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(News Release) VICTORIA – The Capital Regional District has sold 39 acres of agriculture land reserve near Island View Beach Regional Park for $2,010,000. 

In 2009, CRD Regional Parks purchased a parcel of land with important natural and recreational values to add to Island View Beach to complete the park boundary. Of the 25.7 hectares purchased, 9.9 hectares were deemed to have regional park value; the remaining 15.8 hectares (39 acres) have been sold.
 
“This sale concludes the purchase of land made at Island View Beach in October 2009,” said Christopher Causton, CRD Regional Parks Committee Chair. “The land was sold at fair market value. The sale proceeds provide an opportunity for Regional Parks to further the goals of our Land Acquisition Program.”
 
Island View Beach Regional Park is a 67.73 hectare park with an expansive beach along the Haro Strait shoreline of the Saanich Peninsula. It features a panorama of land and seascapes, a long sandy beach for exploring, picnicking and swimming, a fragile sand dune area, several rare and beautiful plants and a boat launch for access to Cordova Channel and Haro Strait. Some of BC's most threatened shorebirds nest on the ground on isolated rocky islets, spits and shorelines.

(News Release) VICTORIA – While economic shuffles continue to take place at the corporate level, Canada's small scale food processors are quietly enjoying increasing success. And trends in the industry indicate that growers and producers will be working to fill bigger demand over the next several years. To help small scale food processors make the most of what the future holds, the Small Scale Food Processor Association has launched Specialty Foods Magazine, a full-colour publication dedicated to raising awareness of the unique challenges, and increasing opportunities, faced by small scale food processors.

The magazine comes at a time when businesses are increasingly choosing local products - and they are developing business models to maximize the value of working with small scale producers. Demand for local specialty food items is growing as part of the "think local" trend - popularized through the proliferation of farm and pocket markets and the 100 mile diet - with the specialty food industry in Canada posting year over year growth of 25%

"The success stories in our premiere issue demonstrate the viability of small scale food processing," says Candice Appleby, Executive Producer, Small Scale Food Processor Association. "Because of the local nature of the business model, small scale food processors are becoming increasingly fundamental to strong regional economies. They create local jobs, pay local taxes and contribute to local economies on many levels."

The economic downturn has resulted in more people eating at home more often. Trend research predicts the eat-at-home preference will continue and that, increasingly, consumers will turn to specialty foods as a replacement for restaurant meals. Demand for unique British Columbia food items is growing in international markets as well as consumers look to bring exotic, authentic tastes into the home.

"One of the goals of Specialty Foods Magazine is to help Canadian small scale producers realize the opportunities that are available and prepare to take advantage of them," says Appleby. "With indications that demand is increasing for specialty food products at home and abroad, we want to help producers be prepared."

The premiere issue of Specialty Foods Magazine has been distributed to SSFPA's membership, numerous food based associations, economic development associations as well as Canadian Embassies and consulates. The issue emphasizes stories of growth, expansion and award-winning companies. It also contains business and industry information specifically for small scale processors.

SSPFA was incorporated in 2002 to represent the interests of small scale food and beverage producers, help create regional food sustainability and advocate for the small scale food processor. SSFPA maintains the BC Specialty Food Directory, a list of 174 companies and 868 products available in BC. Many of the companies listed fall into the micro category with less than five full time staff. The directory is designed to be a resource for chefs, restaurants and specialty food retailers looking to source BC specialty products. For more information see www.ssfpa.net.

Businesses wishing to receive a copy of Specialty Foods Magazine are invited to contact Candice Appleby at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 866-547-7372. The magazine
is also available for download at www.ssfpa.net in the What's New section.

(News Release) VICTORIA – The provincial budget presentation was a “steady as she goes announcement." There was very few surprises in either spending or programs.

“Our concerns about the extent to which government cut-backs may impact on our local economy were diminished by the budget presentation,” says Bruce Carter, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. “It appears that the decrease in full time employment going forward will be spread across the province, compared to concentrated in Victoria, as the government city. We expect about another 1000 lay-offs up to the end of 2012.”

