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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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Defence strategy aims to bolster Canadian businesses

February 18, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Government Federal, Streamlined Regional Regulations

Amid an ocean of economic uncertainty, Canada’s defence industry has emerged as a lighthouse for businesses seeking secure funding sources. This week, the federal government announced its new Defence Industrial Strategy that includes $357.7 million for a Regional Defence Investment Initiative. In BC, PacificCan to distribute $67.5 million over the next three years. Applications for […]

Saanich celebrates Heritage Week with cookbook

February 18, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Government Local

This week is Heritage Week in BC and the District of Saanich Archives is marking the occasion with a community cookbook as well as a special exhibit showcasing the municipality’s agricultural roots. “This year’s theme, Stir the Pot, highlights food as an important form of heritage — connecting us to land, culture, ancestors, memories and […]

Victoria Business Hub rolling out series of sessions

February 18, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Government Local, New And Established Businesses, Safe Communities

The City of Victoria Business Hub is planning aa series of events to support entrepreneurs and established businesses. The series begins with a bootcamp on Feb. 23 for those developing a business plan. It continues with a conversation on cybersecurity on March 17 and a session focused on business safety during times of social disorder […]

Budget 2026 reveals difficult fiscal reality facing businesses

February 18, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Government Provincial, Inflation And Rising Costs, Safe Communities

More than 170 people attended this morning’s Breakfast with BC’s Finance Minister — an annual tradition held the day after the provincial Budget is unveiled. The gathering was the first chance for businesses to hear directly from Finance Minister Brenda Bailey and ask questions through Chamber CEO John Wilson. “As always, we’re grateful that Minister […]

Nations sign agreement with airport authority

February 4, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Indigenous Business Support And Reconciliation, Transportation Options

The Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) entered into a 15-year Friendship Agreement today with the W̱SÁNEĆ First Nations, including the BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin), W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) and W̱SÍ,ḴEM (Tseycum). The groups have a commitment to work together in support of reconciliation and the future of the airport and surrounding community. “This Friendship Agreement reflects the leadership […]

New tool helps Chamber track local industry data

February 4, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Global Uncertainty

The Canadian Chamber has released a new tool to help understand the geographic and economic footprint of different industries on regions across the country. The Business Data Lab’s Canadian Industry Tracker is available to chambers that are part of the national network. The tracker combines economic, workforce, trade, productivity and business outlook indicators — many […]

Saanich heeds feedback on Quadra McKenzie plan

February 4, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Chamber News, Government Local, Housing, Streamlined Regional Regulations, Transportation Options

After the latest round of public feedback, a decision on the future of one of the region’s busiest traffic corridors will need further review. The Quadra McKenzie Plan is a massive undertaking by the District of Saanich that is trying to reimagine the future of the neighbourhoods near this intersection. Saanich worked with business and […]

Chamber’s voice helping call for action to save downtown

February 4, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Chamber News, Government Provincial, Safe Communities, Streamlined Regional Regulations

The Chamber is raising the volume on its calls for urgent action to save Downtown Victoria. Last week, Chamber CEO John Wilson authored a letter to BC Finance Minister Brenda Bailey asking her to prioritize downtown safety in the provincial budget. The Minister is set to unveil BC Budget 2026 on Feb. 17, before speaking […]

Misleading emails falsely claim to sell Chamber lists

January 28, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Safe Communities

The Chamber does not sell our members’ contact information. If you receive an email or message offering to sell you a list of Chamber members, please use caution. We are getting reports of emails soliciting our members with false claims. The Chamber takes the protection of our members’ information seriously. Don’t engage in any way with these […]

Belleville Terminal meets new construction milestone

January 28, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Government Federal, Government Local, Government Provincial, Hospitality And Tourism Rescue And Recovery, Transportation Options

The Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project is entering the next phase of work, with dredging of the designated marine construction zone starting Feb. 2. This work to remove contaminated soils happens Monday to Friday, 7 am to 7 pm, and Saturdays, 10 am to 7 pm, until Feb. 17. A crane barge and three support barges […]

Bay Street Bridge repair work will run until summer

January 28, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Government Local, Streamlined Regional Regulations, Transportation Options

The Bay Street Bridge — formally the Point Ellice Bridge — is set for major upgrades starting in the second week of February. Construction will take until the end of spring and includes replacing the bridge’s expansion joints to accommodate a wider range of temperature changes and upgrading the drainage system, which dates back to […]

Support stronger reforms to crime prevention laws

January 28, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Chamber News, Government Federal, Safe Communities

Are you tired of seeing stories about repeat offenders creating chaos with downtown businesses? The Chamber has been an outspoken advocate for urgent changes from all levels of government, including federal. We supported their initial reform effort, but are now ramping up efforts to expand the changes. You can help by emailing the Standing Committee […]