BizNews This Week Archives - Page 2 of 29

Cultural District plan would transform downtown

January 15, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Government Local, New And Established Businesses, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

A proposal that reimagines a section of downtown Victoria has been approved to move to the next step. Victoria council voted unanimously to approve the plans that Reliance Properties have for a new Capital Culture District.

The development would transform the area between 530 Chatham St. and the 1800 to 2000 block of Store St. into a neighbourhood supporting industry, arts and innovation.

The Chamber lent its support to the proposal through a video and letter to council.

“The proposal to build a Capital Culture District aligns with our mandate and we believe will help revitalize and reconnect this vital area of Downtown Victoria,” The Chamber’s letter stated. “Adding vibrancy and livability to downtown will help solve challenges around housing supply and safe communities … The proposal includes much needed parking, and preserve light industrial activities near our historic working harbour.”

Final approval for the development will be made at a yet to be determined date.

BC Health Minister addresses addiction crisis

January 15, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

BC’s Minister of Health Josie Osborne announced today that the province was ending its failed experiment with decriminalizing hard drugs. The province is also expanding its hotline for people seeking help with addictions, promising to speed up the time it takes to provide treatment.

“This is welcome news for businesses that have been frustrated watching vulnerable people in need not getting the help they are asking for,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said. “It’s time to move on from what clearly has not been working and focus on what organizations that care about our community have been calling for — a safe downtown starts with helping those who can’t help themselves and protecting them from predators.”

The Access Central phone line is active with Island Health, at 1-888-885-8824 from 9 am to 7:45 pm. The idea is to provide a simple access point to get a clinical assessment within 24 hours. Callers can then be referred to a detox facility for appropriate treatment, followed by support during their ongoing recovery.

“When someone makes the vulnerable and brave decision to seek help for substance use, they need access to treatment and care quickly,” Island Health Board Chair

Leah Hollins said in the media release.

VicPD beat patrols raise police presence downtown

January 15, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

The Victoria Police Department is reintroducing a dedicated beat team that will increase the presence of police officers in downtown Victoria.

The Chamber and downtown businesses have been calling for the return of a downtown police beat for months.

“We’re grateful to the VicPD for listening to our concerns and taking action,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said. “An increased police presence helps make people feel safer, whether they’re at work or enjoying the many incredible shops and services downtown.”

The VicPD beat team is composed of seven officers assigned to walk designated areas of the city as well as two officers dedicated to supporting Victoria’s bylaw department, VicPD said in a media release. Officers will regularly visit businesses to build relationships, listen to concerns and provide a consistent presence. A proactive approach supports crime prevention, neighbourhood problem-solving and stronger connections between police and the community.

VicPD discontinued its previous beat patrol in 2022 because it needed to reallocate limited resources.

“Visible policing matters, and relationship-based policing matters,” VicPD Chief Constable Fiona Wilson said. “When officers know the community and the community knows their officers, trust grows and safety improves.”

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.”