Westshore Business

We chat with Ellis about his vision for BC specific to: Health Care Economy Climate Change & the Environment We review his background & experience including 15 years as Chief and/or Council Member - Haisla Nation

This podcast was so much fun Kari - thank you! Thanks so much for sharing the story of the Langford based Elite Self Storage facility.  Elite Self Storage Langford is committed to providing quality storage unit rentals for your personal or household storage needs in Victoria, BC.  All their self storage units are indoor with ground level access for easy loading and unloading, no elevators or stairs to deal with. They have a variety of storage unit sizes ranging from 25 to 150 square feet.  Equipped with video surveillance and individual coded entry with access to storage from 6 AM to 10 PM, 7 days a week. At Elite Self Storage Langford, they also have offices for rent and boardroom rentals by the hour, half day or day. If you need a professional space to host your next meeting, come to Elite Self Storage. They have a storage unit for all your needs. Book today!

So many fabulous projects underway in Esquimalt. We chat and review updates with Mayor Desjardins about: the Town Square the Library new Senior Facilities multiple condo projects @ Dunsmuir / Westbay Quay detailed discussion regarding Gorge Park developments the Public Safety Building (across from the Town Square) businesses are growing in Esquimalt: small business growth accelerating, even during COVID strong community support small, but mighty, Chamber of Commerce hugely supportive, e.g., shop local promotions Navy & Graving Dock in growth phase strong home based business sector active Farmer Market @ Bullen Field the market gives away food via a "market bucks" program active Social Media support - "Esquimalt Urban Farmers" Facebook Page (7,000 members)

In our first series of post election/election Westshore Business podcast interviews, we chat with Colwood Mayor Rob Martin about transportation, transportation & transportation. Topics include: rail Royal Bay ferry Sooke Road projects / Colwood Corners we chat about the numerous modalities of transportation Galloping Goose bridge on Sooke Road / electric bikes how can constituents help with securing infrastructure funding Strongly consider attending a Public Hearing this evening (online @ 6pm - November 9th - https://www.colwood.ca/city-hall/public-notices/public-hearing-november-9-royal-beach) to discuss the Royal Beach OCP & Land use Bylaw amendments. The Royal Beach Sub Area Plan will include land use policies and design guidelines specific to Royal Beach. 

Many topics were covered in last night's (13th) Leadership Debate. One of the discussions addressed was systemic societal racism. Kelly & I discussed this issue during this morning's Facebook Live session (https://www.facebook.com/Kellyforlangford) - here is a brief representation of Kelly's perspectives specific to systemic societal racism. #bcpoli #bcvotes #BCelxn2020 #yyj

We chat about the Westshore Community attributes that created the community & economic foundation as represented in today's (13th) TC article labeled "Booming Colwood: Hundreds of millions of dollars in projects." https://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/booming-colwood-hundreds-of-millions-of-dollars-in-projects-1.24219391 

Listen to a brief testimonial to the Small Business Sector by Mike Wignall, Partner with Westbrook Consulting. Mike was a guest on today's (October 5th) Facebook Live session with Kelly Darwin, Liberal Candidate for Langford - Juan de Fuca.  Kelly is a Small Business advocate for the Westshore. 

Listen to Colwood Mayor Rob Martin review Colwood superstar council's 3 most recent extraordinary economic development announcements: Seaspan Victoria Shipyards centre in the Allendale District new Royal Bay Elementary School Royal BC Museum Archives re-locating to Colwood Royal Bay

