BizNews This Week Archives - Page 8 of 27

Saanich hears from public on Quadra McKenzie Plan

July 9, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Government Local, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

A revised Draft Quadra McKenzie Plan will go back to the public for further input this fall, after the District of Saanich Council heard from residents who are passionate about the area.

“The Quadra McKenzie planning process has sparked unprecedented public involvement,” Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock said. “Council has listened closely, and we have directed staff to revise the plan based on more than 10,000 public comments. There is still work ahead, including another round of public engagement, and I encourage all residents to stay involved—respectfully and constructively.”

Key revisions include reduced density, scaled back building heights and the removal of conceptual changes to McKenzie Avenue, which will be considered separately at a later time in collaboration with BC Transit.

An additional round of public engagement will run from August to October.

Strong start to summer for real estate market

July 9, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Housing/by Jim Zeeben

The latest numbers offer more evidence Greater Victoria’s real estate sector has moved beyond the uncertainty that had disrupted markets over the past five years.

“Recent market trends suggest that we have finally transitioned from a pandemic-driven market to more conventional patterns,” Victoria Real Estate Board Chair Dirk VanderWal said. “We have experienced consecutive months of a healthy and balanced market that includes listing inventory levels we have not seen in a decade paired with steady sales. Despite economic uncertainties weighing on consumer confidence, Victoria continues to demonstrate resilient market conditions.”

VREB said a total of 761 properties sold in June, up 15.1% from June 2024.

“Noteworthy this past month is a large uptick in the number of condos sold,” VanderWal said. “It will be interesting to see if this continues through the summer and becomes a trend.”

The benchmark value for a single family home in June was $1,325,400, down from May’s value of $1,326,600. The benchmark value for a condominium in June was $562,800, down from the May value of $564,100.

Chamber hosting CUSMA workshop in Victoria

July 9, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Inflation And Rising Costs/by Jim Zeeben

Actions announced to help improve safety downtown

July 9, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

Over the past year, we’ve heard from more businesses demanding action on crime and distress outside their storefronts. Last week, the City of Victoria announced it was reallocating $10.35 million to address community safety.

“This is an issue that has been talked about for a long, long time and it’s at the point people are tired of talk,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Increasing police presence is a good start and hopefully will result in immediate and noticeable relief for businesses suffering because of social disorder.”

The Chamber has worked patiently on long-term solutions, such as evidence-based support for people with mental health and addiction issues. We applaud work done by our community partners, while recognizing that even the providers of social services such as Our Place Society and promoters of downtown including the DVBA have said a new approach is needed.

One silver lining is news that downtown continues to serve as a beacon for entrepreneurs with 19 new stores recently opening.

“Downtown Victoria is a gem and absolutely vital to our region’s economy,” Williams said. “We know visitors continue to be dazzled by the charm of the area. At the same time, we also know that long-time businesses are feeling real pressure and more needs to be done to make downtown safer immediately and for future generations to come.”

Nominations open for 2026-27 Chamber Board

July 2, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness/by Jim Zeeben

Every fall, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce holds an election for new board members. Each board member is elected for a two-year term with staggered renewal dates. Our influential board works with decision-makers to support our region’s businesses and maximize the value of membership with The Chamber.

This year, four (4) board positions are up for election and nominations to the Board will be open from now until Thursday, Aug. 28 at 12 pm. Visit our website for information on the nomination process and key dates. Download the nomination package to begin the process of nominating yourself for consideration.

Join us for the Board Information Session on July 15, from 10 – 11:30am at the Chamber office or via Teams, if you are interested in learning more about the election process or the commitment and responsibilities of being on The Chamber Board.

The main contact of each Chamber member business is the voting representative and will receive information on voting in September. Please ensure the main contact for your business is correct by visiting your Member Directory Listing or Member Portal.

Additional questions can be directed to strategy@victoriachamber.ca.

Good step forward for safer supportive housing

July 2, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Government Provincial, Housing, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

Businesses continue to demand action on making communities safer. On Monday, the provincial government announced help for supportive housing providers dealing with problematic and dangerous individuals taking advantage of vulnerable people.

