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MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Homelessness & Panhandling—A 2014 Election Priority October 7, 2014 – Victoria, BC – Homelessness and panhandling are a challenge for visitors, local citizens and the business community. This is just one of the issues that The Chamber is pursuing as Municipal Priorities for the coming election and municipal term. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce launched its Municipal Priorities for the 2014 Election at a general meeting held this morning. Other priority areas include ensuring taxes remain within our means, reducing traffic congestion, and regional cooperation. The Chamber conducted two different surveys, one surveying The Chamber membership and the other was a public opinion survey. Both surveys identified homelessness and panhandling as an important issue in the city. Eighty-four per cent of public opinion survey respondents indicated it was important to take steps to reduce homelessness. The Chamber supports a strong community with a commitment to economic vibrancy that offers prosperity and resources to address issues facing our community. “The majority of our members were concerned about downtown being safe and welcoming,” said Frank Bourree, Chair of The Chamber. “Members were also clear about other important issues. People want more regional coordination, they don’t want taxes to increase faster than their income, and they want to see a more efficient transportation strategy.” After conducting these surveys, the message we heard was consistent: • We want our storefronts to be safe and welcoming for our customers. • We don’t want our taxes to increase faster than our income. • We want to have more time with our family and less time in traffic. • We want more cooperation on issues that affect us all. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, with approximately 1,500 members, is the voice of business for the Greater Victoria region and has received Accreditation with Distinction from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. -30- Additional information: Municipal Priorities Municipal Priorities Backgrounder For more information contact: Janet Crocker Policy and Communications Manager Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Email: jcrocker@victoriachamber.ca Phone: (250) 360-3476 Frank Bourree Chair Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Email: chair@victoriachamber.ca Phone: (250) 383-4142
MEDIA RELEASE
October 7, 2014 – Victoria, BC – Homelessness and panhandling are a challenge for visitors, local citizens and the business community. This is just one of the issues that The Chamber is pursuing as Municipal Priorities for the coming election and municipal term. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce launched its Municipal Priorities for the 2014 Election at a general meeting held this morning. Other priority areas include ensuring taxes remain within our means, reducing traffic congestion, and regional cooperation. The Chamber conducted two different surveys, one surveying The Chamber membership and the other was a public opinion survey. Both surveys identified homelessness and panhandling as an important issue in the city. Eighty-four per cent of public opinion survey respondents indicated it was important to take steps to reduce homelessness. The Chamber supports a strong community with a commitment to economic vibrancy that offers prosperity and resources to address issues facing our community. “The majority of our members were concerned about downtown being safe and welcoming,” said Frank Bourree, Chair of The Chamber. “Members were also clear about other important issues. People want more regional coordination, they don’t want taxes to increase faster than their income, and they want to see a more efficient transportation strategy.” After conducting these surveys, the message we heard was consistent: • We want our storefronts to be safe and welcoming for our customers. • We don’t want our taxes to increase faster than our income. • We want to have more time with our family and less time in traffic. • We want more cooperation on issues that affect us all. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, with approximately 1,500 members, is the voice of business for the Greater Victoria region and has received Accreditation with Distinction from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
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