IN THE KNOW:
Maritime Museum partners with Esquimalt & Songhees Nation to envision new attraction
In its pursuit of a permanent home, the Maritime Museum of British Columbia (MMBC) is collaborating with the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations on a new dual-purpose historical site that would reshape how coastal history is presented.
In a media release, the Museum says the proposed project, tentatively called “The Future of History,” envisions a two-part experience. The Steamship Building, a striking heritage landmark on the Inner Harbour, would house a re-imagined maritime museum.
Alongside this, a floating structure adjoining the Steamship Building would be dedicated to the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, offering a Lekwungen welcome centre and exhibit space. This new space would emphasize the local Nations’ presence and deep connection to coastal waters, which dates back thousands of years.
BC restaurants experience biggest drop in employment across Canada
Restaurants Canada says the latest Stats Canada Labour Force Survey, showing that British Columbia’s restaurant industry has experienced the largest year-over-year drop in employment of any province, is cause for concern.
While the province gained nearly 20,000 jobs, employment in the restaurant and accommodation sector dropped by 10,800 positions compared to September 2023.
The industry lost nearly 5,000 jobs between August and September 2024, falling to 176,700 positions. It is experiencing the lowest employment level since 2016 excluding the pandemic.
This trend is borne out by Restaurants Canada’s Q3 report, which found that guest count was lower this summer for 70% of restaurant companies compared to last summer, and profitability was lower for a staggering 81%. Overall, only 15% of restaurants say the current business climate is good or very good.
Food (85%) and labour costs (82%) are expected to be the top challenges for restaurant owners in 2025, while sales are expected to remain stagnant.
The restaurant industry is the third-largest private sector employer in British Columbia, the number one source of first-time jobs and a significant contributor to the tourism product. Restaurants Canada is calling on the BC government to adopt measures that will relieve the pressure on restaurants and the people they employ.
10 to Watch winner takes top prize at COAST Pitchfest
Ocean AID, one of the 2024 Douglas 10 to Watch award winners, has also won the second COAST Pitchfest. The competition, which sees five finalists pitch their early stage ocean innovations in five minutes in front of a panel of five judges, provides a $10,000 cash prize and the chance to showcase the winner’s business in front of interested investors.
Volvo showroom set to open on Government Street
Volvo Cars Victoria will soon break ground on a new, state-of-the-art dealership on 2512 Government Street, adjacent to Three Point Motors‘ Mercedes-Benz dealership.
A media release says the new showroom will set a new standard for automotive design, blending modern design with cutting-edge technology.
FROM THE PAGES OF DOUGLAS:
As B.C. parties await the final vote count in our provincial election, half the world is heading (or has headed) to the polls in a make-or-break year for democracy. We explore what’s at stake.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
OCTOBER
October 23 – 24: VIEA Economic Summit
October 27 – 30: Intentional Transformation: Reimagining Inclusive Community Safety and Wellbeing
October 29: Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Business Hall Of Fame
NOVEMBER
November 10: Nomination deadline for the Douglas 10 to Watch Awards
November 14: Ecostar Awards
MARCH
March 4 – 6: Rising Economy conference
