BizNews This Week Archives - Victoria Chamber

Rising Economy speaks to Main Street and war zones

February 25, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength

Tickets are still available for South Island Prosperity Partnership‘s signature annual conference happening next month.

A chief economist decoding turbulence in real time. A Canadian retail leader driving major success despite the “Amazon effect.” A CEO building forensic systems in global disaster zones. A bestselling author who says we can’t afford to cast aside older workers. An AI expert sharing career-pivot strategies to help humans avoid becoming obsolete in work and business.

These are just some of the speakers featured at the conference, taking place from March 10-11 at the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort in Victoria.

Among the keynote speakers is Justin Young, owner of Canadian Tire Hillside, who will provide a rare look at operations in one of the retailer’s largest locations in the country.

Saanich seeks feedback on parking regulations

February 25, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Government Local, Transportation Options

Greater Victoria’s largest municipality is asking for public feedback on off-street parking and loading regulations. The District of Saanich says that modernizing regulations will help create housing, jobs and business growth.

More efficient rules also help the municipality reduce emissions and improve development application processing times by reducing the need for parking variances, Saanich said.

Businesses and residents can share thoughts on key issues, barriers, ideas and priorities by emailing off-streetparking@saanich.ca.

A survey that takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete is also open until March 8.

DND announces $3.7B for new military housing

February 25, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Government Federal, Housing

We don’t have many details, but The Chamber welcomes yesterday’s announcement that the Department of National Defence is expanding military housing across Canada. Defence Minister David J. McGuinty said $3.7 billion has been set aside to build 6,000 more housing units.

The Chamber led the charge across our national chamber network in 2024, penning a policy resolution that called for investment in military housing.

Though CFB Esquimalt was not explicitly mentioned in the announcement, DND said construction of primarily one- and two-bedroom unit apartment buildings is planned at 25 locations. The work will support the construction industry and create demand for Canadian lumber, steel and concrete as well as mechanical and electrical systems. Procurement targets are also designed to help Indigenous businesses.

“By investing in thousands of new homes for members of the Canadian Armed Forces across the country, we are strengthening communities, easing pressure on local housing markets and building quality housing that Canadians need,” McGuinty said.

“This national expansion is an important step in building more affordable homes, supporting good jobs and ensuring that the members who serve our country have housing that meets their needs today and into the future.”

Private-sector growth key to Strategic Investment Fund

February 25, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Government Provincial

It might be a case of too little too late, but it’s good to see this provincial government make an effort to acknowledge the critical importance of a strong private sector.

Yesterday’s announcement of a $400-million fund to help attract private investment to BC is something that should have happened before the province’s debt load was allowed to get out of hand.

“We don’t want to see this fund used for political ends, but The Chamber does support efforts that make our community more attractive for private investors looking to grow our private sector,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said, noting that the Chamber remains committed to helping our members in Greater Victoria’s business community.

The proposed BC Strategic Investment Fund would allow government to consider loans, equity investments and repayable contributions.

One way the fund could be used is to leverage recently announced federal funding tied to strengthening Canada’s military.

“The fund will provide the tools to enable government to work with industry in bringing federal investment to the province, as targeted in the province’s Look West strategy, and leverage the opportunities presented in Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy,” Association of BC Marine Industries executive director Alex Rueben said in the media release.

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.