IN THE KNOW:
Victoria-based startup listed among Ocean Startup Challenge winners
Mostar Labs has secured funding in the fifth annual Ocean Startup Challenge to advance its flagship product, LilyPad, which it describes the world’s first mobile floating charging station for electric vessels.
The station provides flexible, off-grid charging for electric boats, leveraging battery storage and smart controls to support maritime decarbonization where traditional shore power is unavailable. This type of innovation is becoming more important as maritime operators look to adopt electric propulsion and require infrastructure that matches the mobility of their fleets.
Mostar Labs is among 15 Canadian startups sharing $350,000 in funding from this year’s Ocean Startup Challenge, which aims to accelerate ocean technology innovations across the country.
The Ocean Startup Project, now in its fifth year, offers both funding and expert mentorship to help early-stage companies develop technologies that promote a more sustainable “blue economy.”
New Post Secondary Campus opens in Westshore
The John Horgan Campus has officially opened its doors to students.
The new facility at Peatt Road and Goldstream Avenue brings together learners from Royal Roads University, the University of Victoria, Camosun College and the Justice Institute of B.C., marking the first collaborative post-secondary venture of its kind in the region.
The $98-million project aims to address local needs with flexible learning spaces, diverse programming, and sustainability features like mass timber construction and a zero-carbon design standard.
Named after the late former B.C. premier and Langford resident John Horgan, the campus is tribute to his legacy of supporting education and community growth. A new bursary, the John Horgan Entrance Award, has been established to provide financial support to undergraduate students attending the Langford campus, continuing Horgan’s vision of expanding access to post-secondary education.
At the official opening this week, City and university officials, along with Horgan’s family, highlighted the campus’ role in uniting and strengthening the Westshore community.
BC Ferries fleet replacement deal sparks national debate
Federal leaders, industry executives, and union representatives gathered in Hamilton this week for a major summit urging the transportation sector to prioritize Canadian steel and aluminum in future projects.
The summit comes amid escalating American tariffs and mounting pressure on domestic manufacturers, with federal Minister Chrystia Freeland emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts between the steel, aluminum, and transportation sectors to bolster local industry.
The drive for “Made in Canada” procurement has gained urgency after BC Ferries opted to build new vessels in China, citing uncompetitive domestic pricing and industry capacity gaps.
Leaders, including BC Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez and Island Corridor Foundation’s Thomas Bevan, called for comprehensive support to modernize shipbuilding and rail on Vancouver Island, pointing to the summit as a rallying point.
Camosun reappoints President for second term
Dr. Lane Trotter has been unanimously reappointed as president of Camosun College for a second five-year term.
Trotter, who has led the institution since 2022, was commended by the College’s Board of Governors for providing steady leadership during a period of major change in the post-secondary sector and for prioritizing student success and community engagement.
During his first term he has guided Camosun through enrolment shifts, fiscal pressures, and expanded the college’s offerings in high-demand fields, launching the Strategic Plan 2023-2028 and fostering key partnerships with industry and Indigenous groups.
He also played a pivotal role in securing $154.7 million in government support for the college’s inaugural on-campus student housing.
Before joining Camosun, Trotter held senior leadership roles at Langara College, Fanshawe College, and BCIT. He also holds a Doctorate of Education from Simon Fraser University.
Public engagement sought for Quadra McKenzie Plan
The District of Saanich is seeking renewed public input on the Updated Draft Quadra McKenzie Plan (QMP), a blueprint set to guide growth and redevelopment over the next two to three decades in a major Saanich corridor.
It prioritizes diversified housing options, walkable amenities, and improved active transportation along one of Saanich’s primary growth areas, potentially accounting for much of the municipality’s 23,000 projected new homes over two decades.
The plan, which has already been revised after initial public consultation, features scaled-back land use intensity, with fewer properties designated for six-storey “Corridor” buildings, more parcels reclassified for three- to four-storey developments, and the deferral of changes to vehicle travel lanes on McKenzie Avenue for a separate process in collaboration with BC Transit.
These revisions follow significant feedback from residents and Saanich Council, who directed planners to reduce building heights and density after receiving more than 10,000 public comments.
Ongoing engagement efforts, including webinars, open houses, and pop-up events throughout September, aim to gather a robust cross-section of community perspectives.
Downtown parking under review
Victoria City Council will review new recommendations this week that could significantly reshape the city’s parking landscape, including proposals to reduce parking requirements for developers by up to 50% in key areas.
The recommendations propose easing minimum parking supply rules, particularly near major transit corridors and “Major Mobility Hubs” such as Mayfair Mall and Oak Bay Junction, in exchange for developer incentives like bus passes, bike parking, or contributions to the city’s active transportation fund.
City staff are also seeking approval to explore the feasibility of a new city-owned parkade.
The changes, which require amending local bylaws, could provide more flexibility for developers and encourage alternative transportation, though some residents have raised concerns about the impact on existing neighborhoods already facing parking shortages.
Colourful Business returns to RBCM
Victoria’s Royal BC Museum will host the third annual Colourful Business Expo on November 15, celebrating the innovation and vitality of Indigenous, Black, and immigrant entrepreneurs from the region.
The annual free event feature business displays, live music, and cultural performances, spotlighting the diversity and economic contributions of racialized and newcomer businesses in Victoria.
Organized through a partnership that includes the Kulea Culture Society, Indigenous Prosperity Centre, BC Black History Awareness Society, and local government and business groups, the expo aims to break down barriers and offer networking opportunities for both participants and the public.
FROM THE PAGES OF DOUGLAS:
It’s been a project decades in the making. We find out what’s next for the Bayview development, now that shovels can finally hit the ground.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
SEPTEMBER
September 9:Business Leaders Luncheon
September 16: Five Chambers Business Mixer
OCTOBER
October 2 – 3: 2025 4VI Vancouver Island Stewardship Summit
October 26 – 29: Ocean Floor Explore Conference
October 28 – 30: VIEA ‘State of the Island’ Economic Summit
NOVEMBER
November 15: Colourful Business Expo
Douglas Weekly brings local business news, insights and community spotlights to keep Victoria and Vancouver Island In the Know. Got a story tip? Email us.
