Advocacy Priorities

The solution is to address the underlying issues:

Transportation Options

The Chamber has been vocal in calling for a regional approach to transportation, and the provincial government responded by announcing the South Island Transportation Plan. There is still much work to do, however.

A regional transportation plan is needed to reduce commute times, improve active-mobility networks, ensure parking downtown and expand transit. Well-planned transportation is vital to making sure we use our limited geography wisely.

After housing, child care is the second largest expense for working families. The Chamber applauds all levels of government for making new investments in child care.

But there’s still work to do. Our region needs more child care spaces and more trained staff, and child care must be affordable to allow working parents to fully participate in the workforce.

Without increased immigration, Vancouver Island will face a severe shortage of workers over the next decade. We need workers to move to our region from elsewhere in Canada as well as from other countries. Creating post-grad co-op opportunities for international students could create a path to citizenship for people already working here.

We also need to ensure our local Indigenous population and all of our diverse communities are fully integrated into Greater Victoria’s economy.

The No. 1 expense for workers in Greater Victoria is the cost of their home. The Chamber will continue advocating for a multi-pronged approach. All levels of government need to encourage an increase in the supply of private-market housing as well as investing in housing for all — including affordable rental units and non-market housing for working families.

This is a complex issue, and The Chamber will advocate for all levels of government to work together with the private sector on solutions that improve the quality of life for everyone.

We need solutions that create more housing supply, and not policies that increase costs.

We need to ensure all citizens and visitors feel secure in downtown Victoria, and in every community in Greater Victoria.

Homeless Solutions

Without adequate housing supply and support networks, people struggling with mental health and addictions are at risk of becoming homeless. As anti-social and criminal behaviour becomes more visible in downtown Victoria, we risk driving away businesses and citizens who pay the taxes needed to fund police and other agencies that provide evidence-based solutions.

Policing

The disconnect between our region’s urban and suburban neighbourhoods is clearly evident in how our region is policed. A merger of the Saanich and Victoria police departments would be a good first step to address the capacity and resource problems facing Victoria’s police department, while providing new opportunities for Saanich officers.

Enforcement

Businesses pay property taxes that municipalities use to maintain order. Safe communities require the rule of law, but, to be effective, laws must be enforced.
We need our municipalities to enforce bylaws that ensure safe environments, and we need our police departments to be able to respond in a timely matter when called to help.

HealthCare

Due to many factors, more and more people are finding themselves without a regular doctor. This can lead to untreated health issues and increased workplace absenteeism. Solutions include using technology to make it easier for people to access medical expertise, and creating incentives for more medical professionals to locate here.

Businesses overall are resilient and resourceful but work best and grow fastest when their energy and resources aren’t taxed by challenges outside their control.

Better regional services

One of the best ways we can directly improve all of our economic opportunities is to ensure that we have efficient, accountable and transparent government. In 2019, Saanich and Victoria began a voter-mandated process to hold a Citizens’ Assembly looking into the pros and cons of amalgamation.

Yes, merging Greater Victoria’s cities, towns and districts has been talked about for decades, and we look forward to seeing the results of the two largest municipalities engaging in a formal process. The Chamber believes combining two great communities will create an exceptional city that will be better able to compete for workers, visitors and investment against same-sized cities across Canada.

Fair Regulations

We live in an age of change. New technologies continue to disrupt and transform society, creating opportunities and challenges for communities.

The Chamber has always evolved with the times, but we don’t think change should force existing businesses to compete with one arm tied behind their back. All levels of government need to make sure regulations provide a level playing field for everyone.

Fair regulation also applies to business property taxes. The Chamber has successfully kept a spotlight on Greater Victoria’s municipalities, making sure they “mind the gap” between business and residential taxes.

And, in partnership with other chambers, we were able to get the provincial government to agree to review BC Assessment’s “highest and best use” practice to ensure it’s fair to small businesses and non-profits that provide important services to our community.

Climate Action Leadership