A turning point for the initiative
On February 25, 2026, senior leaders from across south Vancouver Island's data and AI community gathered at CGI's Victoria offices for the DAVI Leaders Forum. This was the fourth and final event in a structured consultation series that began in November 2025, and it marked a decisive shift from exploration to action.
The room brought together executives from technology firms, representatives from municipal and provincial government, university researchers, and leaders from community organisations. Their mandate was clear: review the findings from three previous roundtable sessions, endorse a governance model, and set the conditions for DAVI's formal launch.
Four key outcomes
1. Adoption of the Constellation Model
After evaluating several governance frameworks, participants endorsed the Constellation Model as the right structure for DAVI. This model, proven in complex multi-stakeholder initiatives across Canada, distributes leadership across three roles: self-organising Action Teams that form around specific deliverables, a Stewardship Group that maintains strategic coherence, and a Secretariat that handles backbone coordination.
The Constellation Model was chosen because it respects the reality that no single organisation owns the regional data and AI ecosystem. It allows participants to contribute on their own terms while keeping the whole initiative aligned around shared goals.
2. Five strategic priorities confirmed
Leaders affirmed the five pillars that emerged from earlier roundtables: Data Services Foundation, Sector-Focused Pilots, Literacy and Adoption, Barrier Reduction, and Infrastructure and Capital. Each pillar was pressure-tested against three criteria: regional impact, feasibility within 18 months, and alignment with Canada's 2026 AI Strategy.
The group agreed that early action should focus on Literacy and Adoption, given that research indicates only 11 to 14 percent of small businesses on the Island are currently AI-ready. Workforce and Talent was identified as the second immediate priority, driven by persistent concerns about brain drain and skills gaps.
3. April 2026 launch target confirmed
The Forum set April 2026 as the target date for DAVI's public launch. Between now and then, working groups will finalize governance documentation, secure initial funding commitments, and establish the first round of Action Teams. A launch event will bring together the broader community to introduce the initiative and invite participation.
4. Action Teams approach endorsed
Rather than building a traditional committee structure, leaders endorsed an action teams approach where small groups of practitioners self-organise around concrete deliverables. Each team defines its own scope, timeline, and membership. Teams can form, evolve, and disband as the work demands, keeping the initiative responsive and avoiding the stagnation that often plagues large collaborative efforts.
What participants said
The energy in the room reflected a shared sense that the timing is right. Several participants noted that the convergence of Canada's national AI strategy, growing data centre investment in BC, and the region's existing technology strengths creates a window of opportunity that may not stay open indefinitely.
Looking ahead
With governance decided, priorities confirmed, and a launch date set, the focus now shifts to execution. Action Team leads are being identified, the Stewardship Group is being constituted, and the Secretariat is building the coordination infrastructure needed to support the work ahead. DAVI is moving from conversation to construction. Get involved to be part of what comes next.