otherwise known as balanced budgets, are required for municipal government finances. In the case of the City of Victoria, it is a rather large budget of approximately $195 million per year and is the responsibility of mayor and council to manage this budget. The largest single source of revenue for municipalities is property taxes. In addition to property taxes, many municipalities generate revenue from other fees and service charges and that may include water rates, business licence fees, parking, development charges, grants from provincial or federal governments, building permits, rental of recreation facilities, and borrowing interest earned on investments.

“Businesses in Greater Victoria pay an average of over 3:1 to residential rate payers (over the provincial average of 2.78), so changes in municipal taxes can effect business’ bottom line and negatively affect how they can run and maintain their business.” Businesses contribute a large portion of property taxes to the running of municipalities. As such, it is important to understand just how these funds are spent and if they are being spent wisely. Businesses in Greater Victoria pay an average of over 3:1

How do municipalities finance their operations? With a better grasp of how councils are created and the work they are required to do, let’s look at how they finance it all.

BUSINESSMATTERS

to residential rate payers (over the provincial average of 2.78), so changes in municipal taxes can effect business’ bottom line and negatively affect how they can run and maintain their business. In a 2012 survey conducted by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), 69 per cent ranked their local business taxes as the most harmful to their business operation.2 So, what exactly can a municipality do when their revenues do not match their expenditures? Basically there are two sides of the equation you can tinker with—revenues or expenditures. Often, when it comes to budget time we hear various proposals for tax increases. While this may seem the obvious route for many since property taxes are the main revenue source for all municipalities, it is just as important to note that the alternative is to reduce expenditures. Or, achieving a balanced budget by doing both, for example modest tax increases combined with a reduction in municipal spending. Municipal governments play an important role in our communities and provide the services that enhance our quality of life. Keeping to core services and being cognizant of taxpayers’ limited resources, councils need to spend wisely, expand services wisely,

and maintain balanced budgets. In times of austerity, we all need to look at better ways to reduce expenses and 1

ways to generate revenue while saving for our future.

UBCM Comment on Fiscal Management in British Columbia’s Municipalities May 2011 CFIB The Municipal Property Tax Gap: Stalled Progress for Small Business in BC 2012

Ambrosia is under new Management. The stage is set and ready for your next conference meeting.

BUSINESSMATTERS Ambrosia Centre

638 Fisgard Street, Victoria

250 475-1948

www.ambrosiacentre.com office@ambrosiacatering.ca

United Way of Greater Victoria Announces New CEO Peter Lockie, Board Chair of United Way of Greater Victoria is pleased to announce the appointment of Patricia Jelinski as CEO. Patricia brings over 15 years of senior executive leadership to the organization through her work in the private, public and non-profit sectors where she has successfully led in business development, community investment and brand building. “Following a national search process that attracted a large number of well qualified candidates, the Board of Directors at United Way is delighted to welcome Patricia Jelinski as the new CEO. We would like to thank the staff and volunteers for working tirelessly through this transition period and to Heather Gardiner for her interim leadership,” says Lockie. “I am excited to be joining United Way,” says Jelinski. “I highly value the opportunities I have had throughout my career to contribute to building a better community and I look forward to working with the team here in Victoria. Together with the staff, volunteers, community partners, labour and committed individual and corporate

Member news

donors, I am confident we can achieve our goal to create lasting change that impacts individual lives and builds a strong and caring community.”

Big News from Sector Learning Sector Learning Solutions will be merging with ctc TrainCanada, a national Microsoft Gold Learning Partner with training centers from coast to coast. TrainCanada has been delivering high quality end user and technical training to Canadian business and government organizations for the past 25 years. They are excited about this merger as they can now offer clients a much wider spectrum of training courses, with more scheduled dates available. Sector will be relocating to the CTC facility in downtown Victoria. Manny Mandrusiak will continue to provide clients with the customer service they have come to expect and upcoming training sessions will not be affected in any way; Victorians can be assured of the same high-quality instructors and course materials. In addition, ctc TrainCanada’s significant national support team will ensure on-going satisfaction with Sector and ctc TrainCanada training services.

Robinson’s Turns 85! Robinson’s Outdoor Store will be celebrating its 85th anniversary this year, says third generation owner Gayle Robinson, who is delighted to have the fourth generation, her daughter Erin, working in the store. Robinson’s will be having an 85th anniversary event on Sat, June 21st, showcasing their rich history and pivotal role as one of few founding merchants of the downtown.

Island Post-Secondary Alliance On March 5th, the presidents of Camosun College, North Island College, Royal Roads University, the University of Victoria, and Vancouver

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MEMBER NEWS Island University signed an agreement creating the Vancouver Island Public Post-Secondary Alliance. As signatories to this alliance, the five institutions will join forces to further the social and economic prosperity of Vancouver Island and the province of British Columbia through a commitment to collaboration and cooperation. Together the five institutions make an essential contribution to the lives of Vancouver Island residents and its many communities, meeting the full range of post-secondary education and the training needs of its residents.

Highlanders re-sign Hughes, former U-18 prospect Brown The Victoria Highlanders are pleased to announce the return of Captain Tyler Hughes and the signing of Hughes’ Cowichan teammate Kevan Brown for the 2013 Premier Development League (PDL) season. The duo currently play Division 1 in the Vancouver Island Soccer League. Hughes captained the Victoria club to the PDL Championships in 2013, where they finished in fourth place

overall after capturing the Western Conference title for the first time in club history. The six-foot-one, 33-year-old Victoria native returns to the Highlanders holding the second highest record for most games played for the club (50). A product of Victoria’s local soccer community whose career began with the Gorge Soccer Association, Hughes’ addition to the Highlanders will provide the club’s collegiate-level players such as Brown with valuable guidance as they develop their own soccer careers under head coach Steve Simonson this summer. Brown, named 2013 CCAA PACWEST Rookie of the Year during a oneyear stint with the Vancouver Island University Mariners, is a former Highlanders U-18 prospect. The 20-year-old played four games for the Highlanders’ first team in 2012 before sitting out the remainder of the season due to a concussion.

