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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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Province-wide plastics prohibition formally phased in

July 17, 2024/in Chamber Awareness, Climate Change Solutions/by Jim Zeeben

An initiative that was adopted early by Greater Victoria businesses is now in effect across the province. As of July 15, plastic shopping bags and single-use products are no longer allowed to be offered to customers anywhere in BC. The province estimates that British Columbians threw out more than 340,000 tonnes of plastic items and packaging in 2019, equal […]

Have your say on buskers in downtown Victoria

July 17, 2024/in Government Local, Hospitality And Tourism Rescue And Recovery/by Jim Zeeben

Did you know that buskers who make downtown Victoria vibrant are regulated by the City of Victoria? Ensuring street performers are talented and entertaining is a great way to encourage people to go downtown, which benefits businesses in the area. To make sure the plan is working as intended, the city is undergoing a review of its Street Entertainment […]

Camosun College getting on-campus housing at last

July 17, 2024/in Finding And Keeping Workers, Housing/by Jim Zeeben

Funds announced today will provide on-campus housing for Camosun College students at the Lansdowne campus. “This is something that The Chamber has long advocated for, and we’re happy to see funding finally made available,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Building housing for students will open up affordable homes in the community. This is a smart […]

Canadian Chamber names Candace Laing new CEO

July 17, 2024/in Chamber Awareness/by Jim Zeeben

Candace Laing will become the new President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 1. Laing has more than two decades of experience as a senior executive with both the private and public sectors. She spent 10 years with Nutrien and its predecessor company, PotashCorp. With Nutrien, her roles included Senior Vice […]

Belleville Terminal construction starts this week

July 3, 2024/in Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Government Federal, Government Local, Government Provincial, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

Work is getting underway on the redevelopment of Belleville Terminal, with Phase 1 Wharf Modifications starting at the Steamship Building’s water lot. A barge with a crane derrick is on site, and work will take place from 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and potentially weekends depending on scheduling. However, no work will occur over […]

New supportive housing units a good investment

July 3, 2024/in Finding And Keeping Workers, Housing, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

A new five-storey building has opened at 953 Balmoral St. with 56 units of supportive housing operated by the Cool Aid Society. “We are very excited to have partnered with BC Housing to offer 56 brand new units of supportive housing at one of Cool Aid’s original sites,” Cool Aid CEO Elin Bjarnason said in a media release. “The […]

Rebates aim to encourage solar power adoption

July 3, 2024/in Climate Change Solutions/by Jim Zeeben

BC Hydro has announced new rebates for the installation of rooftop solar and battery-storage systems. The rebates could save homeowners as much as $10,000. The Crown corporation generates energy for 95% of British Columbians. The Chamber supports Climate Action Leadership, such as the work being done to transition the province to sustainable power sources. BC Hydro is […]

Tech sector’s economic impact continues to grow: report

July 3, 2024/in Business And Economic Strength, Fair Rules, Finding And Keeping Workers/by Jim Zeeben

Greater Victoria’s diversified economy plays an important role in helping our region sustain downturns in the global economy. A great example is the tech industry, which thrived during the pandemic and now creates an economic impact of $7.9 billion. The latest figures were announced last week in a report commissioned by the Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship […]

Real estate market continues showing signs of calm

July 3, 2024/in Business And Economic Strength, Finding And Keeping Workers, Housing, Inflation And Rising Costs/by Jim Zeeben

The region’s real estate market appears to have taken a deep breath in June, as overall sales were down 13.4% from May. The numbers reflect seasonal expectations. “I think this is good news, as the more stable the market is, the more it supports both buyers and sellers,” Victoria Real Estate Board Chair Laurie Lidstone said in a […]

Inflation shows its stubborn side with bump in May

June 26, 2024/in Business And Economic Strength, Global Uncertainty, Inflation And Rising Costs/by Jim Zeeben

Inflation rose 2.9% on a year-over-year basis in May, up from a 2.7% rise in April. The increase came as a surprise for many economists who are watching for the Consumer Price Index to return to the 2% target, which the Bank of Canada considers to be sustainable inflation. Statistics Canada said May’s increase was caused by higher prices for services, […]

YYJ working to improve services for travellers

June 26, 2024/in Business And Economic Strength, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

Air travel is vital for business and essential for our region’s visitor economy. To make sure our region’s airport continues to overachieve, the Victoria Airport Authority is conducting a survey to check-in with stakeholders. The survey consists of a variety of statements along 12 critical variables, and can be saved to complete in multiple sessions. Responses are confidential, and will […]

Chamber network fighting to stop Digital Service Tax

June 26, 2024/in Chamber Awareness, Fair Rules/by Jim Zeeben

Your next online purchase, ride share, meal delivery, or vacation could soon cost even more if the Digital Service Tax is implemented. That’s the message from the Canadian Chamber as it lobbies the federal government to not pass the DST without significant changes. The proposal will tax revenue earned by large foreign and domestic businesses on online […]