Douglas Weekly – Oct 28

Victoria cited as Most Sustainable Destination in North America

The 2024 annual Global Destination Sustainability-Index (GDS-Index), one of the world’s leading sustainability performance programs for business events tourism destinations, has awarded Greater Victoria the honour of Most Sustainable Destination in North America.

The GDS-Index measured a range of factors including regenerative tourism, circular economy practices, and climate action initiatives. Victoria took the top spot, ahead of Montreal, Quebec City, Edmonton, and Ottawa. It also ranked 22nd globally, placing the city firmly in the international top 40 list. Notably, the city was also the third highest ranking small city worldwide.

A media release from Destination Greater Victoria says Victoria stands out due to a combination of factors that set it apart from other destinations. A significant portion of the city’s strong performance comes from progressive actions by the City of Victoria and the Province, such as the development of extensive bike lanes, high walkability, a clean energy grid, a safe and reliable water supply, and

“We are honoured to lead the way in sustainable tourism and to share our journey with the world,” said Destination Greater Victoria’s CEO, Paul Nursey. “Sustainability is core to our community values. As an organization, we chose to put sustainability at the centre of our brand in 2020 because it reflects who we are as a community, and our commitment to taking care of this place that we love for future generations of residents and visitors. Greater Victoria’s tourism brand has flourished since that decision.”

Local business leader recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year by EY

EY has named Redbrick CEO Tobyn Sowden as the winner of the Pacific division of its Entrepreneur of the Year awards. From founding the company as a marketing agency in 2011, Sowden has overseen its rapid growth to become the parent organization of a group of companies that include Leadpages, Shift, Delivra and Animoto.

The company’s suite of service-based businesses is designed to support the entrepreneurial journey from start up to scale up.

2018 Douglas magazine 10 to Watch winners Andrew McLeod and Owen Madrick of Certn were also named finalists for the award. The company, which facilitates criminal record checks, now has over 400 employees and is now expanding into financial services and telecommunications, with plans to launch a credential network wallet connecting users to their background checks.

TEDxVictoria opens applications for speakers

TEDx, the world-renowned platform for research, entrepreneurship, and “ideas worth spreading” returned to Victoria for the first time since 2015 this past May. The sold out event championed the theme It’s Up to Us, and featured twelve TEDxTalks that shared research, innovative concepts, personal stories, or transformative experiences from speakers that included a deep-sea explorer, teen novelist, wildfire fighter, urban planner, and rainforest photographer.

2025’s theme is Ripples, and the event has opened applications for speakers. Get the details and apply here.

CICE announces funding opportunity for Women in Climate Tech

The B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) has launched a Call for Innovation in Women in Climate Tech. Applications open November 5 with a deadline of December 3rd.
CICE says that as part of its mission to advance diversity and equity within the climate tech sector and support a just energy transition, it is investing up to $3 million in climate tech and clean energy ventures led by women.

“Empowering founders who identify as women can unlock the potential for groundbreaking technologies, drive decarbonization efforts, and generate significant economic value,” notes CICE on its website. “As the world moves toward net-zero emissions, diverse leadership in climate tech will be critical in shaping the future of sustainable innovation.”

New ESG Course offered for Ocean Companies

COAST has launched one of the first offerings in its new Blue Pathways training program. ESG Blue: ESG and Impact Fundamentals for Ocean SMEs is a UN-certified course for small and medium-sized enterprises in the ocean sector. The eight-week course begins next January and will be delivered online and in person.