BizNews This Week Archives - Victoria Chamber

Defence strategy aims to bolster Canadian businesses

February 18, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Government Federal, Streamlined Regional Regulations

Amid an ocean of economic uncertainty, Canada’s defence industry has emerged as a lighthouse for businesses seeking secure funding sources.

This week, the federal government announced its new Defence Industrial Strategy that includes $357.7 million for a Regional Defence Investment Initiative. In BC, PacificCan to distribute $67.5 million over the next three years. Applications for commercial projects open April 1 and close March 31, 2028.

“This scale of new funding is unprecedented, but the true measure of success will be how these dollars translate into real operational readiness, modernized equipment and a stronger Canadian Armed Forces,” Canadian Chamber Vice-President of Government Relations David Pierce said. “Canadian businesses hold the expertise in world-class advanced technology, cybersecurity, AI and quantum to deliver this strategy in real terms. To do this, the government must address long-standing issues plaguing our defence procurement system — from contracting times that cause project delays to security clearance challenges — as well as provide a clear sense of the required technology or goods to help more companies participate or bid.”

In Greater Victoria, the presence of Canada’s Pacific Fleet at CFB Esquimalt could serve as a catalyst for investment in the region.

“Canada’s Armed Forces have long played an important role in our region, and I look forward to working with businesses on initiatives that can leverage this new federal funding,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said.

Saanich celebrates Heritage Week with cookbook

February 18, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Government Local

This week is Heritage Week in BC and the District of Saanich Archives is marking the occasion with a community cookbook as well as a special exhibit showcasing the municipality’s agricultural roots.

“This year’s theme, Stir the Pot, highlights food as an important form of heritage — connecting us to land, culture, ancestors, memories and community,” the Saanich media release said.

The exhibit is on the second floor of Saanich’s municipal hall, and recipes for the cookbook can be submitted until Feb. 22. Saanich residents can send recipes to archives@saanich.ca or dropped off in person. The Saanich Archives public reference room is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 2:30 pm at 3100 Tillicum Rd., inside the Saanich Centennial Library branch next to the GR Pearkes Recreation Centre.

Victoria Business Hub rolling out series of sessions

February 18, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Government Local, New And Established Businesses, Safe Communities

The City of Victoria Business Hub is planning aa series of events to support entrepreneurs and established businesses.

The series begins with a bootcamp on Feb. 23 for those developing a business plan. It continues with a conversation on cybersecurity on March 17 and a session focused on business safety during times of social disorder on April 21.

The latter event was spurred by a roundtable discussion that VicPD Chief Fiona Wilson held with members of The Chamber. It will be held at the Victoria Conference Centre to accommodate the many businesses affected. The session will provide practical tips and key contact information to help address issues including drugs, graffiti and mental-health-related safety concerns.

Budget 2026 reveals difficult fiscal reality facing businesses

February 18, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Government Provincial, Inflation And Rising Costs, Safe Communities

More than 170 people attended this morning’s Breakfast with BC’s Finance Minister — an annual tradition held the day after the provincial Budget is unveiled.

The gathering was the first chance for businesses to hear directly from Finance Minister Brenda Bailey and ask questions through Chamber CEO John Wilson.

“As always, we’re grateful that Minister Bailey agreed to meet with us, especially after delivering a budget that was difficult for business,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said. “I admire her for facing the music on behalf of a government whose decisions will culminate in a record $13.3-billion deficit next year.”

Regarding Budget 2026, the province’s fiscal reality raises concerns about business confidence, downtown recovery and long-term economic growth in the region.

The budget adds new taxes and costs, including an expanded PST on professional services, at a time when businesses are desperate for support.

“A strong business environment and a vibrant downtown are essential to creating jobs, generating tax revenue and funding the public services that people rely on,” Wilson said.

READ THE MEDIA RELEASE

Nations sign agreement with airport authority

February 4, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Indigenous Business Support And Reconciliation, Transportation Options

The Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) entered into a 15-year Friendship Agreement today with the W̱SÁNEĆ First Nations, including the BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin), W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) and W̱SÍ,ḴEM (Tseycum).

The groups have a commitment to work together in support of reconciliation and the future of the airport and surrounding community.

“This Friendship Agreement reflects the leadership and commitment shown by the W̱SÁNEĆ Nations and by our organization,” VAA President and CEO Elizabeth Brown said in a media release. “It provides a practical framework for how we will work together as YYJ continues to evolve. We are proud of the progress made to date and look forward to building on this partnership in the years ahead.”

