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Author: Laura Dohan

2019 Job Fair

Posted on by Laura Dohan

The First Cruise Ships Arrive in April – Employers are Hiring Now

February 6th, 2019, Victoria, B.C. – The Victoria Cruise Industry Alliance (VCIA) is calling on job seekers, entry-level to experienced, to attend the third annual VCIA job fair.

Over 800 jobs were created in Victoria as a direct result of cruise ships in 2018 and this number is anticipated to grow in 2019 with the increased number of passengers visiting our port. On average, passengers spend $83 in Victoria, while ship crew spend approximately $113.

This year, 264 ship arrivals and over 700,000 cruise passengers are expected to arrive in Victoria through Ogden Point. An increase in passengers means more jobs and more pressure on businesses to continue to reduce the carbon footprint per passenger.

“Victoria prides itself on locally owned and operated businesses. The cruise industry provides ongoing opportunity for these businesses to be part of the positive economic impact that [cruise] passengers bring to Greater Victoria”, says Andrew Capeau, President of Victoria Pedicab Company. His pedal-powered transportation fleet employs approximately 40 Victoria residents and picks up thousands of passengers from the pier each season.

Businesses such as The Butchart Gardens, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, Coast Guard and Orca Spirit, and many more will be recruiting at the job fair. Employers are hiring for a variety of positions, ranging from front-line to skilled trade and administrative-related roles. Everyone from first-time job seekers and post-secondary to those who are looking to stay involved in their retired years.

Job seekers are encouraged to bring a resume to Ogden Point at the Western Stevedoring building. 185 Dallas Rd, Victoria, BC V8V 1A1 on February 23rd from 10am – 2pm. Free parking is available on site.

For more information on the job fair and cruise ships in Victoria, visit the VCIA website: www.viccruise.com

The Victoria Cruise Industry Alliance (VCIA) is a grassroots group of like-minded Greater Victoria region retail businesses and industry service providers. Alliance members are enthusiastic supporters of Victoria’s annual cruise ship season for the range of benefits that it delivers to the community. In addition to showcasing the beautiful city of Victoria to the world, the jobs that come with the annual cruise ship visits support families, pay tuitions, pay mortgages and so much more. The cruise ships also provide meaningful employment to a highly skilled and well-educated labour force in Victoria.

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Media Contact
Andrew Capeau
President, Victoria Pedicab Company
250-884-0121 ext 100
acapeau@yahoo.com

Cruise ship season underway in Victoria

Posted on by Laura Dohan

The 2016 cruise ship season is officially underway in Victoria, with the first ship coming and going from the city on Sunday. But the port authority is eager to have the ships stick around a little longer.

The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority has set its sights on becoming a home port by 2020. 

“The economic benefit to Victoria and the region would be significant,” said Ian Robertson, chief executive of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority. 

Currently, the city is a port of call where ships are berthed anywhere from five to 16 hours. But if it became a home port, like Vancouver or Seattle, the cruise ship would begin and end its journey there. 

The cruise ship industry is worth $100M annually to Victoria, according to the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority. (Greater Victoria Harbour Authority)

“Many passengers, in fact all of them, will come and spend three to four days at the beginning of their journey or three to four days at the conclusion of their journey. What they are doing is they are staying in hotels, eating in restaurants, taking in various activities,” he said. 

He says the financial benefits could jump from $45,000 to over $1 million per ship. 

Victoria would be competing with Seattle and Vancouver for the Alaska cruise business, but Roberston believes there is enough business for all three. 

“Vancouver and Seattle are becoming extremely challenged with available berth space on the critical Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays,” he said, “and that is where Victoria is wide open.” 

James Bay residents in Victoria have raised concerns about the pollution and congestion that comes with cruise ship season. (Greater Victoria Harbour Authority)

Concerns over pollution

But James Bay residents have expressed concerns that a busy cruise ship translates to more traffic congestion and pollution from the ships. 

“Cruise lines have taken positive steps to install what is called a scrubber technology, which essentially works to scrub out all the ugly stuff that goes into the air,” he said. 

Robertson admits there is still work to be done when it comes to buses that are used to transport passengers.

“We are introducing a double-decker, fully electric bus,” he said, “that bus will be used in various shore excursions and shuttles.”

With files from the CBC’s On The Island. 

To hear the full story listen to the audio labelled: Victoria sets eyes on becoming a home port by 2020