The budget noted that the full time complement of staff would have an overall decrease of 11% between budget 08/09 and 12/13 with about half of that decrease coming from attrition. About one third of the decrease attributed to lay offs have already taken place. The remainder of lay-offs will likely occur in the resource sectors with a smaller portion in citizen services.

“The disbursement of lay-offs means that the day to day economy of Greater Victoria will feel little impact. Our local businesses can be confident that a good part of their customer base will have restored consumer confidence,” continues Carter.

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has approximately 1500 members and is the voice of business for the Greater Victoria region. The Greater Victoria Chamber has received Accreditation with Distinction from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

(News Release) VICTORIA – On Sunday, March 7, thousands of Canadians across the country will focus their intentions on doing yoga to raise money for critical arthritis research at Power of Movement 2010. Large-scale yoga mega-sessions will take place in major cities from coast-to-coast, including Vancouver, Nanaimo, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston, Montreal and Halifax.

Moksha Yoga Victoria, located at the corner of Fort and Cook Street, is holding two sessions on March 7 at 10 am and 12 pm as part of the national event. To participate, Victorian's can register online under 'Virtual Practice' and join the studio's team in order to solicit pledges through a personalized fundraising page. Check out www.powerofmovement.ca and call to reserve your spot 250-385-9642.

Now in its fourth year, this event has raised almost $400,000 to benefit research aimed at helping 4.5 million Canadians who live with arthritis and autoimmune diseases. This year, the fundraiser seeks to reach the half-million dollar mark nationwide, with a goal of $4000 from the Victoria sessions.

These classes are available to all. Studio co-owner Heather MacLeod says "Moksha Yoga Victoria was developed on the premise of accessibility making yoga something for everyone." This event will appeal to everyone as anyone can do yoga. People of all ages, mobility and fitness levels have found that yoga positively affects their life, whether physically, mentally or both.

Arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in Canada and there is no known cure. Money raised in 2010 will benefit arthritis and autoimmune disease research priorities through the Arthritis & Autoimmunity Research Centre (AARC) Foundation, The Arthritis Society (TAS) and the Canadian Arthritis Network (CAN).

Power of Movement founder Erin Moraghan says "The event is an accessible and fun way to stay active while supporting life-changing research that may one day lead to a cure for arthritis and autoimmune diseases like lupus, vasculitis and juvenile arthritis."

The 2010 event is made possible with the support of presenting sponsor and global health care company Abbott, the National Post and Moksha Yoga, as well as many other sponsors.

(News Release) VICTORIA – UVIC To Purchase Arbutus Rd. Properties From Sisters Of St. Ann property. The purchase will mark legacy of shared values and history

The Sisters of St. Ann and the University of Victoria—in keeping with a shared history and a shared commitment to education and health promotion—have signed an agreement in principle that will see UVic purchase the Arbutus Road properties. The six-hectare wooded properties at the corner of Arbutus Road and Queenswood Drive house St. Ann’s Residence (a care facility for the Sisters of St. Ann), Queenswood retreat centre and a small dwelling. Pending final approvals, the properties are expected to transfer to UVic in June.
 
“We are very pleased to have reached an agreement with the University of Victoria regarding the future of this site which has served us well for more than 40 years,” says Sisters of St. Ann Province Leader Sister Marie Zarowny. “As we move into the future our priorities are the care of our Sisters and the continuation of our mission. This sale has the capacity to serve both purposes.”
 
UVic and the Sisters have been in discussions about the potential for UVic to acquire the properties since June 2008. There will be no immediate changes for the Sisters who have the option of continuing to live in the residence until January 2013, and the Sisters of St. Ann have been actively planning the transition.
 
“This is an excellent fit for both organizations,” says UVic’s Vice-President Finance and Operations Gayle Gorrill. “UVic and the Sisters, who have supported the university since its inception, share many values consistent with teaching, research and community engagement. We are excited about the opportunities for UVic over the long term to use this property, within walking distance of our main campus, to directly support our academic mission.”
 