Cedarwood Wins Award Local video production company, Cedarwood Productions Inc., is delighted to announce that they

Cederwood Production’s team celebrating their award victory.

are the winners of the prestigious WorldMediaFestival | TOURISM intermedia-globe-Silver Award for their promotional video on the Music by the Sea festival, held annually in Bamfield. The WorldMediaFestival | TOURISM awards recognize excellence in modern communications media, and are acknowledged internationally as symbols of the highest production standards in modern communication. A WorldMediaFestival award is one of the world’s highest honours in visual competition; award winners are among the leaders in their profession.

There’s strength in numbers. Victoria is a great conference destination — work in partnership with the VCC team to showcase your vibrant, beautiful hometown. You can make a big difference by using your connections within your business, volunteer and community networks. Help fill Victoria with delegates who stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, and shop in our stores.

Give us a call — we’ll do the work and make you look good. You will also qualify to win an iPad or iPhone when your lead turns into a conference! Every delegate spends $450+ per day in our community. Help us to identify future business. Brenda Anderson Director of Sales & Marketing Direct: 250.361.1035

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MEMBER NEWS Payworks Named One of Canada’s Best Payworks is excited to announce that it has requalified in 2013 to maintain its status as a Best Managed company after winning Canada’s Best Managed Companies program in 2012. Requalified members are repeat winners that retain the Best Managed designation for up to two additional years, subject to annual operational and financial renew.

The Harbour Authority’s new location at 102-1208 Wharf St.

Harbour Authority Moves Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) has moved to a new home. As of April 6th, GVHA consolidated its corporate and marina operations in a new location at 1019 Wharf Street. Previously, corporate services were delivered at 189 Dallas Road and marina services at 102-1208 Wharf Street. The new location condenses office space, reduces travel between facilities and provides a convenient downtown location for clients.

“We are honoured to have been recognized, once again, among Canada’s Best Managed Companies. Payworks’ growth and success is a result of the hard work and dedication of each team member, and the continued support of our partners and clients,” said Barb Gamey, President and CEO of the national workforce management solutions provider. Payworks is a national leader in the field of total workforce management solutions and provides online solutions for payroll, human resources, and employee time management to more than 10,000 businesses across Canada.

Stubbs and Davalovsky celebrating their three year anniversary.

IKAN Installations Celebrates Milestones Owners Anthony Stubbs and Kyler Davalovsky recently blew out the candle on IKAN Installations’ third birthday cake. “Three years is a big deal for us,” says Stubbs. “Many new businesses don’t make it this far so we wanted to recognize how hard we’ve worked to make our dream a reality.”

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MEMBER NEWS IKAN designs, ships and installs IKEA kitchens for homeowners on Vancouver Island. IKEA’s kitchens have gained popularity in recent years due to the design, pricing and launch of substantial warranties. Stubbs and Davalovsky, who met in Camosun College’s carpentry program, marked the occasion by paying a visit to the first kitchen they installed to reminisce with the homeowners and thank them for taking a chance on IKAN. Since their first kitchen, IKAN has installed 300 kitchens. “The island has proven that they want us here,” says Davalovsky. “We eliminate the do-ityourself aspect of IKEA, which allows the people who don’t have the time or carpentry skills to take advantage of a really great product.” The company also employs designers to work with home owners to make their dream kitchen a reality.

Sports Traders Steps Up to the Plate

region will be on prominent display at the home of the Victoria HarbourCats. Sports Traders Diamond at Royal Athletic Park is now the home field of the West Coast League team, with a multi-year arrangement that will see the HarbourCats and Sports Traders work together to keep the team as a prominent entity in the sports scene in Victoria. “We are very pleased to work with Greg Penno, Jessica VanderkuipPenney and the rest of the Sports Traders team, and it fits well because we are determined to keep our operation local-focused in as many partnerships as possible,” said HarbourCats General Manager Jim Swanson. “We have been so happy to hear the plans the HarbourCats have to keep baseball in Victoria for a long time to come, and this agreement made a lot of sense to us because it is a true partnership,” said CEO Greg Penno.

VIATeC Moving to Fort

Thanks to an extensive agreement, the Sports Traders brand that is so well known in Victoria and the South Island

The Vancouver Island Advanced Technology Centre moving its operations to Fort Street. The new location on the 700-block of Fort Street

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NEW...Beverage cart from MaySept. and year round concession

GVDA Economic Development Officer Dallas Gislason making his announcement.

$1.6 Million Project for GVDA The Greater Victoria Development Agency (GVDA) announced a $1.6-million project over the next three years that will support local business access to global markets allowing them to more sell products and services abroad. Supporting international trade will grow our region’s economy by selling more to other countries and in turn creating more local jobs. Greater Victoria’s economic exporting sectors, including tourism, technology, advanced manufacturing, film production, and marine industries will benefit significantly from this work. “The $898,000 announcement from the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification combined with over $600,000 from local stakeholders and institutions will enable areas of Greater Victoria’s economy to perform at higher levels — specifically, the education sector, small and mediumsized export companies, and a large number of companies that need better access to key markets like the United States to service their investors and clients. This will lead to job creation in our community,” said Dallas Gislason, Economic Development Officer with the GVDA.

