Speaking Up for Business Across Greater Victoria
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is a strong, independent voice for business across the region. We advocate for our members and for a stronger Greater Victoria, one that is safe, affordable, and thriving.
Our message is clear: Greater Victoria needs leadership, accountability, and action now.
Our advocacy is focused on three priorities shaped by what we are hearing from members:
• Economy: Create the conditions for businesses to invest, grow, and strengthen Greater Victoria’s competitiveness.
• Street disorder and public safety: Restore safety, confidence, and accountability across the region.
• Transportation and parking: Support practical, reliable ways for people, goods, employees, and customers to move throughout Greater Victoria.
STREET DISORDER AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Restore Safety, Confidence, and Accountability
Across Greater Victoria, businesses are dealing with the daily impacts of street disorder. Vandalism, discarded needles, people in distress, harassment of staff, and concerns for customer safety are affecting areas that should be safe, walkable, and welcoming.
This is not just a perception issue. It is a reality for many businesses, and it requires urgent government action.
To restore safety and confidence across the region, governments must:
• Enforce bylaws and address entrenched street disorder.
• Expand addiction treatment and mental health capacity now, including compassionate involuntary care for people who are unable to seek help themselves.
• Ensure a consistent, visible police presence and accountability for repeat offenders.
ECONOMY
Reduce Costs, Cut Red Tape, and Strengthen Greater Victoria’s Competitiveness
Greater Victoria businesses are facing rising taxes, fees, regulatory costs, and approval delays that make it harder to invest, hire, and grow. Every new burden adds time, uncertainty, and expense in a region where affordability is already under pressure.
To keep Greater Victoria competitive, governments must
• Reduce taxes and fees that add costs for businesses and residents, and make them more competitive with other jurisdictions. • Streamline permitting, licensing, and development approvals. • Reduce unnecessary red tape and regulatory duplication across all levels of government. • Make it easier for businesses to open, expand, hire, and invest in Greater Victoria.
When governments control costs and remove unnecessary barriers, businesses can focus on serving their communities, creating jobs, and strengthening Greater Victoria’s economy.
TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING
Support Practical Ways to Move People, Goods, Employees, and Customers
A strong regional economy depends on reliable transportation and practical parking options. Businesses need employees, customers, deliveries, and visitors to move efficiently throughout Greater Victoria, whether they walk, roll, take transit, drive, or move goods.
To keep the region connected and competitive, governments must:
• Plan transportation investments that support all modes and reflect how people and goods actually move across the region. • Protect access to reliable parking for businesses, customers, employees, and visitors. • Improve regional coordination so transportation decisions support economic activity, affordability, and quality of life.
Join the Voice for a Stronger Greater Victoria
Please share your voice by contacting The Chamber 250-360-3476 or govrelations@victoriachamber.ca