BizNews This Week Archives - Victoria Chamber

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 in our harbours and ports.

How can a city harmonize all that buzz with the needs of residents and others who need respite from the noise? Victoria is hoping to answer that question by modernizing its 23-year-old Noise Bylaw through a series of surveys and consultations.

The Chamber is helping facilitate the discussion by partnering with the city on a Lunch Engagement Session — Jan. 28, 12:30-2pm — at the Chamber office (201C – 633 Courtney St.). This session is for anyone who operates a business within Victoria’s municipal borders, and includes a light lunch.

Register here: NoiseBylawBusinessSession.eventbrite.ca

There’s also a survey specifically for businesses located in Victoria that will help city staff understand operational requirements and experiences with noise issues. The survey closes on Jan. 31.

The Noise Bylaw review aligns with objectives in the Official Community Plan, the Industry, Arts and Innovation Plan and the Victoria Music Strategy.

A report with an engagement summary will be shared with Council in spring 2026.

Register: Breakfast Engagement Session

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% of employers in BC will experience a decrease in their industry base rate, 47% will see their industry base rate increase, and 14% will see no change.

“Looking at the year ahead, WorkSafeBC is continuing to see upward claim-cost pressures and a continued reduction in the surplus. If these trends continue, it could lead to a moderate increase in premium rates in the near future,” the agency said in a media release. “The preliminary rates for 2027 will be announced in July of this year.”

The workers’ compensation system is independently funded by employer premiums and investment returns. WorkSafeBC does not receive any funding from the provincial government.

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 of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct.

Major national grocery retailers are registered, joining more than 150 other retailers and suppliers including Victoria-based Country Grocer

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 fill out the Victoria Police Department‘s new business survey.

The survey will gather data on issues, safety and strategies that will help VicPD better understand how it can improve conditions immediately and in the years ahead.

“I’ve been impressed with the response from local police, and I’m excited to hear from VicPD Chief Fiona Wilson at our Chamber luncheon on Feb. 10,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said. “We’ve promised to up our advocacy to help build a better future for all, and events like this offer an opportunity for the business community to be heard, and to hear about what is being done to make downtown safer.”

To take the VicPD survey, use the QR code above or click the button below.

VicPD Business Survey

Register for Luncheon with VicPD Chief

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 the least,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said. “At this point in the process, there are costs that are difficult to cut for practical and political reasons. However, Chamber members tell us they are concerned about government spending so we will work with all levels of government to reduce the burden on taxpayers.”

If approved by Victoria council, the tax increase would provide an extra $9.8 million for the Victoria Police Department’s budget and an extra $10.6 million for other city costs. The city’s overall proposed operating budget, including VicPD, would be $384.1 million. A further $84.5 million is proposed for capital improvements.

The city is accepting feedback on the budget by Jan. 23 in writing or by pre-recorded video.

Have your say on Victoria’s 2026 Draft Budget

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 exporting, and to explore the potential of the US Pacific Northwest market firsthand. Experienced exporters are welcome to join and may find the content valuable.

There is a $50 fee to participate in the mission. Return bus transportation between Vancouver-Seattle will be provided. Companies are responsible for paying for all other travel expenses including, but not limited to, accommodation, meals and incidentals.

Apply now until Dec. 17

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.

This week, the province clarified the steps that will allow people to receive needed help while protecting them from potential abuses of the involuntary care process.

“When someone is detained under the Mental Health Act, it can be a confusing path to navigate alone,” Canadian Mental Health Association of BC CEO Jonny Morris said in a provincial news release. “The Independent Rights Advice Service, now entering a new phase after almost two years of service, is a powerful source of support, information and understanding.”

The changes now give people involuntarily detained under the Mental Health Act a right to meet with an independent rights adviser who can help patients protect their Charter rights.

It’s an important guardrail for a process that has had an uneven history.

“At the end of the day, we all want to see people get they help they need and be treated with dignity,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said. “What we know for sure is that seeing people suffering on our streets and vulnerable to predators is inhumane, and profoundly impacts everyone’s sense of safe community.”

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 about the value of the relationship between city hall and local businesses. However, the mayor has an uphill battle convincing the rest of council and city staff to dig deeper into why costs of running the city have escalated so much.

The Chamber has vocally called for municipalities to exercise fiscal constraint with next year’s budgets. Businesses are having to tighten their belts during a period of economic uncertainty — even small cost increases are magnified right now.

“Raising property taxes is a choice, and The Chamber has been clear that local governments could be adding the straw that breaks the camel’s back,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said. “We know cutting back on expenses is difficult when so many people need help, but municipalities really do rely on businesses to support their community. We can’t risk the jobs, services and goods provided by the private sector because that will only lead to less revenue for the public sector.”

Over in the District of Saanich, the early 2026 municipal budget needs an 8.74% tax increase to pay for everything added to the wish list.

VicPD Chief to speak at next Safe Community event

December 3, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

The Chamber is excited to announce the next event in our series of Safe Community meetings.

On Feb. 10, we will host Victoria Police Department Chief Constable Fiona Wilson to discuss the challenges and opportunities our region is facing.

Chamber CEO John Wilson will moderate the discussion after Chief Wilson provides an update on VicPD’s work to improve social disorder downtown in the short term and over the long run.

“This is a welcome opportunity for the business community to hear directly about an issue that is the highest priority for us right now,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said. “We have always had a great relationship with local police and I’m sure our members will be excited to hear how VicPD is listening to our concerns and their plans to address them in the days and months ahead.”

Questions can be submitted in advance with your registration.

Tuesday, Feb. 10, 11:30am – 1pm
Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour – Pacific Ballroom, 728 Humboldt St.

Register Now

Local MLA gets military development portfolio

November 26, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Government Provincial, Safe Communities, Streamlined Regional Regulations, Training And Microcredentials/by Jim Zeeben

Darlene Rotchford, MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood, has been appointed parliamentary secretary for armed forces development and veterans affairs in the Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth. Rotchford was formerly the parliamentary secretary for labour and as the provincial government’s military liaison.

With the federal government making a generational investment in Canada’s military, there is tremendous opportunity for our region. As home to Canada’s Pacific Fleet, Greater Victoria benefits from the economic activity generated by CFB Esquimalt.