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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Greater Victoria real estate market ‘boring’ but stable

Home sales in Greater Victoria picked up in May, though the total is still slightly below the same month last year. “Ample inventory coming to market outpaced brisk sales, which provided a consistent amount of choice and eased competition on high-demand properties,” Victoria Real Estate Board Board Chair Dirk VanderWal said in a media release. […]

Interest rate unchanged as Bank cites uncertainty

The Bank of Canada announced this morning it would stand pat on its target for the overnight rate at 2.75%. The pause was not a surprise for economists as recent GDP numbers show Canada’s economy is stronger than many expected. “The trade conflict initiated by the United States remains the biggest headwind facing the Canadian […]

BC minimum wage increases to $17.85 next week

On Sunday, the province’s annual minimum wage increase will raise the lowest hourly rate from $17.40 to $17.85 per hour. “The 2.6% increase on June 1 also applies to minimum-wage rates for resident caretakers, live-in home-support workers, live-in camp leaders and app-based delivery and ride-hail services workers,” the provincial media release stated. “This is the fourth […]

Another Postal disruption simply bad for business

The Chamber is calling for a quick resolution to the simmering Canada Post labour dispute. Across the country, many businesses rely on dependable delivery service and, for some, the only option is currently Canada Post. The Canadian Chamber’s Business Data Lab shows that supply chains are already facing challenges and any further disruption could make […]

Highway project will ease commute — eventually

Connecting communities is critical for helping business flow smoothly around the region. There are deliveries to make and appointments to keep, but good transportation is also vital to helping employers find and keep workers. This has been a consistent advocacy priority for Chamber members, who help us understand their biggest challenges by filling out our […]

Saanich seeks feedback on traffic calming measures

A survey that closes on Saturday will help the District of Saanich roll out its Traffic Calming Policy for municipal roadways. You can have your say on how Saanich addresses road dangers so drivers, pedestrians and cyclists feel safer travelling the district’s streets. Traffic calming can include speed bumps, bike ways, traffic circles and other […]

Chamber advocacy efforts underway with feds

Tuesday’s historic Speech from the Throne read by King Charles III included some promising policy shifts to address Canada’s housing supply. Acting as the current embodiment of Canada’s sovereignty, the King read a script prepared by the governing Liberal Party. The ritual was a not too subtle reminder to the US administration that Canadians are […]

Inflation down but concerns lurk below surface

Inflation watchers haven’t had much excitement over the past several months (thankfully), but the April numbers have created a bit of intrigue. Statistics Canada reports the Consumer Price Index rose by 1.7% year over year last month. That’s well within the Bank of Canada’s target rate for maintaining interest rates. However, without the 12.7% discount […]

Saanich opens approval process for operations centre

A major redevelopment project in the District of Saanich is using an Alternative Approval Process to receive authority for needed funding. “The Alternative Approval Process is a fiscally responsible and efficient tool that will help the District ensure that the community has a voice in the future of the Saanich Operations Centre,” Saanich Chief Administrative […]

New lien rules bring BC in line with other provinces

The new Commercial Liens Act comes into force on June 30, affecting how businesses collect debts for services they provide to repair, store or transport goods. The Act replaces a patchwork of outdated laws, which created different rules for different services. The Personal Property Registry, an online system that tracks legal claims on personal property, […]

Victoria hosts info session on business of childcare

Anyone thinking about starting a childcare business or interested in the sector can learn more about current rules at an info session on May 27, hosted by the City of Victoria’s Business Hub. The session is free and is focused on helping people start or grow a childcare program as a for-profit or non-profit venture. Topics […]

Saanich property taxes up by 8% to meet rising costs

The District of Saanich is raising residential property taxes by 8% this year as council works to maintain service levels and invest in infrastructure. The municipality said the statistically average home with a property assessment of $1.29 million will pay $5,594. The residential tax rate per $1,000 of taxable value is 3.12, while the rate […]