BizNews This Week Archives - Page 6 of 27

FortisBC President and CEO shares insights with business

September 10, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Global Uncertainty/by Jim Zeeben

The head of one of BC’s largest regulated utilities offered some sage advice to more than 90 business and community leaders yesterday at the Hotel Grand Pacific.

Speaking at The Chamber’s Business Leaders Series event, FortisBC President and CEO Roger Dall’Antonia said it’s important to depoliticize decisions that could affect a business for years or even decades.

“The thing that is unique for the business community right now is we’re dealing with geopolitical issues that have far-reaching implications,” Dall’Antonia said, noting that projects that create real benefits for customers will be acceptable to whatever political party holds office.

This is especially critical for massive infrastructure investments that need to be planned and built over multiple election cycles.

By focusing on understanding the direct and indirect impacts of government polices, businesses can make their case objectively.

The event featured a direct dialogue between engaged audience members and Dall’Antonia, a dynamic and entertaining speaker.

“I’d like to thank FortisBC and our event sponsor Coldstar Solutions for making this event possible,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said. “I also encourage all Chamber members to reserve their seat now for our next BLS event. These are great opportunities you don’t want to miss.”

Canadian shipbuilding worthy goal, but will take time

September 3, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Government Provincial, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

Few transportation links are as important to Greater Victoria’s economy as BC Ferries. The routes connecting the Island with the Mainland and coastal communities are the lifeblood for many businesses.

This week, The Chamber spoke up once again as the voice of business in support of the pressing need to keep the fleet operating at capacity.

“BC Ferries is an essential link for Island communities and businesses,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said. “Our members see the impacts every day when capacity is stretched and people or goods are left behind.”

The comment was included in a BC Ferries’ media release that points out five realities necessary to responsibly build ferries in Canada. They are:

1. Local options that can deliver

2. Fixed costs

3. Guaranteed delivery dates

4. Assured vessel and shipyard performance and quality

5. An open and competitive procurement process

“Building in Canada is a worthy goal and we support BC Ferries in getting any new vessels delivered on time and on budget so communities can keep moving in ways that stay affordable for the people who live and travel in Greater Victoria and across British Columbia,” Wilson said. “We can’t afford to delay new ferries, which are needed to increase the Island’s resiliency and deliver significant economic benefits to the entire province.”

Business needs to be included in downtown parking strategy

September 3, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Government Local, New And Established Businesses, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

The Chamber is calling on the City of Victoria to put the brakes on a potentially disruptive plan for parking downtown.

The report on Transforming City Parking goes to Committee of the Whole tomorrow, and raises numerous questions about the impact on businesses.

“We read about the plan in the Times Colonist, and immediately started hearing from members concerned about further disruption to downtown businesses,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said. “I’ve let the Mayor know we want to make sure business concerns are heard before this plan moves ahead.”

Wilson, who spoke about the report on CFAX this morning, said The Chamber supports improved transit services and other methods for bringing people downtown. However, there’s a real concern that some city staff aren’t recognizing the potential to drive away business and do more damage to downtown as an economic hub.”

The Chamber has positive relationships with city leaders who have taken the time to get to know the business community. We work closely with our partner organizations to help businesses survive and thrive, so people have reasons to visit downtown.

“It’s not asking too much to be part of the conversation,” Wilson said. “Businesses have a unique understanding of what the public wants because they hear it every day.”

Feds invest in EV charging stations in Greater Victoria

August 28, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Climate Change Solutions, Government Federal, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

Improving transportation infrastructure and taking Climate Action Leadership makes economic sense. With the rapid adoption of EVs in Greater Victoria, drivers need to know they can reliably use their vehicles for extended road trips.

On Wednesday, the federal government announced almost $23 million to help build out a network of EV charging stations across British Columbia. Most of the projects will be done by BC Hydro along travel and community corridors.

In addition, two projects went to the City of Victoria and one to the District of Saanich.

Victoria gets $395,000 for 34 chargers of various levels near municipal workplaces, as well as $122,500 for 23 chargers in high-density neighbourhoods where residents can’t access at-home charging.

Saanich will receive $395,000 for 42 chargers that support municipal operations.

Chamber hosts series of meetings with fed leaders

August 28, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Government Federal/by Jim Zeeben

It’s another productive week at The Chamber as staff have been busy hosting federal leaders in our new Garry Oak Boardroom.

On Tuesday, The Chamber invited members to participate in pre-budget consultations with Parliamentary Secretary Ryan Turnbull.

The meeting was one of the final stops for Turnbull, who listened attentively to suggestions on how government can better invest in the economic growth of our region.

Topics included using Department of Defence land for housing, improving infrastructure to add capacity to our marine economy and urgent legal reforms to stem property crimes by keeping repeat offenders behind bars.

On Wednesday, The Chamber hosted Senator Andrew Cardozo for a discussion about government advocacy and policy priorities. Senator Cardozo spoke about the positive change that has happened by appointing Senators as independents rather than partisans.

On Thursday, our Boardroom is again sold out for a meeting with the Hon. Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism).

