The livestream of the meeting can be viewed on most devices. Should you experience technical difficulties, please review the troubleshooting guide for assistance. If the issue persists, please inform corporate.services@esquimalt.ca and we can relay the information to the webcast support company for assistance. Please note that staff technical support is not available outside of regular business hours or during meetings.
File #: 21-636    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Staff Report Status: Passed
File created: 12/13/2021 In control: Council
On agenda: 12/20/2021 Final action: 12/20/2021
Title: Victoria Chamber of Commerce Membership

REQUEST FOR DECISION

 

DATE:                       December 13, 2021                     Report No. ADM-21-025

TO:                       Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer                                           

FROM:                      Deb Hopkins, Manager of Corporate Services

SUBJECT:

 

Title

Victoria Chamber of Commerce Membership

End

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

Recommendation

That Council authorize staff to renew the membership with the Victoria Chamber of Commerce on an ongoing annual basis.

Body

 

RELEVANT POLICY:

 

There is no relevant policy for this Request for Decision.

 

STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:

 

Resilient and Diverse Economic Environment.

 

BACKGROUND:

 

At a Council meeting held December 21, 2020 Council considered a Notice of Motion from Mayor Desjardins respecting the Township becoming a member of the Victoria Chamber of Commerce. At that meeting Council resolved as follows:

 

      “WHEREAS the municipalities of Victoria, Saanich, View Royal and Colwood are
      currently members, which reflects the regional impact of The Chamber.

 

      AND WHEREAS Esquimalt supports the Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce and its
      local business representation.

 

       AND WHEREAS the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce work with local
      Chambers and take a regional approach to their work.

 

      THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Township of Esquimalt become a member of
      the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce for 2021.

 

The current membership terms is concluding so staff are seeking Council direction on whether to maintain the Township’s membership with the Victoria Chamber of Commerce.

 

 

ISSUES: 

 

1.  Rationale for Selected Option

 Membership in the Victoria Chamber of Commerce supports Council’s strategic 
priorities, specifically to boost investment in the local economy and promote the
growth and diversity of businesses.

 

2.  Organizational Implications

 There are no organizational implications with this request for decision.

 

3.  Financial Implications

 There are annual fees for membership in the Victoria Chamber of Commerce. 
The 2022 membership fees for Esquimalt total $1,177.05.

 

4.  Sustainability & Environmental Implications

 There are no sustainability and environmental implications.

 

5.  Communication & Engagement 

 Staff will notify the Victoria Chamber of Commerce of Council’s decision respecting 
Esquimalt’s membership status.

 

ALTERNATIVES:

 

1.                     That Council authorize staff to renew the membership with the Victoria Chamber of Commerce on an ongoing annual basis.

 

2.                     That Council authorize staff to renew the membership with the Victoria Chamber of Commerce for 2022 with future renewals to be evaluated annually.

 

3.                     That Council direct staff to advise the Victoria Chamber of Commerce that it does not wish to renew its membership in 2022.

 

4.                     That Council provide alternate direction to staff.