Foundation for Our Future

Pillars of Good Governance Photo courtesy of Bill Crocker.

What do we expect from our elected municipal officials? We expect them to provide services, maintain the financial stability of our communities, and keep our municipalities more affordable for everyone.

taxpayers’ ability to pay. As such, The Chamber believes in the following principles to guide local governments to ensure tax increases and spending stays within our means. They include capping municipal budget increases at the rate of real GDP plus a factor for population growth and inflation;

Over the years, municipal budget taxation has grown three-to-four times the rate of income in the Capital region. The rapid increase in municipal tax revenue, 40 per cent from 20052011, has motivated The Chamber to develop guidelines for good governance.

funding new programs out of current operational savings; and, creating programs to examine service delivery models for new and existing programs. By doing so, municipal governments can ensure financial sustainability while remaining affordable from a taxpayers’ perspective.

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These guidelines are composed of the Four Pillars of Good Governance that we believe should guide the work of municipal leaders in our communities.

Pillar One — Keep tax increases and spending within our means Our region has weathered the global economic storm fairly well. However, this should not lull us into complacency. We need our municipal councils to remain cautious and make the hard decisions to do more with less, as many of us do in our businesses and personal lives every day. Being innovative can and needs to be, employed in day-to-day city operations. Municipalities need to examine their budgets to ensure that they do not increase at a faster rate than the

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Pillar Three — Actively communicate municipal business in a clear and understandable fashion Representing our community on city council is not easy and not everyone is up to the task. Being a representative of the community is an honour and a privilege, but being a representative of the community also means that you have the duty to communicate back to the citizens.

Photo courtesy of Bill Crocker.

Pillar Two — Building our quality of life and saving for the future Like all of us it is important for municipalities to spend on necessities before spending on luxuries. We need to get the right mix of municipal services and savings. We need to build our quality of life and community to the best it can be, while saving and investing in important infrastructure projects for the future.

How can municipalities stay focused on this when budgeting and making decisions? Municipal governments can focus operational spending on core municipal service priorities; allocating sufficient funds to address aging infrastructure; and, clearly identifying core and discretionary municipal services. Using these principles to find the delicate balance that will make our community more livable while investing in long-term improvements.

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Today, information is more accessible than ever, with video feeds, agendas and minutes available on the web making for a more open government than years past. However, still more can be done. Even though minutes are available, not all citizens can make use of the format or easily understand the hundreds of pages prepared for council meeting packages. To find votes on matters you may have to scour through pages of minutes that may not be easily accessible by most citizens. Votes need to be easily accessible in an easy-to-read format. This may be as simple as a webpage for council votes, including decisions before council and votes for and against by council members. Providing citizens with a rationale for decisions is also important, as is communicating how decisions will affect the community and individual citizens. Actively communicating means to be proactive by providing citizens with information that is timely and meaningful to them. To support this pillar of good governance The Chamber recommends publishing council’s voting records in a timely and accessible fashion; working to ensure that all citizens have the opportunity to fully understand the nature and context of council discussions whether or not they are able to attend council meetings; and adopting a notification system for agenda and minutes so citizens can sign up to automatically receive meeting notifications and meeting outcomes as they are published. Engaging citizens in this way is critical to improving communication between elected officials and citizens.

Pillar 4 — Work with regional stakeholders, both public and private, on delivering services to the region in the most efficient and effective way The Capital region is unique. In a fairly small geographical area we have one regional authority and 13 municipalities, most of which directly border each other. Multiple jurisdictions provide

Photo courtesy of Capital Regional District.

as many challenges as opportunities but overall success is dependent on the long-term vision and ability to collaborate and provide services to our communities that are sustainable in the long-term. Collectively, our local governments including the CRD spend over $700 million per year providing services to the communities that we live in. We need to ensure that we are providing services in the most efficient way, whether it be delivered through a public service provider or a private partner. Opportunities to be innovative and provide services in a more costefficient way are ever present. Can more be done to pool our resources? You bet! Pooling resources such as specialized staff and technology could be ways of potentially improving efficiencies. The region has seen the successful integration of regional services with the regional water system and the Oak Bay-Saanich Police agreement. We need to identify more opportunities to work together to find areas where regional integration is the best solution to providing services. The capital region has also seen successful services provided by other stakeholders on behalf of municipalities. Examples include the

Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, Commissionaires service, as well as working collaboratively with the Coalition to End Homelessness. In order to support service delivery in the most efficient and effective way, The Chamber has identified four recommendations for municipalities in an effort to work together with regional stakeholders. These recommendations include: creating a process to identify regional infrastructure priorities and regularly update the list; ensuring there are cost-benefit reports for regional infrastructure priorities; supporting the creation of a regional transportation authority; and, instituting joint service deliver reviews for core municipal services. Opportunities for further collaboration and alternative service delivery models could provide ongoing benefits to everyone in the region. Greater Victoria is a wonderful place to live and do business. Ensuring a vibrant community does not come easy, it takes a lot of hard work from everyone in the community. By promoting principles of good governance, focus can be maintained on long-term goals while enhancing our current lifestyle without the negative financial impacts. Ultimately creating prosperity in the place that we love.

Photo courtesy of Capital Regional District.

BUSINESSMATTERS

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Looking to sponsor a Chamber event in 2014? Contact Oriane Fort, Events Manager at: ofort@victoriachamber.ca or call (250) 383-7191.