Colwood Mayor Rob Martin (5:57 - 24:50) - families are attracted to the Westshore…"the place to be" - Colwood's focus is on creating prosperity in the household…i.e., household wealth Housing affordability business support, especially small business - Development activity: Wale Road "hole" - 147 affordable housing units Colwood Corners Corridor Royal Bay - 2100 residents / 300,000 sq ft commercial 40,000 sq ft supermarket / 10,000 sq ft Day-care within the next 5 years we'll see a billion dollars of development spending between all the numerous Royal Bay projects Rob reviews how Colwood can help the region in total Olympic View, Allendal District and Colwood Corners round out the balance of developments that will generate $2.5 Billion in development activity Attendees Question - transportation review - how will people move around efficiently?   Citified Media CEO Mike Kozakowski (24:56 - 53:35) - we discuss how to get in and out of Sooke more efficiently - $90 million highway improvement project continuing - extensive detailed discussion - BC Transit improvements (Sooke residents top CRD transit users) - 80 kilometres of undeveloped land just beyond Sooke (Westhore Business Cooridor) - Port Renfrew Tourism exploding with Tourism activity - we chat sewage and water capacity for the region - we review the political & community appetite for growth - daycare & medical facility development updates   Acting Mayor & Councillor Matt Sahlstrom & Langford Manager of Business Development & Events Donna Petrie (53:35 - 1:13:00) - Langford's community priority specific to building out the arts & culture sector Maritime Museum 1200 seat theater Planetarium with observation deck Conference Center - Film Industry and Studio Development updates - Donna Petrie chats in detail about "I am Langford", an exciting branding and promotional project (June - end of September) - Langford on pace for record construction activity and development permit applications this year - transportation needs & capacity related discussion - we review the Luxton area grounds development updates   Summary - 1:14:00 Rob Martin - 1:16:04 Mike Kozakowski - 1:18:16 Matt Sahlstrom - 1:22:16  

What a totally fun podcast Kelly Darwin and I had with Graham Hafey, CEO of V2V Black Hops Brewing Company. We had an in-depth discussion about the 8 fabulous taps at V2V. The top 3 sellers are:  #1 - Brig Blond Ale #2 - Sea King IPA #3 - Victory Ale  Other taps include the Langford Lager, the Nigh Shift Dunkel, the Gunpowder Stout, Barley Wine and Fire Hose Gose. We briefly chat about V2V's extraordinary growth in Alberta! We can't wait to chat again soon.

In this episode we talk with Colwood Major Rob Martin, MLA for Esquimalt Metchosin Mitzi Dean and Member of Parliament for Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke Randall Garrison. We joined together for this podcast directly following the Colwood Recovery Roundtable Meeting which was attended by Government leaders as well as  Community and Business leaders and members. This discussion focuses mainly on what we are calling the "beginning of the middle". How are people coping with a few more freedoms in BC's phase two as compared to Phase one and how will businesses adapt.  We continue to talk about shopping, growing and supporting local and what that looks like and how that works. Also a significant topic of discussion is the cooperation we are seeing across Municipal, Provincial and Federal Governments along with the non partisan needs of small business owners.  If you are interested in hearing how the different levels of Government are functioning thru this health crisis and what the business community is connecting and not connecting with when it comes to support and stimulus then please give this podcast a listen. Kelly & John would like to sincerely thank Rob, Mitzi and Randall for their passion, commitment and leadership through these challenging times. We have often been surprised and humbled by your energy, concern and genuine optimistic outlook towards our communities and ourselves. Once again we are reminded how lucky we are to live where we live and how thankful we are to be in this community with these exceptional leaders. Stay Safe,  Kelly Darwin & John Juricic

We chatted with Graham Hafey, CEO V2V Black Hops Brewing Company. we review the background business objectives to V2V Black Hops brewing we chat about the myriad of V2V products (8 beers on tap) and the motivation behind the beer themes outdoor patio is open...we chat about re-opening strategies & psychological impact of customers re-initiating demand & their buying environment (must be safe) live music entertainment planned military movie nights  we review Graham's overview of the Westshore hospitality business Graham reviews his charity oriented business model we review government business subsidy programs

We review the Westshore economy with a Langford based Civil Engineering leader (https://www.wbrook.ca/):  they are busier than ever / construction is busier than ever reviewing their digital office transformation (ZOOM, Microsoft Teams) we review implementation protocols…brand new skills have been learned…a draft team meeting etiquette has been created amazed at the staff productivity from home, but healthy, creative banter is missing…team morale could be impacted…we chat about staff coffees at Timmy's - can they be replaced online? "only as strong as your staff" - look after them…Mike talks examples a new workplace might remain hybrid (home & office) business in Langford hasn't stopped revenue has increased for many companies, including Westbrook

