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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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Workforce challenges reflected in low unemployment

January 15, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Finding And Keeping Workers, Government Federal, Government Provincial/by Jim Zeeben

Every year, The Chamber conducts a survey of our membership to help us stay on top of issues affecting your business. One of the challenges that has been near the top of list for more than a decade is finding and keeping workers. The latest numbers from Statistics Canada show that, at 4.3%, Greater Victoria […]

Cultural District plan would transform downtown

January 15, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Government Local, New And Established Businesses, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

A proposal that reimagines a section of downtown Victoria has been approved to move to the next step. Victoria council voted unanimously to approve the plans that Reliance Properties have for a new Capital Culture District. The development would transform the area between 530 Chatham St. and the 1800 to 2000 block of Store St. […]

BC Health Minister addresses addiction crisis

January 15, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

BC’s Minister of Health Josie Osborne announced today that the province was ending its failed experiment with decriminalizing hard drugs. The province is also expanding its hotline for people seeking help with addictions, promising to speed up the time it takes to provide treatment. “This is welcome news for businesses that have been frustrated watching […]

VicPD beat patrols raise police presence downtown

January 15, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

The Victoria Police Department is reintroducing a dedicated beat team that will increase the presence of police officers in downtown Victoria. The Chamber and downtown businesses have been calling for the return of a downtown police beat for months. “We’re grateful to the VicPD for listening to our concerns and taking action,” Chamber CEO John […]

Let’s talk about city’s noise bylaw over lunch

January 7, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Fair Rules, Government Local, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

The sounds of a city are rarely silent. Noise represents vibrancy and activity — groups of people spilling out of thriving restaurants and pubs, the hum of traffic and shrill of sirens or the din of construction. In the City of Victoria, we also have the overhead roar of seaplanes and the sounds of ships […]

WorkSafeBC’s average base premium rate unchanged

January 7, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Fair Rules, Finding And Keeping Workers, Inflation And Rising Costs/by Jim Zeeben

WorkSafeBC announced this week that its average base premium will remain the same as the agency uses a $570-million surplus to subsidize costs this year. The average base rate is $1.55 per $100 of assessable payroll. That’s 15% less than the average cost rate of $1.83, with the difference funded by surplus. In 2026, 39% […]

Grocery code aims to level playing field for retailers

January 7, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Food Security/by Jim Zeeben

The new Canada Grocery Code formally took effect on Jan. 1, with the aim of promoting “fair, ethical and transparent commercial dealings” across national supply chains. The code is voluntary and is designed to level the playing field between suppliers and retailers. It is governed by a board of directors and administered by the Office […]

Add your voice to help VicPD make Victoria safer

January 7, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Government Local, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

The Chamber has heard business concerns about social disorder in Downtown Victoria and we have loudly and unapologetically called for Safe Streets Now. As the voice of business for Greater Victoria, we hope all of our members can add their voice to our efforts. One way to do that is be taking five minutes to […]

Victoria seeks feedback on huge 10.44% tax increase

January 7, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Government Local/by Jim Zeeben

Taxes are going up for residents and businesses in the City of Victoria, but there’s still time to add your input. The current proposal would see property tax revenue increase by 10.44% from last year’s tax revenue of $195 million. “Nobody wants to pay 10% more in taxes and this number is disappointing to say […]

Interested in exporting to US states near the border?

December 3, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Global Uncertainty, New And Established Businesses/by Jim Zeeben

Trade and Invest British Columbia, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Canada in Seattle, is planning an educational mission for BC food and beverage companies on Feb. 3-5, in Seattle. The New Exporters to Border States mission provides an opportunity for BC companies with limited or no international trade experience to be introduced to […]

Helping those who can’t help themselves the right way

December 3, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Fair Rules, Government Local, Government Provincial, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

Progress is happening in a key area needed to improve community safety, but a lot of work left is still needed before anyone can confidently say the job is done. Last week, a significant change was made to enable health-care workers to help people unable to help themselves due to mental health or addiction issues. […]

More work still needed to lower municipal taxes

December 3, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Government Local, Inflation And Rising Costs, Streamlined Regional Regulations/by Jim Zeeben

Local governments have until May 15 to adopt their tax rate bylaws but early deliberations are already pointing to major increases. The City of Victoria has made efforts to lower costs for downtown businesses, but is still looking at a tax hike of more than 10%. Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto recently spoke to Chamber members […]