It’s hard to believe it’s only been 60 days since I stepped into the role of CEO at the South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP). It feels like both a whirlwind and a homecoming all at once. With a career that’s taken me from tech startups to boardrooms, and from small businesses to elected office, I’ve always been drawn to the dynamism and community building power of economic development. And throughout it all, I’ve held firm to the belief that collaboration is the key to breaking down barriers and unlocking true success. I’ve seen it in action time and again. That’s why leading SIPP feels like such a perfect fit.
From day one, I’ve been immersed in a torrent of activity – onboarding, event planning, meeting with stakeholders, and diving headfirst into SIPP’s diverse portfolio of initiatives. It’s been a thrilling challenge, and I’m constantly inspired by the passion, drive, and effectiveness of the team(s) here. Honestly, “WOW” just about sums it up. Everyone here is so dedicated to our mission of cultivating a vibrant and inclusive economy for the South Island, and it truly shows in everything they do.
COAST: Making Waves in the Blue Economy
One of the biggest “wow” moments came early on with the COAST Ocean Innovation Hub. This vibrant space on Herald Street is a testament to the power of partnerships and a beacon for the burgeoning blue economy. Even before its official opening, COAST was buzzing with activity, its private offices fully subscribed by innovative companies like MarineLabs, Future Marine, ESRI, Atreides, Ocean Floor Geophysics, and most recently Greenline Marine, among many more utilizing the “hot desk” spaces, meeting rooms, podcasting and gathering spaces at the Hub. The energy is palpable – it reminds me of the early 2000s tech scene, a hotbed of creativity and collaboration. Walking through the space, you can feel that buzz of innovation. People are connecting, ideas are flowing, and businesses are growing.
In only my second week, we officially launched the Hub, hosting the Seaspan-sponsored Pitchfest, where Ocean AID, a team tackling the issue of stranded ocean debris, took home the $10,000 prize. It was incredible to see the ingenuity and passion of these young entrepreneurs. The next day was investors day! Connecting promising startups in the tech (in partnership with VIATEC), life sciences (VILS), and ocean tech (COAST) sectors with potential funders. The Hub was full of excitement, with entrepreneurs pitching their hearts out and investors eager to discover the next big thing. Since then, the momentum has only increased, with new initiatives (Blue Pathways, Blue Action Canada, and so much more) coming online almost daily. COAST is not just a space; it’s an ecosystem, fostering connections and driving growth in this critical sector. Check out their website at https://canadacoast.ca/ and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/canadacoast/ to see what they’re up to!
Another highlight has been witnessing the incredible work of the Indigenous Prosperity Centre (IPC) team. On just my second day, I had the privilege of attending a collaborative session on Indigenous tourism at the Songhees Wellness Centre in partnership with Indigenous Tourism BC and Destination Greater Victoria. The energy in the room was incredible, with First Nations leaders, tourism stakeholders, and economic development professionals coming together to explore opportunities and forge a path forward. What struck me most was the deep respect for Indigenous ways of knowing and being and the commitment to sustainable tourism that permeated the entire discussion.
Indigenous Prosperity Centre: Leading the Way in Economic Reconciliation
The IPC is truly at the forefront of economic reconciliation, working closely with First Nations leadership and communities to develop culturally aligned economic initiatives, led by the Nations. From the Indigenous Business Directory (and most recent Holiday Gift Guide), which showcases the incredible work of Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs, to the PSPC Indigenous Procurement project, which is opening doors for Indigenous businesses to access government contracts, the IPC is breaking down barriers and creating pathways for Indigenous businesses to thrive. The recent “10 to Watch” award from the Indigenomics Institute is a well-deserved recognition of IPCs impactful work. You can learn more about the IPC and their inspiring work at https://indigenous-prosperity.ca/ and https://www.linkedin.com/company/indigenous-prosperity-centre/.