The event is an opportunity to hear directly about the federal government’s plans to support tourism and small business, as well as ongoing work to advance diversity, equality and inclusion in Canada.

Last week, The Chamber hosted Rajiv Gupta, Head of the Canadian Centre of Cyber Security.

Inflation holds steady despite ongoing tradewar risks

August 20, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Global Uncertainty, Inflation And Rising Costs/by Jim Zeeben

So far, so good.

The latest numbers from Statistics Canada show inflation remains well within target range, raising the possibility of a further interest rate cut next month.

“This is a positive inflation report on many fronts as price pressures ease for goods and services,” Canadian Chamber principal economist Andrew DiCapua said. “Sticky core measures in July may put progress at risk, but if this momentum continues, we could see the Bank of Canada move rates lower in September. Time will tell if tariffs are feeding through consumer prices, but there are some upward trends on food and durable goods products that could tilt the scales as the effects of tariffs are realized.”

The Consumer Price Index rose 1.7% on a year-over-year basis in July, down from a 1.9% increase in June.

“Prices for gasoline led the slowdown, falling 16.1% year over year in July, following a 13.4% decline in June,” Statistics Canada’s report said. “Excluding gasoline, inflation rose 2.5% in July, matching the increases in May and June. Moderating the deceleration in July were higher prices for groceries and a smaller year-over-year decline in natural gas prices compared with June.”

Curious how LNG could impact Greater Victoria?

August 20, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Climate Change Solutions, Global Uncertainty, Housing, Indigenous Business Support And Reconciliation, Inflation And Rising Costs, New And Established Businesses, Streamlined Regional Regulations, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

Natural gas has a long history as a game-changing source of energy. From the old slogan, “Now you’re cooking with gas” to recent proposals aimed at boosting BC’s economy and helping wean the world off coal, LNG has made plenty of headlines.

Chamber members have a chance to dig deeper into those stories and others when we host FortisBC President and CEO Roger Dall’Antonia. The event, sponsored by ColdStar Solutions, runs Sept. 9, from 11:30am to 1 pm, at the Hotel Grand Pacific.

Dall’Antonia will speak about the latest efforts to grow the industry, the impact investing in natural gas will have on provincial revenue and the opportunities available in Greater Victoria.

If you have questions about FortisBC and our province’s energy sector, please send them to communications@victoriachamber.ca. We’ll select those that help inform conversations about our region and get the answers at the event directly from one of the province’s foremost experts.

Reserve your seat now for the Chamber’s next Business Leaders Luncheon, and make the most of this chance to connect with top movers and shakers in our business community.

Reserve Your Seat

Boardroom meeting with fed Minister open to members

August 20, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Government Federal, Hospitality And Tourism Rescue And Recovery, New And Established Businesses/by Jim Zeeben

Being a Chamber member means being part of the unapologetic Voice of Business for our region. That means opportunities to speak directly to top decision-makers, such as the Hon. Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), who will be visiting The Chamber’s boardroom next week.

The event is open to members, providing a chance to hear directly about the federal government’s plans to support tourism and small business, as well as ongoing work to advance diversity, equality and inclusion in Canada.

The event will begin with small-group networking, followed by remarks from Minister Valdez.

A moderated Q&A will follow, focusing on the challenges and opportunities facing tourism and business in our region, and how we can work together to build an inclusive, welcoming community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Space is limited, so register early to secure your spot.

Reserve Your Seat

Military pay raise a boost for region’s economy

August 13, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Finding And Keeping Workers, Government Federal/by Jim Zeeben

Greater Victoria’s economic ties to Canada’s military go back more than a century. Today, our business community has a symbiotic relationship with CFB Esquimalt, home to more than 4,000 Canadian Armed Forces personnel.

“We know the base benefits our community in many ways, from purchasing goods and supplies from local businesses to providing thousands of jobs to local families,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said. “We support efforts to invest in our military and the recent news that CAF members will be better compensated will help a major local employer find and keep workers — an issue for a lot of organizations in our region.”

The funding will provide as much as a 20% pay raise for some sailors, and offer up to a $20,000 bonus for recruits who complete training. Canada’s military has been facing staffing challenges, and the last significant overhaul of CAF pay was in 1998.

Market for office space remains healthy across region

August 13, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Finding And Keeping Workers/by Jim Zeeben

There has been an increase in vacant offices in Greater Victoria, largely driven by new spaces being reintroduced, according to the latest report from CBRE.

The report, Tenant preferences remain resilient against macroeconomic headwinds, noted that Downtown Victoria had zero vacancy for Class AA space for the fourth consecutive quarter.

“In the Downtown core, there is sustained interest from small tenants seeking spaces under 2,000 sq. ft., alongside notable activity from larger groups pursuing spaces exceeding 5,000 sq. ft.,” the report said. “Across all size categories, tenant preferences reflect a continued flight-to-quality, with many organizations prioritizing high-quality, long-term premises to support employee return-to-office strategies.”

The report noted that downtown social disorder is also a factor in where tenants are choosing to locate.

The West Shore is a popular choice for many, which is creating pressure on that area’s available supply. The report also said the market in Saanich is stable with demand coming from professional and personal service providers catering to the large suburban population.