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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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BC Assessment’s property value website now live

January 8, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Finding And Keeping Workers, Housing/by Jim Zeeben

After decades of mostly upward changes to property values, there should be little difference for most homeowners this year. BC Assessment has opened up its portal for 2025 property assessments, allowing anyone to see the value of 400,000 properties in the province. The list reflects the assessed value as of July 1, 2024, and is […]

Workshop promotes workplace mental health

January 8, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

Safe communities depend on access to health care, including mental health care. Employers can contribute to making our community better by ensuring workplaces are healthy and safe for all staff. To help, WorkBC Victoria is supporting local employers by offering a workshop on Jan. 29, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association, that will […]

Tax holiday nice, but businesses want real reforms

December 11, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Government Federal/by Jim Zeeben

The holiday on GST begins Dec. 14, but the measure misses the mark when it comes to improving affordability, the Canadian Chamber said. “We’re pleased to see recognition that the affordability crisis continues to hurt Canadians. This relief on everyday purchases is an important first step. But the root causes of Canada’s affordability challenges cannot […]

Tickets needed to attend former BC Premier’s funeral

December 11, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Government Provincial/by Jim Zeeben

The state funeral for former BC Premier John Horgan on Dec. 15 is expected to be so popular that tickets will be needed to attend. Horgan died Nov. 12 at the age of 65 after several years of fighting cancer. The service for Horgan is at The Q Centre in the City of Colwood. Tickets […]

Postal workers ordered back to job

December 11, 2024/in BizNews This Week, New And Established Businesses, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

Snail mail isn’t often top of mind — although getting letters delivered has become the talk of the town, even with the Canada Post strike coming to an end. The impact on the holidays could be devastating for some, especially charities that rely on an annual intake of December donations for a bulk of their […]

Second big-rate-cut aims to spur business investment

December 11, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Inflation And Rising Costs/by Jim Zeeben

The Bank of Canada slashed its overnight rate by 0.5% for the second time in a row. This morning’s announcement brings the rate to 3.25%. “Governing Council has reduced the policy rate substantially since June. Going forward, we will be evaluating the need for further reductions in the policy rate one decision at a time,” […]

State funeral planned for former BC Premier Horgan

December 5, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Government Provincial/by Jim Zeeben

A state funeral is planned for former BC Premier John Horgan, who died Nov. 12 at the age of 65 after several years of fighting cancer. The ceremony is on Dec. 15, starting at 1 pm, at the Q Centre in the City of Colwood. Horgan served as MLA for the electoral area now known […]

Weather getting colder but real estate sales warming

December 5, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Housing/by Jim Zeeben

As fall moves into winter, housing sales traditionally slow down as fewer people want to make a major move in cold weather. However, a warming economy and lower borrowing costs has the real estate sector feeling festive. “I’ve found that buyers and sellers are feeling optimistic right now,” Victoria Real Estate Board Chair Laurie Lidstone […]

Saanich releases 2024 Housing Needs Report

November 27, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Government Local, Housing/by Jim Zeeben

Housing supply is a fundamental priority for Greater Victoria. A new report released by the District of Saanich offers a deep analysis of the municipality’s current stock and where future demand is expected. Of particular interest to The Chamber, based on our member survey, are housing solutions for people at risk of homelessness and workforce […]

City program adds sparkle to Downtown experience

November 27, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Government Local, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

When’s the last time you went downtown for fun? If it’s been awhile, you might be surprised that it’s cleaner, safer and more vibrant than expected. The City of Victoria has invested in downtown for the holidays, including: additional street cleaning in high-traffic areas targeted cleaning in preparation for peak shopping hours and weekends proactive […]

Region’s ‘living wage’ jumps 5.4% from one year ago

November 27, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Fair Rules, Finding And Keeping Workers, Housing/by Jim Zeeben

Even with inflation tamed, there is a noticeable increase in the cost of living in Greater Victoria. The shift is evident in the latest report from the Community Social Planning Council of Greater Victoria. The report says the living wage in our region is $26.78 — 5.4% more than last year. The Greater Victoria living […]

Trump takes to social media to threaten huge tariffs

November 27, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Fair Rules, Global Uncertainty, Government Federal, Government Provincial/by Jim Zeeben

There’s the economy, and then there’s the attention economy. The incoming US President has seized the spotlight with his comments on his Truth Social platform calling for a 25% tariff on products from Canada. The damage such a move would do to the Canadian and US economies makes this pronouncement shocking, which is likely what […]