We review the last couple of months:  - staff & constituent concerns - we're now at the "beginning of the middle" - new concerns: how do we re-build? what is the new normal? how to transition the federal programs to a "new normal"----more---- - non-partisan cooperation has been extra-ordinary - no playbook for this economy - program tweaking & feedback was acted on immediately   Post Covid Economy  - health crisis needs to be under control - must consider deficit management at some-time in the near future - how to strengthen broken supply chains within Canada - strengthening manufacturing sector & economic resiliency - shop local - we chat food security  (Alistair is the NDP critic for Agriculture & Rural Economic Development) / establish strong local food hubs / localized food production   Mental Health Issues  - we chat about numerous community reactions including First Nations & long-term care homes  

In this episode John and Kelly chat with Esquimalt-Metchosin MLA Mitzi Dean about some of the following topics: BC's restart phases Making more supplies locally The Buy BC Program (https://iafbc.ca/buy-bc/) Buy BC Partnership Program E-commerce Funding Stream (https://iafbc.ca/buy-bc/buy-bc-partnership-program-e-commerce-funding-stream/) What businesses will look like in the "New Normal" Schools and how will that work The challenges of Digital vs. Personal Visit Mitzi Deans website here: http://bcndpcaucus.ca/mla/mitzi-dean/ Visit The Westshore Business main site: https://www.westshore.business/ Do you have almost half an hour to spare? Visit 27 minutes with John & Kelly: https://www.27minutes.ca/

This is a "must" listen session with John Ranns, Mayor of Metchosin.

100,000 masks being distributed (at cost) being delivered to businesses till shields, face shields and hand sanitizers available via mobile PPE stocked vans $1,000 - $2,000 worth of PPE equipment sold daily daily one of these PPE supply vans will be parked in front of City Hall for residents in-home testing still available The Mayor's thoughts regarding a post-COVID economy... January - March 2019 - $108 million in development permits January - March 2020 - $146 million in development permits Langford never really closed! Big Box stores still open keep the essential services open trying to obtain a Rapid-Tester for the city much more testing & PPE is required...should be a national focus...no excuse where did you get the masks from? Mayor Young has an extensive personal network across the world, e.g., Hong Kong, England, Edmonton local procurement highlights & stories of PPE equipment purchases, i.e. masks

We understand the success of Colwood’s recovery depends on how we help our residents and businesses through these challenging times. Last night council passed a 0% residential tax lift and a business tax reduction that over the next 5 years will match the average business rate in the CRD.   In coordination with South Island Prosperity Project, Councilor Kobayashi has been appointed to the Regional Prosperity Recovery taskforce. In addition, Councilor Kobayashi chaired the Colwood Development and Business leaders Covid 19 Recovery RoundTable that included business leaders, the Westshore Chamber and council. These roundtables are designed to help the city understand the real impacts on local businesses and what we as city can do and the importance of advocating to our provincial and federal governments on how to best support local business moving forward.  Brief summary of the City survey to help us better understand how COVID-19 is impacting business owners, we invited all Colwood businesses to participate in a survey. We received 68 responses representing 16 different business categories including construction, finance, health, food + accommodation, professional + technical services, education and more. Mostly from small businesses with between one and four employees, as well as from larger businesses with up to 200 employees. About a third of the responses were from home-based business owners. Most respondents (78%) were from private sector businesses. As expected, many are taking a hit in terms of decreased sales, closures, reduced staff hours, cancelled contracts and layoffs; and most expect those impacts to continue. They offered ideas about how the City, the Province and the Federal government could help. Half the respondents expect the economic rebound to be slow, 35% are unsure. Staff are reviewing the data now and have a tentative date for a second Business Round Table discussion to move forward with actions.  health – balancing continued vigilance with loosening restrictions, continuing to follow the direction of the provincial health officer  protecting vulnerable populations – approval of affordable housing at 85 Belmont  I have a question for the two of you since you over the last month spoken to almost all the Westshore Mayors as well as our MLA Mitzi Dean. My question is “what has the Westshore done right with Covid and what are opportunities for our communities do our municipalities have moving forward?  

