IN THE KNOW:
Island Coastal Economic Trust begins discussions with First Nations governments as part of its transformation plan
As it looks to become the first permanently financed, co-governed regional development organization in Canada, Island Coastal Economic Trust has announced that Sanala Planning, an Indigenous-owned planning company, is leading engagements with First Nations across Vancouver Island and the surrounding coast about its future.
“As we move forward, investing in building a resilient coastal economy, we believe in the power of collaboration among First Nations and local governments to invest in each other and to govern the Trust through shared decision-making,” says Sayaač̓atḥ John Jack, Vice Chair, Island Coastal Economic Trust; Chief Councillor, Huu-ay-aht First Nations; Chair, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District.
Sanala Planning is leading outreach and extending invitations to 53 First Nations governments whose territories span Vancouver Island and the surrounding coast from Howe Sound and the Salish Sea to Smith Inlet and Cape Caution.
The first virtual roundtable meeting was hosted on August 13, 2024, with 15 representatives from 12 Nations. This meeting took place while the Trust’s leadership met with the Haida and rural leadership that comprise the board of Gwaii Trust to learn from their almost 30-year history with consensus-based governance on Haida Gwaii.
A second roundtable event is scheduled for September 24. Following the two virtual events, invitations for individual meetings, hosted in person or online, will be extended to each First Nation.
Since its inception, Island Coastal Economic Trust has approved more than $64 million to economic development initiatives that have attracted over $338 million in new investment, in turn creating over 3,001 permanent jobs across the coast.
BestHuman and VICA announce new partnership
BestHuman (formerly known as Locelle Digital, and a 2021 Douglas 10 to Watch winner) has announced a collaboration with the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) to introduce a new leadership course designed for new managers in the construction industry.
Per their blog, the program, titled “Transformative Leadership: Creating Effective Managers,” is a comprehensive 7-week live cohort-based course aimed at enhancing the leadership competencies essential for managerial success in today’s dynamic workplace.
The course addresses the challenges faced by individuals transitioning from individual contributors to team leaders, such as site supervisors or project managers. It also features access to a wealth of self-guided resources and materials, ensuring that learning continues outside of structured sessions. Participants will explore various leadership and management strategies, turning theoretical knowledge into practical, actionable skills.
Shelter beds aim to alleviate homelessness in downtown Victoria
The Province has announced that BC Housing is providing funding that will add up to 40 new spaces at existing shelters operated by Our Place Society, with 32 added to a shelter operated by The Salvation Army.
The 72 beds are aimed at moving more people off the street – including those living on Pandora Avenue as part of a plan to find them find safe, supportive accommodation.
The beds at Our Place Society shelters are for adults 19 and older who do not have a permanent address or residence, while those at The Salvation Army are for men seeking a recovery-oriented program. People staying in these shelters receive access to a bed, food and washrooms, as well as support from staff and connections to local community services, including housing opportunities.
This initiative is part of the Homeless Encampment Action Response Team (HEART) and Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) memorandum of understanding formalized between the Province and City of Victoria in February 2024. This MOU includes the development of new shelter and housing options through BC Housing’s HEARTH program and providing increased support to people sheltering in encampments through the HEART program.
The new shelter beds are expected to start opening in late August 2024 and into September 2024, as renovations and staff capacity allow.
BC Culture Days will promote diversity and cross-cultural understanding
BC Culture Days is celebrating its 15th anniversary with hundreds of free and Pay-What-You-May arts and culture events across B.C. beginning September 20.
Over three weeks, the public can immerse themselves in local creativity and cultural diversity through inclusive, low-barrier events. Event-goers can expect everything from Taiwanese Yuanji dancing, urban sketching art walks, literary festivals, backstage theatre tours, Indigenous visual art exhibitions, and book launches to workshops in African electronic music with Afrorack, creative immersion dance with Ballet BC, and printmaking with visual storyteller Marlene Yuen.
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
SEPTEMBER
September 5: Westshore Chamber of Commerce Mixer
September 17: Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Mixer
September 19: Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Mixer
September 21: Hungry Hearts Gala
September 27: CARE Awards
September 30: South Island Powwow
OCTOBER
October 23 – 24: VIEA Economic Summit
NOVEMBER
November 14: Ecostar Awards
