Funding request from the Greater Victoria Development Agency

Funding request from the Greater Victoria Development Agency

Dear Mayor and Council;

The Greater Victoria Development Agency (GVDA) was formed two years ago by a group of businesses, business associations and regional stakeholders to provide an industry-led solution to coordinated regional economic development.

As outlined in the provincial charter, economic development is one of the responsibilities of all municipalities. Funding for operations is currently provided by the City of Victoria, Saanich, Esquimalt, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, as well as a number of other industry partners. In addition, the GVDA has been very successful in leveraging those resources, by accessing funds from the provincial and federal governments for projects that will benefit the entire region. The GVDA has worked hard to build these efficiencies through collaboration and the attached package highlights just some of our work to date.

The financial benefits of delivering this service on a cost sharing basis are significant, and in order to accomplish the objectives set out in our strategic plan, we need to raise an additional $100,000 so that we may continue to the good work and leverage even more resources for our community. It is in the spirit of promoting the strengths of our region and building on the prosperity we enjoy, that we are requesting $10,000 in funding from your municipality.

The Greater Victoria Development Agency Economic Development Officer, Sasha Angus, is prepared to answer questions and make presentations. Please feel free to contact him directly at 383-7191 ext 204 or sangus@gvda.ca.

Thank you in advance for your consideration of our request. We look forward to working with you to make sure that our region remains a vibrant place to live and work.

Sincerely,

Michael Weston Chair Greater Victoria Development Agency

Attachment: Information package