16 BUSINESSMATTERS

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CALENDAR of EVENTS June

May fRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MoNDAY

TUESDAY

SUNDAY

MoNDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

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WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

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Prodigy Group May Mingle Date: May 8 Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Hosted by: Hart Legal Annual General Meeting & Mayoral Address Date: May 13 Time: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm Hosted by: Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour Industry Tour in 3D: Enterprise Point Date: May 14 Time: 8:00 am – 9:30 am Hosted by: Camosun College May Business Mixer Date: May 15 Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Hosted by: Horticulture Centre of the Pacific Prodigy Group June Mingle Date: June 12 Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Hosted by: Spinnakers Brewpub & GuestHouses Amazing Chase presented by Island Savings Date: June 13 Time: 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm Afterparty Location: Club 9one9 Business Leaders Luncheon: Kevin Howlett, Senior VP Air Canada Date: June 17 Time: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm Hosted by: Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites June Business Mixer Date: June 19 Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Hosted by: LURE Restaurant and Lounge Economic Drivers: The Greater Victoria Business Golf Tournament Date: June 25 Time: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm Location: Cedar Hill Golf Course

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18 BUSINESSMATTERS

Where Economic Development and Local Government Meet

In order to discuss the importance of economic development to a municipal government, we should seek to understand it better. Here in the capital region, the phrase “economic development” is associated by some with sprawl, congestion, or infringement on the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). In reality, the true intent of economic development is about household sustainability. In other words, income and job creation. This is not necessarily about “expansion”. In the words of the late Jane Jacobs, legendary urbanist, “Expansion and development are two different things. Development is differentiation of what already existed. Practically every new thing that happens is a differentiation of a previous thing, from a new shoe sole to changes in legal codes. Expansion is an actual growth in size or volume of activity. That is a different thing.”

Death and taxes; two inescapable eventualities. For Canadians, taxes strike at every level of government, with municipal government taking the final draw through property taxes. Unlike the United States, and some other jurisdictions, municipalities in Canada are unable to supplement their revenue streams through consumption taxes. In Canada, property tax is our primary means of funding municipal governments. This means that local governments are restricted in the levels and types of services they provide since most of us do not want tax increases in the double digits every year. Of course another option is cutting services. In order to counteract upward pressures of administrative salaries, garbage collection and street-repair, municipalities could simply cut services — picking up garbage once per month instead of twice, leaving potholes for an extra season or two, and maybe outsourcing municipal hall to far flung lands. Definitely not solutions that result in re-election. Thus, communities are left with a constant balancing act between sustainable taxation and maintaining services and infrastructure. Too often there is a failure to effectively explore the third option - economic development. When it comes to the economy — people often think about the federal government’s Action Plan on the Economy or the provincial government’s Jobs Plan, but what’s interesting is that every business in Canada is also located in a municipality.

Municipalities have a role to play in job creation as well, but since the motivation is often more focused on property tax revenue than on job creation, there has to be a different approach. I like to call it “diversifying the portfolio.” Just like a mutual fund has a diverse selection of assets to maintain stability, a municipality too needs a “portfolio of investments” related to taxation revenue: single family housing, multi-residential housing, retail/commercial/mixed-use facilities, industrial lands, etc. Ideally, if any of these portfolios weaken, the others remain strong so as to counteract the negative impacts.

Economic development activities are unlike the other roles and responsibilities of local governments. They are primarily ‘market facing’ and involve ‘long term’ and ‘wide area’ thinking, and market-based interventions and transactions rather than public service delivery. -Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development

BUSINESSMATTERS

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Tag, you’re it! The Chase is on this June!

Sign up, and we’ll match you up to make a team of four for this networking adventure through the streets of downtown Victoria. Proceeds from The Amazing Chase support the Prodigy Group’s charity partner Junior Achievement.

Come Mingle with Prodigy Group!

Mark your calendars for the second Thursday of every month from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm! These events are fun, laid back and can help foster great business connections in Victoria’s growing business economy.

To register, visit www.prodigygroup.ca or call 250-383-7191

April MArKETplACE MiXEr Thank you to all our sponsors and participating exhibitors for making the April Marketplace Mixer a success!

Absolute Therapy Access Records and Media Management Ltd. Beverly Carter Notary Public Canada’s Temperance Foundation (CTF) Canadian College of Performing Arts Chard Development Ltd. - The Sovereign & Duet Chartered Professional Accountants Choices Adoption & Counselling Commissionaires Victoria, the Islands & Yukon Communication Connection Inc. Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa Earth’s Option - Cremation & Burial Services First Data Canada First Memorial Funeral Services

Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Island Blue Print Co. Ltd. Island Daily Deals Ltd. Jack Insurance & Financial Services Kids and Company Max Furniture Maximum Express Courier, Freight & Logistics Merit Travel - Shelbourne Mighty Oaks Monk Office Peak Business Solutions Ltd. Peninsula Co-Op Price’s Alarm Systems Ltd. Prodigy Group Rogers Broadcasting - 103.1 Jack FM & Ocean 98.5 Royal Roads University Ruffell & Brown Interiors Ltd.