In this episode we talk to District of Highlands Mayor Ken Williams about the park closures due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and how the Highlands is British Columbia's most efficient municipality! Record April 20th 2020

Thanks to View Royal Mayor David Screech for an overview of View Royal's response to the COVID health crisis. Highlights: 4 mile pub / 6 mile pub / casino - all major revenue sources for the municipality, all closed View Royal staff becoming the defacto information portal for the community

In our first "Recorded" Podcast with Esquimalt-Metchosin MLA Mitzi Dean we talk about a number of topics related to life in the Westshore and across our Province. Both John and Kelly would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to everyone in MLA Deans office that continue to work and help local residents in this very stressful and challenging environment. COVID-19 Topics and Links Small Business BC Covid Information - https://covid.smallbusinessbc.ca/hc/en-us WestShore Chamber of Commerce dedicated COVID-19 web page - https://www.westshore.bc.ca/covid19.html Gender Equity in B.C. Mitzi Dean is the Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/gender-equityh We also talked about the co-operative nature and communication between the Municipal, Provincial and Federal Governments. https://www.colwood.ca/ http://mitzidean.ca/ https://randallgarrison.ndp.ca/ Esquimalt-Metchosin Constituency Office http://mitzidean.ca/ 250-952-5885 Mitzi.Dean.MLA@leg.bc.ca

In this podcast with Lindsay, Co-owner of Country Bee Honey Farm (6440 West Saanich Rd) discusses: their planned walking & pollinating tour Lindsay reviews all the farm animals located at their business for folks to visit and enjoy we had fun talking about lean-to's... there are over 50 bee-hives at the farm  we chat about Agri-Tourism development on the Peninsula likely more stay-cations this summer move to local food & support local we talk about multi-ZOOM virtual dinner table meetings... :)  

We chatted with Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins about Esquimalt's COVID 19 response. She reviewed what has happened, what is happening and most intriguing what will happen in the near future. Listen in to this concisely planned and managed response to our Global Health crisis. 

Please note that we conduct these podcasts somewhat on the fly...they're very impromptu...we are certainly not in a recording studio...LOL! But the information needs to get out to the community asap...today Mayor Young reviews: his summary of the current status of the of the virus in his community his analysis of government recovery and assistance programs: a reflection of Langford's in-home testing program the new construction site working rules announced April 3rd  

We discuss the City of Colwood's: response to stopping the spread of COVID-19 working relationship with the Provincial Health Officer preparation for future economic impacts immediate budget implications - "moving towards a 0% tax lift" The Mayor also discusses the emotional & mental impact of this health crisis on the Colwood community. Colwood notice: On Tuesday, April 7th at 6pm, HMCS Calgary will depart Esquimalt Harbour as military personnel deploy and leave their families behind during some of the most uncertain and challenging times we have ever encountered. Base Commander, Captain Sam Sader and Mayor Rob Martin are working together to allow military families access to the Lagoon Beach in Colwood to wave goodbye to loved ones and see the ship off as it sails out. This small action will be a great comfort to both the departing sailors and the partners and children staying behind. Colwood Bylaw Officers will open the gate at Fort Rodd Hill to allow families to access the beach. Base personnel will ensure families comply with strict physical distancing measures for the hour or so that they will be there. Bylaw Officers will re-lock the gate after military families have departed.

Westshore Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Business & Health Resources web page  Individual Programs: EI Programs - Emergency Response Benefits Tax Return & Remittances Deadlines  GST Credits / Canada Child Benefits Deferred Bill Payments Business Programs: Workshare Program 75% Wage Subsidy up to $40M in Small Business Cda Government secured business loans We all reflect on the mental strains and challenges that small business owners are experiencing during this pandemic

General discussions about: re-inforcing practises to keep healthy where to find testing kits...how much do test kits cost? how testing is a mission one priority masks - we need more! the necessity of a crisis manager to be a central operations manager health care workers are our heroes! door to door food delivery precautions procurement policies & pipeline politics

- reinforcing strategies to stop community spread: stay home wash hands implement physical distancing - visit https://covidlangford.com/ - call 778-600-0240 for help - Langford to implement "In Home Testing" partnering with Forbes Pharmacy - service to expand to Westshore Communities including View Royal, Metchosin, Colwood & Sooke.

