Business And Economic Strength Archives - Page 4 of 4

Canadian business optimism improving, survey finds

June 12, 2024/in Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Global Uncertainty/by Jim Zeeben

The Business Expectations Index has moved into positive territory for the first time in a year. The index rose 2.7 points in the second quarter of 2024 from the first quarter, led by an improved outlook for sales.

Some of the key findings include:

Businesses expect employment to grow as labour market conditions continue to find a balance between supply and demand.
Eleven of 16 sectors are improving with finance and insurance leading the pack, followed by construction.
However, agriculture, information and culture, and transportation are contracting.
Firms with 1 to 4 employees say they are are stabilizing, though medium- and large-sized firms (100 or more employees) continue to be much more optimistic.
Among underrepresented groups, visible minorities are the most optimistic, while LGBTQ2+ and women business owners are more pessimistic.

Saanich approves 24-storey tower at Uptown

June 12, 2024/in Business And Economic Strength, Finding And Keeping Workers, Housing, Streamlined Regional Regulations, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

A new tower that will create a notable landmark for people entering Greater Victoria’s core has been approved by District of Saanich council.

The 24-storey apartment building will house 318 rental units on the corner of Carey Road and Ravine Way. A residential building on the site was part of the original proposal for Uptown. The new building will also include commercial space and cycling amenities.

Saanch has a long-range vision for transforming the neighbourhood into a central hub that will become the heart of the municipality.

Two tales emerging about downtown: DVBA report

June 12, 2024/in Business And Economic Strength, Fair Rules, Government Local, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

There are two stories being told about downtown Victoria, says a new analysis released this morning by the Downtown Victoria Business Association.

With 5% more business licences issued, and tourism and industry thriving, the DVBA’s 2024 Annual Report says the numbers show the region’s downtown is enjoying economic growth. However, there is also a growing sense of unease — a survey found almost 20% of businesses believe downtown is failing.

“That is the highest percentage since we began surveying members,” the DVBA report states. “It is alarming.”

More than two thirds of all people who patronize downtown come from within Greater Victoria, which means that the entire region has a role to play in the narrative of this important neighbourhood.

“The Chamber strongly supports downtown and the work of the DVBA and the City of Victoria to make the area vibrant and safe,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “We are a regional chamber but we will continue to call on all levels of government to invest in the infrastructure and services needed in downtown Victoria.”

Bank of Canada drops interest rate for first time in four years

June 5, 2024/in Business And Economic Strength, Housing, Inflation And Rising Costs/by Jim Zeeben

Finally. The weather forecast calls for clear skies and warm days this weekend, the HarbourCats have fireworks planned for Saturday night, after their homeopener on Friday — and the Bank of Canada has taken the initial step to reduce the pain of high interest rates.

For the first time since March 2020, the bank lowered its overnight rate. It’s now 4.75%, down from 5%, and expected to drop further in the months ahead.

“We’ve been hearing from members who have felt squeezed by the high rates and what that has meant for their customers who have been feeling squeezed themselves,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “No one wants inflation to return, but we’re hopeful this move by the bank marks a return to stability needed for businesses to make those investments that help them grow.”

The bank’s governor, Tiff Macklem, was careful not to promise future cuts, but the Conference Board of Canada stated that conditions are right for the rate to fall further.

Real estate market showing signs of spring thaw

June 5, 2024/in Business And Economic Strength, Housing/by Jim Zeeben

The Victoria Real Estate Board released its latest take on the region’s market this week, before the change in interest rates was announced.

“A lot of folks who have been watching the market over recent years may find that now is a good time to sell and buy as market conditions have changed for the better,” VREB Chair Laurie Lidstone said.

A total of 763 properties sold in the region this May, slightly less than the same month last year. There were 3,338 active listings for sale at the end of May, a 52.5 per cent increase from the 2,189 active listings for sale at the end of May 2023.

The benchmark value for a single family home was $1,309,700, up from April’s value of $1,301,800. The benchmark value for a condominium in May 2024 was $569,500, up from the April value of $561,200

Victoria council discusses future of downtown traffic

May 22, 2024/in Business And Economic Strength, Government Local/by Jim Zeeben

The Chamber is working to engage with members and our partner organizations to make sure the voice of business is heard on proposals that will impact traffic in downtown Victoria.

The City of Victoria is looking at extending dedicated bus lanes along Douglas Street, potentially reworking the busy corridor to focus on transit. The idea would take more than a year of study before returning to council.