20 BUSINESSMATTERS

St. John Ambulance TD Merchant Services The Parkside Hotel & Spa The Union Club of British Columbia Think Local First | Victoria TigerTel Communications Times Colonist University of Victoria Van Houtte Coffee Services Inc. Victoria Box & Paper Ltd. Victoria Car Share Co-op Victoria Cool Aid Society View Royal Casino Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa YYJ Airport Shuttle

Call now to be a part of the October Marketplace Mixer (250) 383.7191

Economic development means different things to different people. It involves a number of stakeholders & it can imply different outcomes – job creation, increased productivity or improved quality of life. -Economic Developers Association of Canada This is not groundbreaking news, the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) published a report in 2011 that showed 75 per cent of municipalities in B.C. invest in economic development programming. The difference is in how effectively it is done. Developing the local economy benefits more than the municipality but its citizens as well. It helps to not only spread the tax burden but also increases household incomes as export-oriented firms expand, create new jobs, and promote their employees to take advantage of new opportunities. The economic development office acts as a “convener” or a facilitator that brings diverse stakeholders, businesses, financial institutions, and all levels of government together to meet the needs of the region’s driving sectors. Economic development offices are also in place to help inform policy and planning decisions so the municipal leaders can be as proactive as possible in meeting the needs of citizens. The challenge in Greater Victoria is that we invest just $0.40 per capita into economic development. This is a mere seven per cent of what the average city in Canada spends. This is likely because the region has not faced a severe economic disaster (like a mill closure) that led to rampant unemployment. For decades the region has relied on secure government jobs and abundant tourist spending to ensure that the other realms of the community could be maintained. However, in 2013 Greater Victoria was second last out of Canada’s 28 metroregions in job creation. While our unemployment rate remains healthy on paper, it is not because we are creating sufficient jobs. It is because people are leaving the workforce. We should be concerned that we have lost 1,900 public sector jobs over the last three years. As a community, we need this to change.

To address these challenges, the region has an economic development office: the Greater Victoria Development Agency (GVDA). In 2007, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce created this organization after recognizing a gap in the marketplace (historically, The Chamber also created both Tourism Victoria and the Southern Vancouver Island Film Commission). The GVDA is currently supported by The Chamber, the City of Victoria, the District of Saanich, the University of Victoria, and other project funders and sponsors to undertake this important work. The next chapter for the GVDA will be an important one as the Greater Victoria economy makes a fundamental shift away from abundant secure government jobs and towards a vibrant private-sector economy driven by high-tech, manufacturing, aviation, ship-building/ship-repair, and continued success in tourism, sports, events, and other spin-offs. A younger workforce will demand new services and amenities1 from their local governments — bike lanes, rapid transit with Wifi access, more density allowances to make housing more affordable to Millennials, faster ways of getting to Vancouver for big events — the list goes on.

Why is this important to municipalities? Because raising taxes every year is not feasible. Reducing services is not feasible. Adding more and more retail developments throughout the region as a means of property tax revenue is not feasible. The region needs job creation to support retail spending, and new households with the disposable incomes that facilitate charitable giving, supporting local farmers and events, raising healthy and active families, and yes, being able to pay the tax increase—should it be necessary. Economic development will not save you from taxes, nothing can. But what economic development can do is provide the planning and forethought to make it slightly less painful.

1 The GVDA asked the students in the University of Victoria’s “Urban Development Club” for ideas and they gave us a lengthy list 14-03-17 of items that they AM would 14.VictoriaChamberAd 11:48 Page 1 like to see in the community to help them succeed in the next generation economy.

Dallas Gislason Economic Development Officer, Greater Victoria Development Agency

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22 BUSINESSMATTERS

new members: Feb 14th - April 13th Alluvial Management Consulting Inc.

Leaders in transforming technology organizations using agile, lean and scrum methods through a mix of training, coaching and consulting. (250) 336-4273 alluvial-consulting.com

Aral Construction Ltd.

There is more to construction than machines and muscle. Still, many contractors only handle physical construction, leaving site selection, budget preparation, financing, accounting and other project-management issues to their client’s discretion. (250) 384-1425 www.aralconstruction.com

Bekins Moving and Storage

Bekins Moving and Storage has a history of providing our customers with exceptional service whether you are moving down the street or across the country. (250) 544-2245 www.bekins.ca

Britec Computer Systems Ltd.

Britec helps small/medium business by providing Sage 300, CRM and HRMS solutions, managed IT services, network upgrades/infrastructure support, Dell hardware and Microsoft Office 365. (250) 294-7690 www.britec.com

Chamber members at the March Six for Lunch at Milestones. make sophisticated audio technology as accessible as possible. (250) 733-9870 www.ds2i.ca

Engaged HR Inc.

At Engaged HR we work with you to manage your human resources needs and to support you in building a great place to work. (250) 385-7784 www.EngagedHR.com

Executive Network

The Executive Network manages the natural workcycle of employees to ensure

productivity and growth. Ultimately, we manage your most important asset — your people — and your most important performance measure— their performance. (250) 389-2848 www.executivenetwork.ca

Fine Floral Designs

Fine Floral Designs provides only the highest quality fresh flowers and extraordinary floral designs for your corporate event, wedding or special occasion. Please visit our showroom located in the heart of James Bay. (250) 385-8411 www.flowersvictoria.com

Child Abuse Prevention & Counselling Society of Greater Victoria

Our agency responds to children, youth and families affected by sexual abuse and other trauma, through victim services, counselling, prevention and education within Greater Victoria. (250) 385-6111 www.marymanningcentre.com

Clemens Rettich Business Consulting Ltd.

I help business owners create maximum long-term value. Along the way they become more profitable with less stress. I do that through conversation, training, and facilitation. (250) 710-7588 clemensrettich.com

Coastal Roots Health Centre

Offering a full range health network that includes chiropractic, naturopathy, massage therapy, and reflexology with a passion to serve the beautiful people and growing Westshore communities. (778) 432-4412 coastalrootshealth.com

Desolation Sound Systems Inc.