This is the first (March 26th) of a regular series of podcast updates from Mayor Young about the COVID-19 Global Pandemic. Municipality of Langford resources for help and assistance: COVID-19 Langford Response Team - https://covidlangford.com/ COVID-19 Call Center - 778-600-0240    

We have a social distancing appropriate podcast and discuss a myriad of online video conference platforms...and most of the human behaviors that happen when sitting in front of a computer engaging with other digital people...LOL! We used ZOOM and recorded a video as well...see below...     

OPEN FOR BUSINESS AWARD – TOP 3 IN BC Colwood’s summer beach events earned the City an Open for Business Award from BC Small Business. Eliminated business licenses in 2016----more---- Demonstrating Colwood is open for business and welcomes innovative entrepreneurs A growing number of opportunities for retail, dining, office, light industrial with Colwood Corners, Royal Bay, Royal Beach and the Allandale Lands. COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR February 22 was the first ever CNOY Walk on the West Shore, hosted by Pacific Centre Family Services Association and Our Place Society. Members of Colwood Council and staff were out walking to support vital programs for people who are hurt, hungry or homeless in our community. 173 walkers, 27 teams, 18 volunteers, 5 members of Colwood Council Over $22,000 raised Colwood is a supportive community SHELF READY DESIGNS FOR TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC REALM IMPROVEMENTS A number of projects that will enhance the public realm, improve the safety and convenience of walking, cycling and driving, and attract new investment. Metchosin Road – Sooke to Royal Bay (sidewalks, cycling, lighting, landscaping) Sooke Road – Metchosin to VMP (sidewalks, cycling, lighting, landscaping) Roundabout at Latoria & VMP – enable Olympic View development Intersection of Sooke & Metchosin – safety upgrades Allandale Road – intersection, roads, sidewalks, cycling, lighting, landscaping  COLWOOD DAIRY & CHEESE Colwood Council designated it a heritage building to ensure its protection Built in 1852 Oldest building in the West Shore and one of 6 in BC Incredible example of early settlement and agriculture  2330 SOOKE ROAD Preparing the land for the construction of 18 townhomes, 27 condos, and 32 rental apartments. Great example of integrating development into the environment – protection of trees, buffer between established neighbourhood, and targeting 40% open space preserved. Sooke Road identified as a transit corridor and growth area in the OCP. Frontage improvements: road, sidewalk, cycling, transit & landscaping. The City anticipates a building application to come forward for the proposed

We start the "Westshore Business" podcast series in the New Year with an informative and exciting update with Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins. ----more----We chat about: - the Amenity Fund...the current status...potential projects & opportunities... - a real estate report...which projects are being planned for the next several years... - the South Island Prosperity Project (SIPP) and their involvement with economic development planning...

Podcast Review Maclean's Magazine Canada Wide Awards Top 25 Best Communities to live 6th best place in Canada to retire 2nd safest community in BC----more---- (a summary of Colwood Awards & Achievements - https://www.colwood.ca/discover-colwood/awards-and-achievements) Grumpy Taxpayer's - 1st Place Award: Infrastructure Replacement Plan "Approved Temporary Use Permit" - why is this important...? We reviewed the upcoming pop-up coffee shop in Royal Bay. we discussed some of the background rationale in answering the question "Why live in Colwood", e.g., progressive land-use policy for business & the community.  we chatted the Xmas light-up event & the role of sponsors

One of our region's best kept secrets has been the amazing "stuff" going on in Esquimalt…for business…for the community…for the region.----more---- Listen in to our inaugural podcast with Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins. We have so much to review & talk about in this exciting municipality that we'll be engaging in regular podcasts with Mayor Desjardins. Stay tuned!

