Douglas Weekly – Jan 21

Awards host Heather Leary with Dr. Graeme Macaloney (Macaloney Island Distillers) and Davin de Kergommeaux, Canadian Whisky Awards judge. Photo: Jen Steele Photography
Awards host Heather Leary with Dr. Graeme Macaloney (Macaloney Island Distillers) and Davin de Kergommeaux, Canadian Whisky Awards judge. Photo: Jen Steele Photography

IN THE KNOW:

Macaloney’s Island Distillery wins multiple awards

One of the Island’s most popular family-owned distilleries has once again dominated the Canadian Whisky Awards.

Saanich-based Macaloney’s Island Distillery has won Canadian Whisky of the Year, Wheat Whisky of the Year and Single Malt Whisky of the Year, no mean feat when you consider they were up against long standing and oft internationally acclaimed brands Crown Royal and Canadian Club.

Macaloney’s also won gold for its Peat Project Moscatel Barrique, Peat Project – Sugar kelp infused peat – red wine barrique, An Aba, Kirkinriola – Virgin American Cask, Cath-nah-aven and 100% Rye Whisky, while its Grain Whisky and Peated Kildara both scored silver.

“Each whisky represents not only our dedication to quality, but also our commitment to crafting spirits that reflect the essence of Canada,” said company founder Graeme Macaloney in a news release announcing the wins. Founded in 2013, the company’s goal has always been to create “the finest single malt whisky in North America and perhaps the world.”

GST break boosts restaurant industry

Despite criticism for its clunky, work-intensive rollout, the GST holiday break has had a positive effect on B.C.’s restaurant industry. Data from Restaurants Canada and Open Table notes that over the last two weeks of December dining activity across the country rose by 18% while in B.C. the industry saw a 12% increase (compared to the same period in 2023).

The GST tax suspension is in place until February 15.

Province launches short-term rental registry to boost housing availability

A new short-term rental registry for B.C. has been developed to “help more people find a home in the communities they love by reining in speculators who are operating illegally,” according to Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs.

Anyone operating a short-term rental in B.C. and listing on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo will be required to register with the Province, including hosts operating outside areas with the principal-residence requirement.

Hosts will complete an online application to receive a provincial registration number that must be displayed on all online listings in B.C., effective May 1, 2025. Those who do not comply will have their listings taken down as of June 1, 2025.

Preliminary ministry data shows a 10% decline in the number of entire homes being listed on short-term rental platforms in areas with a principal-residence requirement since March 2024, opening up additional housing options.

New Chair, Vice Chair for GVHA Board

Mark Mawhinney is the new Chair of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, replacing Christine Willow, who remains as Past Chair. Previously Vice Chair, Mark is a lifelong boater and was nominated to the Board by the Victoria Esquimalt Harbour Society. He works for Odlum Brown Limited as a portfolio manager and investment advisor.

The Board also elected District of Saanich councillor and CRD Director Susan Brice as Vice Chair.

New members include Bruce Hale CEO of FAS Seafood Producers, nominated by the Victoria Esquimalt Harbour Society and Western Design+Build CEO Ann Squires Ferguson.
Dave Cowen, who was Past Chair from 2021 to 2024, leaves the Board after joining in 2010, as does Ryan Burles.

“We look forward to moving ahead with Mark’s guidance. He brings more than 20 years of financial and business experience to the table, and understands our community well,” said GVHA CEO Robert Lewis-Manning. “The next couple of years will be pivotal as we move forward with our new vision and mission, build partnerships and seek investment in the harbour.”

Oak Bay Marine Group under new ownership

The Graham Clarke Group (GCG) has acquired Oak Bay Marine Group in a sale that includes its four Vancouver Island marinas (Oak Bay Marina, North Saanich Marina, Ladysmith Marina and Pedder Bay RV Resort & Marina), along with OBMG Boathouses and the Marina Dockside Eatery.

GCG also owns Harbour, Coal Harbour Marina, Western Pacific Marine and the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre.

“For me, this is deeply personal,” said Graham Clarke, owner of Graham Clarke Group. “I grew up in Oak Bay and have always admired the legacy of Oak Bay Marine Group. This acquisition is more than an expansion; it’s about honouring a business that has meant so much to the community. Our goal is to preserve what makes OBMG special while building exciting new opportunities for the future.”

In reflecting on the sale Brook Castelsky, CEO of Oak Bay Marine Group says the sale “ensures OBMG’s legacy will carry on while we continue to serve the communities and customers who have supported us over the years.”

B.C. assesses Trump’s tariff impact

With a potential start date announced yesterday of February 1, federal and provincial leaders are exploring options for countering U.S. President Donald Trump’s intention to apply 25% trade tariffs on all Canadian imports.

B.C.’s Ministry of Finance has announced its preliminary assessment of potential impacts to the provincial economy of a trade war with the United States, noting we could see a cumulative loss of $69 billion in economic activity between 2025 and 2028. The Province’s real GDP is projected to potentially decline by 0.6% year over year in both 2025 and 2026.

A media release states that job losses are estimated at 124,000 by 2028 with the largest declines in natural-resource sector export industries and associated manufacturing. Losses would also be felt in the transportation and retail sectors. The unemployment rate could increase to 6.7% in 2025 and 7.1% in 2026, and corporate profits could see an annual decline in the range of $3.6 billion to $6.1 billion.

Tariffs imposed by the United States, along with potential retaliatory measures, could impact many of the Province’s key revenue streams, such as personal and corporate income taxes. Preliminary analysis indicates this could reduce annual revenues by between $1.6 billion and $2.5 billion.

This assessment is based on internal planning assumptions, including that a 25% U.S. tariff would remain in place for the duration of the Trump presidency and that Canada retaliates as well as key economic indicators and inputs, including economic activity, trade, the labour market and demographics.

To counteract the impact, B.C. says it will enact a three-part strategy: respond, strengthen and diversify, pledging to participate in nationally coordinated retaliation if and when required.

The Province says it will strengthen its domestic position by growing the economy to create high-paying jobs to generate the wealth needed to support people through strong public services, such as health care and education. This includes fast-tracking permitting in B.C. and reducing trade barriers between provinces. Lastly, B.C. will focus on diversifying its trade relationships, using the Asia-Pacific network to become less reliant on exports to the United States.

Premier David Eby has met with several state governors and impressed upon them the devastating impacts tariffs would bring on both sides of the border. He and other premiers will travel to Washington, D.C., on February 12 to continue to make the case against unjustified tariffs for all Canadians.

FROM THE PAGES OF DOUGLAS:

Looking to grow in 2025? Here’s our guide to attracting (and retaining) great talent.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

JANUARY

January 23: Canadian Digital Marketing Summit

January 26 – 29: IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Summit

January 28: Westshore Chamber of Commerce Coffee Talk: Great Start Canada Immigration and Recruitment

FEBRUARY

February 12: Westshore Chamber of Commerce Member Mixer

February 20 – 21: 6th Western Angel Investment Summit

MARCH

March 4 – 6: Rising Economy conference

MAY

May 4 – 9: International Seaweed Symposium

JUNE

June 4: Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Business Awards