As a group, we have 60+ years of experience in audio product development. We’re driven by innovation and a desire to

BUSINESSMATTERS 23

new members: Feb 14th - April 13th Jupiter Concierge Services

We offer a luxury hotel concierge service at your home or place of work. Errands, shopping, we can arrange for: transportation, pet care, landscaping, senior care and maid service. We also offer a secret shopping program. (778) 679-8590 www.jupiterconcierge.com

Lee Song | Pemberton Holmes Lee Song is a Real Estate Agent with Pemberton Holmes Realty. (250) 384-8124 www.pembertonholmes.com

M&M Meat Shops

sprinkler system design, installations, service & maintenance. (250) 883-5704

Canada’s largest retail chain of specialty frozen foods. Flash-frozen products range from kid-friendly like our exclusive to M&M chicken strips to gourmet like our beef wellington and hand-wrapped stuffed chicken breasts. (250) 380-7030 www.mmmeatshops.com

Island Life Financial

Melissa Caron Jewellers

Chamber members networking at the April Marketplace Mixer at the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa.

Holografyx Canada Inc.

Bring your products to life in 3D. Advertise what you do with personalized video, animation, or even a life-sized 3D virtual image. (855) 751-6488 holografyx.com

Hydrotek Irrigation Systems Ltd.

Hydrotek Irrigation Systems Ltd. previously known as Halls Irrigation is providing Victoria with outstanding automatic lawn and garden

Island Life Financial takes a refreshing approach to finances and investing that stems from the laid-back lifestyle of residents on Vancouver Island. (250) 217-8234 islandlifefinancial.com

Melissa Caron is the sole designer behind the creations of Melissa Caron Jewellers. A self-taught goldsmith, she has spent more than a decade nurturing and perfecting her craft. (250) 388-0790 www.melissacaron.com

Professional Development IT PAYS TO KNOW

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Ensure compliance and reduce the risk of audits and penalties with help from Professional Development seminars from Canadian Payroll Association (CPA). CPA offers seminars for all levels from beginner to advanced. On a variety of topics covering Learning Payroll, Taxable Benefits, Employment Standards, Pensions and more. Victoria Seminars Terminations - May 15 The Year-end Process (Federal): An Introduction – September 12

Learn more at payroll.ca. Become a CPA member and get preferred rates on seminars.

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24 BUSINESSMATTERS

new members: Feb 14th - April 13th Microserve

One of the largest independent IT solutions providers in Western Canada, we are rooted in a philosophy of long-term partnerships & continuous innovation. Our outstanding team has delivered IT solutions across BC and Alberta for more than 20 years. (250) 652-3737 www.microserve.ca

North 48 Restaurant

We specialize in “Modern Diner” cuisine; the celebration and elevation of classic dishes & menu items from around the world - timehonoured favourites from North American diners, Belgian bistros, Japanese izakayas & everywhere in between. (250) 381-2428 www.northfortyeight.com

Ravenstone Masonry and Conservation Inc.

Using both traditional and modern methods, our restoration masons work to preserve the beauty and history of the building according to the conservation plan. (250) 361-3440 www.ravenstoneinc.ca

Relationship Matters Consultancy Inc. (250) 727-7677

SaltSpring Air

SaltSpring Air is the islanders airline, offering scheduled seaplane service between Salt

Spring Island, Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Downtown Vancouver, North Saanich (YYJ) and Maple Bay on Vancouver Island. (250) 537-9880 www.saltspringair.com

Sheldon Kitzul Coaching

Sheldon Kitzul is a member of the International Coaching Federation. “The ICF works toward...setting high standards, providing independent certification, and building a worldwide network of credentialed coaches.” (250) 415-7363 www.sheldonkitzul.com

One Touch House

Victoria’s leader in home automation & media design. From single room TV installations to large scale commercial projects our design team will ensure that the job is always professionally executed. (250) 592-8125 theonetouchhouse.com

Peninsula Gallery

A retail art gallery, Peninsula Gallery exhibits quality paintings and sculpture in a warm and welcoming setting. The art works are primarily original oil and acrylic paintings and sculptures in bronze, wood and soapstone. (250) 655-1282 www.pengal.com

Phoenix Human Services Association

Phoenix offers a broad range of services to a diverse group of people. Despite the differences in people, their situations, and the services they receive, the commitment to enhance people’s quality of living is embedded in all programs. (250) 383-4821 phoenixhumanservices.org

Project Management Centre of Excellence Inc.

PMI (Project Management Institute) is the leading, non-profit international organization dedicated to promoting professionalism in the practice of project management. (778) 440-0395 www.pmivi.org

Raincoast Business Centres

Raincoast has been instrumental in assisting many businesses become more successful by providing an affordable, attractive office space and essential support services in a professional environment. (250) 413-3100 www.raincoast.net

BUSINESSMATTERS 25

Jack Insurance & Financial Services (250) 383-9866

A HELPING HAND WITH BUSINESS ASSISTANCE SERVICES According to Statistics Canada, the failure rate for small businesses in Canada is alarmingly high. While 85 per cent make it through their first year of business, only 51 per cent survive through year five. Small business owners know that they can use some help, with twothirds wanting help with financial planning or tax payments and over half wanting to learn more about cash flow, as reported by the 2012 Sage North America’s financial literacy survey. The survey of 300 also revealed three quarters of owners do their own invoicing and over half of owners do their own payroll and accounting.

specialist on hand to solve financial issues and offer advice on how to manage company finances.

with a Certified Accountant, Certified General Accountant, professional lawyer or Human Resource specialist.

That’s where the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan® Business Assistance Service (BAS) can help. BAS is a confidential service that provides up to six hours of access to professional accounting, legal and human resource experts who understand the challenges small business owners face.