SIPP: Bridging the Gaps and Building a Stronger Region
Beyond these flagship initiatives, the core SIPP team is doing incredible work, as always, in the “space between.” We’re bringing together diverse stakeholders – government, non-profits, businesses, and academia – to tackle complex challenges and create solutions that benefit our entire region. We act as a convener, a facilitator, and a catalyst, driving progress on issues that no single organization could address alone.
One of many examples is our supportive work on attracting and retaining family doctors. Recognizing this as a critical economic issue, we convened a meeting of healthcare leaders, elected officials, and business representatives to explore collaborative solutions. The discussion was frank and productive, and we’re continuing to progress on this front. This is just another illustration of how SIPP can act as a catalyst, bringing the right people together to address shared challenges.
Our recent Local Leadership Forum, featuring Don Iveson and Gabe Eidelman, was yet another powerful demonstration of collaborative idea generation and creative problem-solving in action. Leaning into their important work, the Metropolitan Mindset (https://metromindset.ca/), leaders from across the region came together to share ideas and learn from each other. The energy in the room was palpable. The information gathered and ideas generated will act as the foundation for a deep-dive planning and engagement process in the weeks and months ahead. This process will lead us to our upcoming Rising Economy conference (https://ourrisingeconomy.com/) in March, where we will report out on what we’ve learned in addition to the many impactful sessions and keynotes this conference has already become famous for. This year’s program promises to be the best yet!
I’m already long on words and short on space (it’s all so exciting!), but I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a shout out to the Victoria Rising initiative (https://victoriarising.ca/). This comprehensive platform showcases Greater Victoria as a premier location for skilled workers, talent, and innovative companies. Highlighting the region’s vibrant economic landscape, cutting-edge industries, and unique quality of life, this initiative provides valuable insights and resources to attract essential workers and businesses. With access to information on job opportunities, local innovation hubs, and community initiatives, Victoria Rising is the gateway to joining our dynamic and thriving regional ecosystem. Looking to advance your career or grow your business? This platform is your starting point for success in Canada’s most desirable location. Be sure to check it out!
Looking Ahead: A Future Built on Collaboration
Whew! These past 60 days have been a whirlwind of activity, learning, and inspiration. I’m incredibly proud to be part of the SIPP team and excited about the work we’re doing to build a more prosperous and inclusive South Island. Our success hinges on the continued support of our many partners, stakeholders, and the collaborative spirit that defines our community.
I extend my sincere gratitude to the eight municipalities in the region (Victoria, Saanich, Sidney, North Saanich, View Royal, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, and Sooke) and nine First Nations (Songhees, Xwsepsem, SȾÁUTW, W̱JOȽEȽP, WSIḴEM, BOḰEĆEN , MÁLEXEȽ, SC’IȺNEW, and T’Sou-ke), along with our members in the business, non-profit and academia sectors, who recognize the value of the SIPP model and provide the critical, foundational support for our work. In the coming months, we’ll be embarking on the next chapter of our journey – I’m calling it SIPP 3.0. This is a powerful opportunity to reimagine and redefine our organization, ensuring we’re optimally positioned to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. I encourage you to share your hopes, dreams, and ideas as we navigate this exciting evolution. I’m particularly eager to continue to strengthen our relationships within the region and discover new ways to leverage our collective power. Together, we can achieve great things!
The COAST and IPC initiatives are fostering innovation and driving positive change, thanks to the generous support of our project funding partners. We are deeply grateful for the contributions of PacifiCan, Indigenous Services Canada, Public Sector Procurement Canada (Government of Canada) and Energy Mines and Low Carbon Innovation (Province of BC), along with our other valued project funding partners at Vancity, CIBC, Coast Capital, Ocean Startup Project, Thales Canada, and others to be announced in the new year. Their vision and leadership are instrumental in creating a more prosperous and sustainable economy for the communities we serve. I can’t wait to see what the future holds… I’m certain it will be full of a lot more “WOW”!
