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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New trail crossing at Tillicum will ease commute time

Commuters will have an easier time crossing Tillicum Road at Highway 1, once a new trail crossing opens for summer 2027. The province released illustrations on June 13 of the planned 100-metre Tillicum Active Transportation Bridge. Work is expected to begin in early 2026. Once complete, the bridge will eliminate one of the last signalized […]

Report calls for changes to ease port labour disputes

The federal government has released a report on Canada’s West Coast ports, including recommendations to protect critical supply chains. The Industrial Inquiry Commission on West Coast Ports found that changes need to be made to reflect the increasing importance of global supply chains on our economy. “The strain on Canada’s supply chains has been compounded […]

Work continues on reducing internal trade barriers

With less than two weeks to go for Canada’s new Prime Minister to meet his promise of reducing barriers to inter-provincial trade, the national chamber network is encouraging lawmakers to move quickly. On Monday, the Canadian Chamber appeared before a Senate committee to highlight the urgent need to reduce internal trade barriers and accelerate the […]

Armed Forces funding good news for Greater Victoria

Last week, the Canadian Chamber took part in the federal government’s announcement that Canada is investing in rebuilding our Armed Forces. The move is expected to help the economy, especially in communities such as Greater Victoria that are home to significant Armed Forces infrastructure. “Canada has a long and proud history of remarkable military and […]

Saanich launches new BusinessCare program

The District of Saanich announced a new initiative aimed at business retention and engagement. The municipality hopes the program will lead to business growth and economic resiliency. Saanich BusinessCare involves quick, in-person visits by Saanich’s Economic Development Office so that staff better understand how policies and programs affect businesses in the District. “As our economy […]

Panel releases plan to make Victoria safer for business

How can we make our communities safer? It’s a fundamental question that speaks to the very foundation of our region’s economy. On June 19, the City of Victoria will consider the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan that was created through the input of a 10-person panel that began meeting 18-months ago. “We know Chamber members […]

Feds expand summer job subsidy for students

The latest job numbers show that Greater Victoria, at 3.7%, continues to have one of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada. The average rate across the country for May was 7%. However, the rate for students ages 15 to 24 was 20.1%. It’s increased steadily each year from a low of 11.4% in May 2022. […]

Applications open for Storefronts Activation program

The Chamber has been working on an initiative to help businesses in downtown Victoria turn empty or underutilized storefronts into vibrant spaces that enhance the area’s appeal. The City of Victoria‘s Storefronts Activation Program promotes safe communities and business growth and development by connecting property owners with artists and performers to create temporary indoor activations. […]

Taskforce identifies first steps on path to prosperity

The South Island Prosperity Partnership‘s Rising Economy Taskforce released its preliminary findings last week, revealing huge opportunities for Greater Victoria to redefine its economy. “This includes creating high-value jobs for the next generation, attracting healthcare and essential workers, and maintaining our quality of life through sustainable prosperity and innovation,” Taskforce Chair and SIPP CEO Aaron […]

Chamber stands by DVBA’s call for government action

The Chamber is always among the first to sing the praises of downtown Victoria, which is often recognized as one of the most beautiful and livable downtowns of its size in the world. We’re also quick to point out the challenges it’s faced, and we stand by today’s report from the Downtown Victoria Business Association […]

BC Ferries announces more details for new vessels

The Chamber is a strong supporter of the work BC Ferries does as a vital transportation and supply chain link for Greater Victoria. “Our organizations have a very good relationship and we are encouraged by the business-minded approach BC Ferries takes to its long-term feasibility and sustainability,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said, who spoke today […]

Research shows value of tourism sector on the Island

It’s National Tourism Week and Destination BC has released new tourism profiles for tourism across the province. “In 2022, travellers in the Vancouver Island tourism region were hosted by 2,700 tourism businesses and 26,300 tourism employees,” the profile for Vancouver Island states. “Collectively, the tourism industry generated $3.2 billion of gross spending in the region, […]