Chamber CEO Bruce Williams told the Times Colonist that making transit more convenient is a good thing. Giving commuters an option other than single occupancy vehicles will help with congestion and emissions.

However, changing downtown streetscapes will require consultation with businesses that could be impacted by changes to traffic patterns and potential loss of parking spaces.

“We don’t want to deter people from going downtown to shop, enjoy a meal or have some fun in the city,” Williams said, noting that any transportation plan for the city needs to consider how convenient it is for people travelling from neighbourhoods outside downtown Victoria.

One proposal — also in the early stages — is to look at developing a new parkade near north Douglas to allow people to park close to downtown and then walk into the compact central core.

Canucks lift spirits, boost BC’s hospitality industry

May 16, 2024/in Business And Economic Strength, Hospitality And Tourism Rescue And Recovery/by Jim Zeeben

There’s still plenty of room for diehard fans as well as those new to the bandwagon.

The Vancouver Canucks Stanley Cup playoff run has been a pleasant experience for many of the province’s pubs and restaurants. In Greater Victoria, a number of Chamber members are supporting fans by showing games on their big screens. The Victoria Royals also announced that they will be opening Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre for a ticketed event allowing fans to watch the Canucks together.

“It’s hard to not get caught up in the excitement, even for folks who might not be the biggest hockey fans,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “The atmosphere at local establishments is fun and festive. Let’s hope the Canucks can keep it going all the way to the finals this year.”

BC’s Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport said the Canucks’ run is especially helpful at creating business during the weekdays.

Minister Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich South, told CFAX that having the province’s home team in the playoffs is good for the economy while also boosting the spirits of their fans.

The Canucks are currently in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Their series against the Edmonton Oilers is tied at two wins each, with games set for Thursday, Saturday and Monday (if needed).

Chamber members showing Stanley Cup games

Labour rate drops in April as more people working

May 15, 2024/in Business And Economic Strength, Finding And Keeping Workers/by Jim Zeeben

April’s unemployment rate dipped to 4.5% in Greater Victoria, according to Statistics Canada’s latest figures.

That’s down from 4.8% in March. The region’s labour force grew to 244,000 in April compared to 242,000 in March.

Nationally, the unemployment rate was 6.1% in April, unchanged from March after dropping consecutively for six months previously. Provincially, the rate was 5% in April, with 23,400 jobs added over the month.

Greater Victoria had the lowest unemployment rate in BC in April, and the fifth lowest among all Canadian Census Metropolitan Areas.

Munro’s Books co-founder and famous author passes

May 15, 2024/in Business And Economic Strength/by Jim Zeeben

Internationally renowned author Alice Munro died yesterday. She was 92.

The Canadian icon married Jim Munro in 1951 and the couple opened Munro’s Books in 1963 on Yates Street. The store moved to its current neo-classical building on Government Street in 1984.

Alice and Jim divorced in the 1970s, and Jim passed away in 2016, after helping transform Munro’s Books into a landmark Victoria business that is treasured by locals and visitors alike.

Although Alice never worked at the store’s current location, it has been a place of pilgrimage for her fans. The store currently has a display in her honour to commemorate her passing.

Alice won a Nobel Prize for Literature in 2013 and was renowned for her mastery of the short story genre.

The Greater Victoria Public Library has also released a reading list titled Remembering Alice Munro.

Munro’s Books: Celebrating Alice Munro

BC minimum wage jumps to $17.40/hr on June 1

May 5, 2024/in Business And Economic Strength, Finding And Keeping Workers/by Jim Zeeben

On Saturday, the province’s minimum wage increases from $16.75 to $17.40 an hour.

BC continues to have the highest minimum wage among Canadian provinces.

“First, we acknowledge that times are challenging — especially for people trying to make a living while earning minimum wage,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said, noting that many Chamber members already pay higher than minimum wages.

However, increasing the cost for employers and businesses will result in higher costs for goods and services. Businesses set prices based on their costs, including payroll. Linking minimum wage to the outsized inflation of recent years is out of step with today’s economy and the pressures faced by recovering businesses.

“Increasing minimum wage by almost 4% creates a more challenging environment for businesses in BC, especially compared to Alberta where the minimum wage is now $2.40 less,” Williams said. “It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that adding expenses is not the way to attract employers to our province.”

And with fewer employers, there is less competition for employees — driving down their earning potential.

“No one wins when businesses leave because they can’t afford to operate here,” Williams said. “The best thing government can do is reduce the cost for entrepreneurs and the private sector. We want the economy to grow and lift everyone by enabling employers to hire more people and pay them competitive wages.”