    Welcome to our first podcast of "Seriously Social", the Social Media Department voice of Seriously Creative! We intend to dig deep into the issues, products and implementation related stuff that Small Business employers encounter when intending to take advantage of Social Media marketing for their business. In this episode, we: introduce our team of Briana & Kelly...including our guest podcaster John Juricic talk about how a small business could get started using Social Media talk thru some of the myths & confusion business owners have regarding Social Media Marketing generally we make most of the mistakes that a new podcast would make...like... John laughing to loud into the Mic... John needing to set the Mic setting differently next time so that we're all heard equally... John moving the Mic too much... So other than that, enjoy our first of many podcasts dealing directly with Social Media Marketing implementation for Small Business. 

#SOHOsummitt - Kelly Darwin​ & I are broadcasting from the amazing SOHO Summitt in the glorious Elements Casino in View Royal - celebrating small business!----more---- Thanks to Chris Burdge​ for your vision and organization! We listen to Martin Newham, Membership Ambassador, Westshore Chamber of Commerce.

#SOHOsummitt - Kelly Darwin​ & I are broadcasting from the amazing SOHO Summitt in the glorious Elements Casino in View Royal - celebrating small business! Thanks to Chris Burdge​ for your vision and organization! We listen to the amazing Humaira Ahmed, CEO of Locelle.

#SOHOsummitt - Kelly Darwin​ & I are broadcasting from the amazing SOHO Summitt in the glorious Elements Casino in View Royal - celebrating small business! Thanks to Chris Burdge​ for your vision and organization! We listen to the amazing services being provided by Linda Mackie, conference photography.

#SOHOsummitt - Kelly Darwin​ & I are broadcasting from the amazing SOHO Summitt in the glorious Elements Casino in View Royal - celebrating small business! Thanks to Chris Burdge​ for your vision and organization! We listen to the amazing stories being provided by Jessica Woollard & Daphne Wood from the Greater Victoria Public Library. 

#SOHOsummitt - Kelly Darwin​ & I are broadcasting from the amazing SOHO Summitt in the glorious Elements Casino in View Royal - celebrating small business! Thanks to Chris Burdge​ for your vision and organization! We listen to the amazing services being provided by Ingrid Vaughan, Leadership Coach.

#SOHOsummitt - Kelly Darwin​ & I are broadcasting from the amazing SOHO Summitt in the glorious Elements Casino in View Royal - celebrating small business! Thanks to Chris Burdge​ for your vision and organization! We listen to the amazing services being provided by Alexandra Dawes of www.Virtualcfo.ca!

#SOHOsummitt - Kelly Darwin & I are broadcasting from the amazing SOHO Summitt in the glorious Elements Casino in View Royal - celebrating small business! Thanks to Chris Burdge for your vision and organization! We listen to the amazing services being provided by the Westshore Chamber of Commerce & ED Julie Lawlor!

#SOHOsummitt - Kelly Darwin & I are broadcasting from the amazing SOHO Summitt in the glorious Elements Casino in View Royal - celebrating small business! Thanks to Chris Burdge for your vision and organization! We listen to the amazing services being provided by Nicole Bentham @ Victoria Buzz!

#SOHOsummitt - Kelly Darwin​ & I are broadcasting from the amazing SOHO Summitt in the glorious Elements Casino in View Royal - celebrating small business! Thanks to Chris Burdge​ for your vision and organization! This episode highlights the guys from www.brand2sales.com!

Welcome to our initial podcast from the very exciting SOHO Conferencde...many more to come. 

"Westshore Business" is honoured to be talking to Rob Martin, the Mayor of Colwood, for a second time this year! There are so many exciting things going on in Colwood these days it's hard to keep up. However, in our latest podcast, we were to chat about at least three of these activities:----more---- 2 awards were earned by the City recently...an International Award & UBCM Community Excellence Award for Asset Management specific to Colwood's Sustainable Infrastructure Replacement Plan. We were able to secure a scoop so to speak...listen in to the Mayor announcing the name of the developer of the Allendale Pit lands (actually 4 parcels of land of about 19 acres) the recent VREB tour around Colwood for 20 Real Estate Agents... We'll be touching base again with Mayor Martin before Christmas...there are so many exciting activities & developments going on in Colwood it's hard to keep up! :)