BizNews

Breaking news for Greater Victoria businesses

Published weekly, BizNews offers information to help Greater Victoria’s business community make sense of our shifting economic and political landscape. The Chamber’s flagship newsletter is distributed to more than 5,000 subscribers who are highly engaged and active in our region’s business community. Scroll down to read the latest.

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Saanich to hear amalgamation report July 14

The District of Saanich announced today it will receive a formal presentation and begin next steps on July 14 on the report recommending Saanich and the City of Victoria amalgamate has been published and can be viewed online. Chamber members have long called for this to happen and The Chamber was an early voice for […]

Jo Campbell remembered as legendary philanthropist

One of Greater Victoria’s most legendary philanthropists has died at the age of 85. Jo Campbell was co-founder of Thrifty Foods along with her husband Alex Campbell, who was named Chamber Lifetime Achievement winner in 2009 and inducted into The Chamber Business Hall of Fame in 2022. “Jo and Alex were a team working together to create and grow Thrifty Foods […]

Deuce Days returns to Greater Victoria next week

One of our region’s most spectacular events is returning next week for the first time since 2022. The 11th edition of Northwest Deuce Days runs July 17-20. It is known as the world’s largest gathering of 1932 Fords — nicknamed Deuces and beloved for their distinctive front grill — as well as many more pre-1952 vehicles. The gathering […]

Saanich hears from public on Quadra McKenzie Plan

A revised Draft Quadra McKenzie Plan will go back to the public for further input this fall, after the District of Saanich Council heard from residents who are passionate about the area. “The Quadra McKenzie planning process has sparked unprecedented public involvement,” Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock said. “Council has listened closely, and we have directed staff to revise the plan based […]

Strong start to summer for real estate market

The latest numbers offer more evidence Greater Victoria’s real estate sector has moved beyond the uncertainty that had disrupted markets over the past five years. “Recent market trends suggest that we have finally transitioned from a pandemic-driven market to more conventional patterns,” Victoria Real Estate Board Chair Dirk VanderWal said. “We have experienced consecutive months of a healthy and […]

Actions announced to help improve safety downtown

Over the past year, we’ve heard from more businesses demanding action on crime and distress outside their storefronts. Last week, the City of Victoria announced it was reallocating $10.35 million to address community safety. “This is an issue that has been talked about for a long, long time and it’s at the point people are […]

Nominations open for 2026-27 Chamber Board

Every fall, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce holds an election for new board members. Each board member is elected for a two-year term with staggered renewal dates. Our influential board works with decision-makers to support our region’s businesses and maximize the value of membership with The Chamber. This year, four (4) board positions are up […]

Good step forward for safer supportive housing

Businesses continue to demand action on making communities safer. On Monday, the provincial government announced help for supportive housing providers dealing with problematic and dangerous individuals taking advantage of vulnerable people. A new, time-limited working group will have more authority to deal with urgent safety issues and better respond to weapons and criminal activity within supportive housing. […]

Rifflandia teams up with Greater Victoria businesses

Greater Victoria’s preeminent festival experience celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, with four days of music and fun set for the end of summer. Rifflandia will run Sept. 11–14, at Matullia Lands at Rock Bay (corner of Pembroke and Government streets). “More than ever, people are looking for ways to connect, to share experiences, and to feel […]

Chamber applauds move to keep trade talks on track

Businesses are looking forward to the economic certainty that should come out of a new trade deal between Canada and the US. The two nations are at the table now and are aiming to strike a deal before the end of the month. On Sunday, Canada played a bargaining chip that will help Canadian businesses and consumers […]

Inflation stays stable in May, reflecting slow economy

The Consumer Price Index rose 1.7% on a year-over-year basis in May, matching the 1.7% increase in April, Statistics Canada said. Compared to the same month last year, slower paced increases to rent and a decline in travel tours put downward pressure on inflation this May. “After last month’s uptick in core inflation some giveback was expected. The […]