As part of the proposed sale arrangement, the future of Queenswood retreat centre has been an important consideration since the beginning. Queenswood Society for Spiritual Growth plans to continue delivering community programming according to an existing agreement with the Sisters of St. Ann that ends Dec. 31, 2010. UVic and Queenswood are currently exploring potential arrangements for a longer-term presence for the retreat centre on the property.
 
“The university educates people who, like the Sisters of St. Ann, work in education, healthcare, and social services,” says Queenwood’s Executive Director Kate Fagan Taylor. “Queenswood helps people to be effective and healthy spiritually, physically and emotionally in these demanding careers.  We’re seeing significant partnership potential for the good of the community. Our hope and current plan is that Queenswood will be able to continue beyond 2010 as an ongoing legacy of the Sisters of St. Ann.”
 
No significant changes in use of the property are proposed for the immediate future. UVic is committed to consulting with neighbours before proposing any substantial changes to the use of the property in the longer term.

(New Release) VICTORIA – British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. (BC Ferries) today released its third quarter results for fiscal 2009/10. The company reported a net loss of $20.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, compared to a net loss of $14.6 million in the same quarter last year. Net earnings for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2009 were $40.2 million, down from $47.5 million for the same period in the previous year. Due to the seasonality of ferry travel, BC Ferries typically generates higher net earnings in the first and second quarters, which are subsequently reduced by net losses in the last two quarters of its fiscal year.

As expected, expenses increased primarily due to amortization costs of new and refurbished ships and interest costs on new borrowing to finance these vessels. These increases were planned and anticipated in BC Ferries’ newbuild program.

For the second consecutive quarter, there was an improvement in both vehicle and passenger traffic over the same period in the prior year, with increases of 4.2 per cent and 2.8 per cent respectively. For the first nine months ended December 31, 2009, vehicle traffic was 2.5 per cent higher and passenger traffic was 1.3 per cent higher than the first nine months of fiscal 2009.

“We are optimistic about the rebound in traffic and we anticipate the limited recovery in local discretionary travel levels to continue which, along with our aggressive cost management initiatives, will help us achieve our profit targets for the year” said David L. Hahn, BC Ferries’ President and CEO.

For the three months ended December 31, 2009, total revenue increased by $10.5 million to $159.9 million. Revenues for the nine months ended December 31, 2009 increased $36.6 million to $590.0 million.

For the three months ended December 31, 2009, total expenses increased $16.3 million to $180.3 million, compared to the same period last year, with expenses in the nine month period ended December 31, 2009 increasing $43.9 million to $549.8 million, compared to the nine months ended December 31, 2008. Total expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2009 reflect an $11.3 million increase ($33.5 million increase for the nine months ended December 31, 2009) in amortization and interest expense. These increases reflect new vessels and other new assets which have entered service.

“We continue to review and update our financial and operating plans in response to the current economic conditions in order to manage the company in a fiscally prudent manner,” said Hahn. On December 14, 2009, BC Ferries was advised by the credit rating agency DBRS Limited (DBRS) that they upgraded BC Ferries’ long-term rating to A from A (low). DBRS acknowledged BC Ferries’ tight management of service offerings and expenses as an important factor contributing to this upgrade. On February 24, 2010, credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s upgraded BC Ferries’ long-term credit rating to “A+” from “A-”

Other notable events included the expansion of self-ticketing kiosks at Departure Bay and Duke Point terminals on December 1, 2009. On December 15, 2009, BC Ferries released the results of its August 2009 Customer Satisfaction Tracking Survey indicating that a record 92 per cent of customers report being satisfied with their overall trip experience. On January 25, 2010, fuel rebates were reduced from 10 per cent to 5 per cent on average on the 18 minor routes due to higher fuel prices. Fuel rebates are not currently in place on the major and northern routes.

BC Ferries has completed the first phase of its SailSafe program, which is a partnership initiative with the BC Ferry & Marine Workers’ Union to achieve world class safety performance. The number of lost time injuries was down 25 per cent and work days lost to injury were down 36 per cent for the period January through December 2009 compared to the year prior.

BC Ferries’ full financial statements, including notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis, are filed on SEDAR and will be available at www.sedar.com.

For a complete report with consolidated balance sheets click here.