Invite from Chamber Chair
There is a provincial candidate "listening session" Thurs, March 2 arranged in collaboration with like-minded organizations.

This is a very important meeting to have YOUR voices heard for the next provincial election scheduled for May 9.
 
Together we can all make a difference for our community and our voices are heard a lot louder, please feel free to forward this invitation.
 
Look forward to seeing everyone on Thursday.    

Al Hasham
Chamber Chair 
 
The public are invited to attend Thurs, March 2 from 5 to 7 pm at the Victoria Conference Centre (Carson Hall) , free of charge. There will be opportunities following the session to engage with the panel and candidates. Click here for more info.

  
   
Chamber News
Opportunities and connections
2017 Seminars
Marketplace Mixer
Social Media Series
Prodigy Group Mingles
2017 Greater Victoria Business Awards
Business Mixers
Community Calendar
Event Photos 

Another $100 Million Investment

The federal government has added another $100 million to the $150 million already designated to modernize  the Esquimalt Graving Dock, the largest deep-sea shipbuilding and repair facility on North America's West Coast.

Public Works Minister Judy Foote announced on Monday the additional investment that will replace and upgrade the electrical distribution system, refurbish the dewatering pumps and reconstruct the south jetty.

"Shipbuilding and repairs have a rich history as an economic driver in this community," said Chamber CEO Catherine Holt. "This investment creates jobs, supports local businesses and opens the door to growth in the sector."

The Esquimalt Graving Dock is estimated to support over 1,300 direct jobs, mostly in the Capital Regional District, with 90% of these jobs being full time. 

The total gross output and gross domestic product impacts of the Esquimalt Graving Dock on the BC economy are $432.2 million and $200.3 million respectively.

The facility is rented to the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Coast Guard, BC Ferries and private sector companies.

BC Ferries: member since 1983
Connect with emerging and established members of Greater Victoria's business community at the Prodigy Group March Mingle . Not sure what it'll be like? See the photos from the last event here .

Thurs, Mar 9 | 5-7 pm      
614 Garbally Rd.


The 411 on Greater Victoria's 911 

The Government of BC announced on Monday that by 2019, Greater Victoria police departments will operate their 911 dispatch out of a shared facility, becoming the first point of contact for 911 callers on South Vancouver Island.

The centre will house police call-taking and dispatch for the Victoria, Saanich, Central Saanich and Oak Bay police departments as well as all local RCMP detachments.

"Integrated police dispatch will save the cost of having multiple dispatch facilities in the region," said Chamber CEO Catherine Holt "Moving to integrate the police departments themselves would be a sensible next step. Residents deserve common governance, integrated police resources, an equitable funding model, and a regional approach to crime prevention and law enforcement."

Construction will begin on the new CRD-owned facility, located at 4219 Commerce Circle in Saanich, later this year.

More about policing in Greater Victoria here.

Victoria Police Department: member since 2008

Mental Health Support for First Responders 

The Victoria Fire Department is partnering with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) to provide resiliency training to firefighters throughout the CRD.

Since 2014, 183 first responders and military personnel have committed suicide in Canada, including 48 first responders in 2016. The Victoria Fire Department has seen an enormous surge in exposure to traumatic calls as the province-wide overdose crisis continues to be an issue. In 2015, the Victoria Fire Department was responding to an average of 6-7 overdoses per month. That number has since increased tenfold to 60-70 calls per month, taking a severe toll on first responders.  

"By providing this training early and prior to the possible development of a mental injury, first responders are better prepared to face traumatic events, better serve the public, and recover more quickly if faced with a mental injury," said Daniel Atkinson, Deputy Fire Chief.

All members of the Victoria Fire department will receive the first round of training by the end of 2017. The training will take place every year to build and maintain mental health resiliency.

Victoria Fire Department: member since 2014
2017 Marketplace Mixer - Booths On Sale!

Exhibitors showcase your businesses to over 300 people, including Chamber members and the public. Book your booth early to avoid disappointment!


 
Maximize your exposure. 
Full colour Times Colonist advertising is available for $100. Creative services provided by the Times Colonist for no additional cost. Limited supply.

Thurs, Mar 16 | 4-7 pm
 Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa
100 Harbour Rd.
Flower Count Kicks Off Monday!

The snow was a bit of a curve ball on Monday, but the annual Victoria Flower Count is scheduled to start next week (Mar 6-12)! Who's ready to count some blooms?

Not sure just how many blooms your large heather bush and small cherry tree carry - never fear there is a formula for that. 

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.
Your Chamber in the News! 
A selection of media coverage for your reading pleasure/viewing enjoyment.

Welcome to Our Newest Member! 

The Chamber member
Member to Member Deals

Want your company's special offer to appear here? Send us an email!

250-383-7191  

victoriachamber.ca
chamber@victoriachamber.ca
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