A new, time-limited working group will have more authority to deal with urgent safety issues and better respond to weapons and criminal activity within supportive housing. The group will explore the potential to remove supportive housing from the Residential Tenancy Act.

“The government really listened to the concerns of our sector and has acted on them,” Our Place Society CEO Julian Daly said. “These proposed changes give us, as housing providers, more flexibility in how we manage our buildings, greater control over who lives with us and allows us to create safer homes for those we serve and a safer workplace for our colleagues.”

The working group will also address air-quality issues in supportive housing related to second-hand exposure to fentanyl.

“The Chamber applauds actions that make our communities safer,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “We know that helping people dealing with mental health and addiction challenges is vital, and part of that help includes keeping them safe from predators who target those populations.”

Rifflandia teams up with Greater Victoria businesses

July 2, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Hospitality And Tourism Rescue And Recovery/by Jim Zeeben

Greater Victoria’s preeminent festival experience celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, with four days of music and fun set for the end of summer.

Rifflandia will run Sept. 11–14, at Matullia Lands at Rock Bay (corner of Pembroke and Government streets).

“More than ever, people are looking for ways to connect, to share experiences, and to feel something real together — and that’s what Rifflandia is all about,” Rifflandia Entertainment Co. President and CEO Nick Blasko said. “We know a lot of people are feeling the pinch right now, so we’ve kept ticket prices at last year’s levels and packed in even more.”

The Chamber is once again partnering with Rifflandia to help build connections with our business community. The RiffSclusive Deals program is a promotional campaign connecting local brands with tens of thousands of music and culture fans from Aug. 1 to Sept. 14. Participating businesses are featured on Rifflandia’s festival website, direct-to-inbox newsletters and online engagement. Only 20 spots are available. Email Morgan Sutherland at morgan@rifflandia.com to learn more.

Rifflandia is also running its “Give Where You Riff” campaign, which includes Chamber members: DVBA, Victoria Cool Aid Society, Victoria Conservatory of Music, Victoria Hospitals Foundation, Victoria Pride Society, Women in Need (WIN Resale Shops), Burnside Gorge Community Association and Victoria West Community Association.

The campaign will help those organizations by donating 15% of every ticket sold.

Chamber applauds move to keep trade talks on track

July 2, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Global Uncertainty, Government Federal/by Jim Zeeben

Businesses are looking forward to the economic certainty that should come out of a new trade deal between Canada and the US.

The two nations are at the table now and are aiming to strike a deal before the end of the month.

On Sunday, Canada played a bargaining chip that will help Canadian businesses and consumers while also giving the US administration something to share with its followers.

“As the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has argued since the beginning, the decision to eliminate the DST makes sense,” Canadian Chamber Vice President of Government Relations David Pierce said. “This tax would have fallen on Canadian consumers, businesses, and investors in the form of higher costs and hurt our economy at a critical time. And removing it moves us one step closer to a renewed, reliable trade deal … that will help to secure and grow the already incredible $3.6 billion of trade a day between our countries.”

Royals host alumni and foundation golf tournament

June 25, 2025/in BizNews This Week/by Jim Zeeben

The Victoria Royals are bringing back some fan favourites next month to tee off at the inaugural Alumni and Foundation Golf Tournament on July 25 at Uplands Golf Course.

Chamber members wanting to participate are eligible for a discount. Email chamber@victoriachamber.ca to get the code. The Royals plan to have 25 alumni participate, including Mathew Phillips, Tarun Fizer, Joe Hicketts and Steven Hodges.

Inflation stays stable in May, reflecting slow economy

June 25, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Global Uncertainty/by Jim Zeeben

The Consumer Price Index rose 1.7% on a year-over-year basis in May, matching the 1.7% increase in April, Statistics Canada said.

Compared to the same month last year, slower paced increases to rent and a decline in travel tours put downward pressure on inflation this May.

“After last month’s uptick in core inflation some giveback was expected. The labour market remains soft and tepid domestic demand growth should keep a lid on inflationary pressures,” TD Director and Senior Economist Andrew Hencic said. “As has been the case this year, the outlook is heavily dependent on how trade negotiations evolve, but we believe that the soft economic backdrop should give the BoC space to deliver two more cuts this year.”