Advice from a professional enables owners and managers to strengthen management and control functions through expert counsel. BAS can help owners obtain the answers and recommendations to solve business accounting challenges, make informed compliance decisions and resolve employee issues. And all at no cost; a part of every Chambers Plan package.

The Chambers Plan BAS is a free service built into every Chambers Plan benefit program. Owners simply contact BAS by telephone or email, and a trained specialist will ask some basic questions to determine which services will best resolve the issue. A counselling appointment will then be arranged for the owner

Expert opinions can be expensive, and most small businesses can’t afford to have a fulltime accounting

One-on-one consultation is often financially out of reach for many businesses, but with the Chambers Plan BAS, owners have access to expert advisors able to help their business grow.

The Employment Program of BC: Connects businesses with the right employees Benefits employers and employees though our Wage Subsidies Program

Reduce the time and cost for your next hire Let us help you! For further info contact: Garth Yoneda 250.708.2462 g.yoneda@gthiringsolutions.ca

www.gthiringsolutions.ca The Employment Program of British Columbia is funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

26 BUSINESSMATTERS

new members: Feb 14th - April 13th Shift Your Game

We locally create extraordinary lives professionally and personally. We call it a “win-win-win”; massive rewards for both client & coach, and perhaps most importantly for the whole of Victoria. (888) 678-4263 shiftyourgame.com

Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary

A wild oasis in the heart of the urban landscape. The sanctuary includes two distinct ecosystems: beautiful marshland and rocky, oak-forested highlands. Both are home to an incredible array of native plants and wild animals. (250) 479-0211 www.swanlake.bc.ca

SweetHomeVictoria.com of Fair Realty Whether you are a first time homebuyer, looking to sell your property, or an experienced investor, my realtor services will provide you with comprehensive and effective real estate solutions. (250) 217-5091 www.sweethomevictoria.com

SYNLawn Vancouver Island

SYNLawn® is a proud manufacturer and installer of synthetic grass solutions for landscapes, pet areas, playgrounds, rooftops,

patio decks and beautiful back yard golf complexes complete with putting greens – all with the look and feel of natural grass! (250) 589-8873 www.synlawn.net

THINK Communications Inc.

THINK Communications is a technology integrator with a core focus on procurement, design, implementation and on-going support of our client’s IT environment. (250) 220-6033 www.thinkcommunications.ca

It’s simple. Hire a student. See results. Contact us today to hire a student.

Think Local First | Victoria

Think Local First is the only registered nonprofit society of locally owned, independent business that seek to promote the social and economic benefits of shopping local in the Greater Victoria Area. We are directed by a group of enthusiastic volunteers. (778) 433-4011 thinklocalvictoria.com

YYJ Media

Considering video to expand your business presence online? Studies show people are 78% more likely to make a purchase after watching one. At YYJ Media, we create videos, combined with social media marketing & SEO strategies, for measurable results! (250) 294-6862 www.yyjmedia.ca

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Co-operative Education and Student Employment www.camosun.ca/cese 250.370.4100

The YYJ Airport Shuttle is a division of Wilson’s Transportation Ltd.

BUSINESSMATTERS 27

COHO

GET OFF theROCK

LOOKING FOR A QUICK OFF-ISLAND ESCAPE? Vancouver Island is really an amazing place, but sometimes you need a little escape! If you’re craving a getaway off of the Island, check out these great ideas to help you Get Off The Rock. Whether it’s a quick day trip to Port Angeles for a craft beer tasting and an underground tour, or a longer stay with some time spent in Olympic National Park, we’ve got some great inspiration to help plan your trip today!

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Port Angeles Downtown Shopper + Ferry

Overnight From

USD/PP

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Olympic National Park Tour + Ferry

Overnight From

108

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Day-trip From

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Overnight From

149

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For more package options or to book, visit www.GetOfftheRock.com or call Black Ball Ferry Line at (250) 386-6035

28 BUSINESSMATTERS

100 years of Submarines The Submariners Association of Canada (SAOC) West, Central and East are preparing for a busy year of celebrations as 2014 marks 100 years of Canadians in submarines.

By Kara Tibbel, Lookout

Photo courtesy of CFB Esquimalt

August has been pinpointed as the month for west coast celebrations because 100 years ago on Aug. 5 Canada’s first two submarines sailed into Esquimalt harbour. The story is the stuff of Hollywood movies, filled with mystic, back room discussions and secrecy.

Canadian Ensign as HMCS Grilse SS71, and re-start Canada’s submarine program during 1961.

At the outbreak of the First World War, Sir Richard McBride, Premier of British Columbia, feared for his province’s safety with its vast unprotected coastline. He gambled on his political future with a plan to acquire two newly built submarines intended for the Chilean Navy - dubbed Chile 1 and Chile 2, or C1 and C2 for short.

“British Columbia has such a unique story, the west coast and Esquimalt being the location for both the birth and re-birth of submarines in the Canadian Navy,” says submarine veteran Bob Emery of SAOC West.

The backdoor to negotiations opened when the Chilean government declared the boats did not meet their contract specifications and stopped payment to the Seattle Construction and Drydock Company. Over a lunch at Victoria’s Union Club, James Venn Paterson, president of the company who built the boats, brokered a deal to sell the boats to Canada. On Aug. 5, hours after the exchange of payment was made at a clandestine rendezvous off Trial Island, the two submarines secretively made their way into Esquimalt harbour, unbeknownst to militiamen of the Fifth (BC) Regiment, Canadian Artillery.