As part of the Agreement, VAA will make annual economic contributions to the signatories based on airport revenues. These contributions include new, dedicated funding for education training, scholarships and internships to increase employment for W̱SÁNEĆ members at the airport, as well as support for new business opportunities. The Agreement also addresses a range of shared focus areas, including communication and engagement, culture and placemaking, and environmental stewardship.

New tool helps Chamber track local industry data

February 4, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Global Uncertainty

The Canadian Chamber has released a new tool to help understand the geographic and economic footprint of different industries on regions across the country.

The Business Data Lab’s Canadian Industry Tracker is available to chambers that are part of the national network. The tracker combines economic, workforce, trade, productivity and business outlook indicators — many not previously available at the city level. The data shows how major Canadian industries are performing across 41 census metropolitan areas, including Greater Victoria.

The tracker helps the Chamber’s team benchmark industries, compare regions and spot emerging strengths and risks. That knowledge helps in our advocacy and our partnerships with other community organizations working on behalf of business.

“Our Chamber has always punched above our weight with the advocacy we do to all levels of government, and this tool along with additions to our staff to increase our capacity around advocacy will help us to continue that work,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said.

Saanich heeds feedback on Quadra McKenzie plan

February 4, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Chamber News, Government Local, Housing, Streamlined Regional Regulations, Transportation Options

After the latest round of public feedback, a decision on the future of one of the region’s busiest traffic corridors will need further review.

The Quadra McKenzie Plan is a massive undertaking by the District of Saanich that is trying to reimagine the future of the neighbourhoods near this intersection. Saanich worked with business and citizens for months to develop the draft plan, released last month.

On Monday, Saanich council decided it needed to direct staff to cancel planning for two new hubs in the neighbourhood, lower proposed building heights and remove a planned transit lane.

The updated plan will come back to council after revisions are finished later this spring. Once adopted, the plan will provide a guideline for the area for the next 20-30 years. Saanich hopes it will lay a foundation for communities with a “diversity of housing options, active transportation infrastructure, vibrant public spaces, and services and amenities within walking distance for residents.”

Chamber’s voice helping call for action to save downtown

February 4, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Chamber News, Government Provincial, Safe Communities, Streamlined Regional Regulations

The Chamber is raising the volume on its calls for urgent action to save Downtown Victoria.

Last week, Chamber CEO John Wilson authored a letter to BC Finance Minister Brenda Bailey asking her to prioritize downtown safety in the provincial budget. The Minister is set to unveil BC Budget 2026 on Feb. 17, before speaking at a Chamber breakfast the next morning.

“We’re looking forward to carrying on our annual tradition of hosting the Finance Minister for the first presentation to business after each year’s budget is made public,” Wilson said. “This is our opportunity to make sure the province understands the concerns we hear from businesses, and answers questions about plans for the year ahead.”

In the letter sent Jan. 22, the Chamber specifically asks that downtown public safety is made a priority, and that the province ensures adequate resources for front-line law enforcement.

“Naming downtown safety as a priority at the start of the legislative session … will reassure businesses and residents that the provincial government is committed to action,” the letter states. “This will help restore confidence and attract investment back to downtown Victoria. A clear commitment now will encourage businesses to stay and new ones to open, reversing the downward spiral and ensuring Victoria’s downtown remains vibrant and safe.”

Misleading emails falsely claim to sell Chamber lists

January 28, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Safe Communities

The Chamber does not sell our members’ contact information.

If you receive an email or message offering to sell you a list of Chamber members, please use caution. We are getting reports of emails soliciting our members with false claims.

The Chamber takes the protection of our members’ information seriously. Don’t engage in any way with these messages. Mark them as junk and delete.

If you have questions, please contact communications@victoriachamber.ca.

Belleville Terminal meets new construction milestone

January 28, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Government Federal, Government Local, Government Provincial, Hospitality And Tourism Rescue And Recovery, Transportation Options

The Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project is entering the next phase of work, with dredging of the designated marine construction zone starting Feb. 2.

This work to remove contaminated soils happens Monday to Friday, 7 am to 7 pm, and Saturdays, 10 am to 7 pm, until Feb. 17. A crane barge and three support barges are set to arrive on site Jan. 30 to support dredging operations. The work is not expected to affect marine traffic.

The Chamber’s advocacy was key to attracting investment in the new terminal, which will modernize the experience for people travelling to downtown Victoria by ferry.

“It’s exciting to see the project moving along and we truly believe that investment in transportation infrastructure is vital to our region’s economic sustainability, especially in these times of global instability,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said.