His association has united with Canadian Submarine Force, along with SAOC Central and East, to host events throughout Canada. The week of Aug. 5 to 8 will see a west coast Submarine Week, starting Aug. 5 with a luncheon at the Union Club commemorating the acquisition of submarines CC1 and CC2, and that evening there will be a Meet and Greet for visiting submarine veterans from across Canada, the U.S., Australia, the U.K. and Slovakia. During Submarine Week, the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum will feature a special exhibit detailing the Submarine Centenary and be presented a 1:72 scale model of submarine HMCS Rainbow SS75.

From that point on, Canada has acquired a number of submarines, although there have been breaks in service. Following the decommissioning of CC1 and CC2 after the First World War, Canada commissioned two more submarines in 1918, CH14 and CH15, but they were short lived being removed from service for budgetary reasons in 1922. After the Second World War, Canada commissioned two surrendered German U Boats – U190 and U889 – using them for trials and propaganda for two years. It would be 14 years later before another submarine would again sail under the

To help kick everything off is an informative keepsake in 2014 calendar format available at CANEX with details and historical images of 100 years of Canadians in Submarines. “The Canadian Navy and submarines have grown drastically since 1914, and that is something worth remembering; especially because it happened locally here on our west coast. Being born of war is not something to celebrate, but most definitely something to commemorate, and that is what our centenary is about,” says Emery. For more on the contributions of CFB Esquimalt to our community and country, check out The Chamber website for a recent Industry Tour of Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF) CAPE BRETON.

islandnet.com

Seeing two submarines approaching Victoria on the second day of war, a picket boat sounded its siren. Fortunately, the shore batteries contacted the dockyard before giving the order to open fire, and the two submarines proceeded safely to their new home at Esquimalt. Initially the property of the British Columbia government, the boats were taken over two days later by the federal government, and on Aug. 7 were commissioned into the Royal Canadian Navy as HMC Submarines CC1 and CC2.

There will also be a rededication of the Submarine Memorial Cairn in HMC Dockyard – dedicated to Canada’s west coast submarines and to all who have and continue to serve in boats of the silent service. That evening there will be the Submarine Centenary Banquet at the Wardroom.

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Advocacy in action The Chamber is the voice of business in Greater Victoria. In regular meetings with MPs, MLAs, and local mayors and council, The Chamber is a strong advocate for business initiatives and policies in the community. Natural Gas Rates to Drop On February 26, 2014 the BC Utility Commission (BCUC) decided to approve the proposal for common Natural Gas rates for the province. The BCUC originally rejected FortisBC’s proposal to standardize rates provincewide. The Chamber was one of six interveners in the application to BCUC for reconsideration on common rates. The reversal on common rates for Natural Gas will see rates on Vancouver Island be reduced to match the rest of the province — projected to be over a 25 per cent reduction. Prior to The Chamber’s intervention, Island users would have seen an increase in Natural Gas rates. This is a significant policy win for both residents and businesses on Vancouver Island.

Labour and Skills Training Concerns In February, The Chamber met with the Honourable Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training. At this meeting we discussed member concerns over the Canada Job Grant, skills training, ESL training, Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and Provincial Nominee Program. This was a good opportunity to discuss member concerns on labour force shortages and skills training with the minister.

Council Responds to Business Pressure on Sandwich Boards In early February, The Chamber was made aware the City of Victoria had commenced enforcement on its sandwich board bylaw. The Chamber felt the extra costs to business on top of their business licence was exorbitant. After hearing concerns, Victoria city council reduced business fees for sandwich boards. The annual fee that was set at over $100 annually has now been reduced to $35. The Chamber is pleased with the City’s responsiveness to business needs and concerns.

30 BUSINESSMATTERS

Photo of Gracepoint set courtesy of the Vancouver Island South Film & Media Commission.

Film Industry Gets Boost The Capital Regional District (CRD) will now be included in the Distant Tax Credit thanks to changes to the Film and Television Production Regulation in February. The budget announcement on film industry tax credits will have a significant positive economic impact on the Greater Victoria economy. Having the CRD eligible for the Distance Tax Credit has been a long awaited but welcome change. “We have producers waiting for this announcement and we should see a positive economic impact almost immediately,” said Bruce Carter, The Chamber CEO. “This will help build B.C.’s share of the film industry as the Capital has some unique locations not found anywhere else in B.C.”

Parking Update The City of Victoria has brought forward its new parking strategy. Initially the strategy called for pay parking in the evening from 6pm to 9pm. The Chamber is strongly against evening pay parking and we communicated this position to the City. The City of Victoria has since withdrawn evening pay parking from the strategy. The updated parking strategy looks at increasing street parking turnover by encouraging people to use parkades through first hour free incentives. The strategy also calls for different parking rate levels depending on the distance from a city parkade; street parking within a three-minute walking distance will be more expensive than parking in the periphery.

Open Letter to Esquimalt Council The Chamber recently sent an open letter to Esquimalt council encouraging approval Seaterra’s rezoning application for the McLoughlin Point site. The Chamber would prefer an inexpensive plan and one that has less impact on the community but such a plan is simply not available. The Chamber recently examined two alternative paths and found that neither were feasible. The plan to have a distributed system at considerably less cost is, after investigation, not feasible. As such the current Seaterra plan represents the best available solution for wastewater treatment. It is important that the community proceed with the plan forthwith to mitigate the significant risks we face. The risks of delaying the progress on the current plan are: 1. Rising construction costs bring significantly increased cost overruns. 2. Increased administrative costs through delays. 3. Loss of federal/provincial funding by not meeting the regulated deadline.

Find out more about The Chamber’s past, present, and future advocacy initiatives on our website victoriachamber.ca/news_policies

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