Chamber Awareness Archives - Victoria Chamber

New tool helps Chamber track local industry data

February 4, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Global Uncertainty/by Jim Zeeben

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.

Chamber’s voice helping call for action to save downtown

February 4, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Chamber News, Government Provincial, Safe Communities, Streamlined Regional Regulations/by Jim Zeeben

The Chamber is raising the volume on its calls for urgent action to save Downtown Victoria.

Last week, Chamber CEO John Wilson authored a letter to BC Finance Minister Brenda Bailey asking her to prioritize downtown safety in the provincial budget. The Minister is set to unveil BC Budget 2026 on Feb. 17, before speaking at a Chamber breakfast the next morning.

“We’re looking forward to carrying on our annual tradition of hosting the Finance Minister for the first presentation to business after each year’s budget is made public,” Wilson said. “This is our opportunity to make sure the province understands the concerns we hear from businesses, and answers questions about plans for the year ahead.”

In the letter sent Jan. 22, the Chamber specifically asks that downtown public safety is made a priority, and that the province ensures adequate resources for front-line law enforcement.

“Naming downtown safety as a priority at the start of the legislative session … will reassure businesses and residents that the provincial government is committed to action,” the letter states. “This will help restore confidence and attract investment back to downtown Victoria. A clear commitment now will encourage businesses to stay and new ones to open, reversing the downward spiral and ensuring Victoria’s downtown remains vibrant and safe.”

Misleading emails falsely claim to sell Chamber lists

January 28, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

The Chamber does not sell our members’ contact information.

If you receive an email or message offering to sell you a list of Chamber members, please use caution. We are getting reports of emails soliciting our members with false claims.

The Chamber takes the protection of our members’ information seriously. Don’t engage in any way with these messages. Mark them as junk and delete.

If you have questions, please contact communications@victoriachamber.ca.

Belleville Terminal meets new construction milestone

January 28, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Government Federal, Government Local, Government Provincial, Hospitality And Tourism Rescue And Recovery, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

The Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project is entering the next phase of work, with dredging of the designated marine construction zone starting Feb. 2.

This work to remove contaminated soils happens Monday to Friday, 7 am to 7 pm, and Saturdays, 10 am to 7 pm, until Feb. 17. A crane barge and three support barges are set to arrive on site Jan. 30 to support dredging operations. The work is not expected to affect marine traffic.

The Chamber’s advocacy was key to attracting investment in the new terminal, which will modernize the experience for people travelling to downtown Victoria by ferry.

“It’s exciting to see the project moving along and we truly believe that investment in transportation infrastructure is vital to our region’s economic sustainability, especially in these times of global instability,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said.

City staff hear from business about noise bylaw concerns

January 28, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Chamber News, Government Local, Hospitality And Tourism Rescue And Recovery, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

Chamber members were able to offer business-focused solutions to City of Victoria staff today during a roundtable discussion in the Chamber boardroom.

The City of Victoria is looking to modernize its 23-year-old noise bylaw. The bylaw affects everything from delivery truck traffic to industrial activity to music festivals. As such, it’s vital that business operators have a say in how any changes will impact them.

“We have been clear with the city that businesses need to be heard. We need to be part of any discussion that will affect us and not simply be told after the fact,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said. “Today’s session was a good effort to reach out to the business community and hear about real concerns and real solutions.”

If you weren’t able to attend today’s event, there’s still time to fill out a survey specifically for businesses located in Victoria that will help city staff understand operational requirements and experiences with noise issues. The survey closes Feb. 8.

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.

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

VicPD Chief to speak at next Safe Community event

December 3, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

The Chamber is excited to announce the next event in our series of Safe Community meetings.

On Feb. 10, we will host Victoria Police Department Chief Constable Fiona Wilson to discuss the challenges and opportunities our region is facing.

Chamber CEO John Wilson will moderate the discussion after Chief Wilson provides an update on VicPD’s work to improve social disorder downtown in the short term and over the long run.

“This is a welcome opportunity for the business community to hear directly about an issue that is the highest priority for us right now,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said. “We have always had a great relationship with local police and I’m sure our members will be excited to hear how VicPD is listening to our concerns and their plans to address them in the days and months ahead.”

Questions can be submitted in advance with your registration.

Tuesday, Feb. 10, 11:30am – 1pm
Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour – Pacific Ballroom, 728 Humboldt St.

Register Now

Chamber supports temporary tax relief for downtown

November 26, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Fair Rules, Government Local, Streamlined Regional Regulations/by Jim Zeeben

The City of Victoria continues to work on reducing the increase taxpayers will face in 2026.

Council recently passed a motion, supported by The Chamber, that will see 47 downtown properties save thousands of dollars on property taxes. The temporary tax relief is an expansion of the program that assisted businesses in the Harris Green neighbourhood last year.

“Many businesses need help right now, especially many in downtown Victoria,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said. “We’re happy that City Council is looking at ways to help and says they understand the value of investing in a thriving business community.”

Victoria has already agreed to reduce the gap between the commercial and residential tax ratios. The ratio was 3.67:1 last year, 3.5:1 this year and will drop to 3:1 by the end of the decade.

The Chamber advocates for all levels of government to focus on needs — not wants — as the economic outlook remains uncertain. For local governments, that means prioritizing policing and community safety as well as critical infrastructure.

Chamber hosts Victoria Mayor for frank discussion on safety

November 26, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Chamber News, Government Local, Safe Communities, Streamlined Regional Regulations/by Jim Zeeben

More than 130 people filled the Centennial Ballroom in the Union Club of BC yesterday to hear an update on downtown safety from City of Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto.

The event was sponsored by PwC.

The Mayor spoke frankly about the dire need to take urgent action, acknowledging that businesses were facing too much stress from crime and disorder.

“I think there is no single issue that is more powerful, compelling and important than this right now,” Alto said, noting that there has been a relationship between the city and The Chamber since both were founded in the 1860s.

The Mayor pointed to the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan announced this summer, and noted that first steps such as increased police presence are happening now.

The Mayor also called out the provincial and federal governments for passing the buck on their responsibilities, as well as other local governments that watch idly as residents leave for services only available in Victoria.

“The (new) message is we’re changing what’s happening and we are no longer going to be the only provider (of services for homeless people) in the region,” Alto said. “Therefore, colleagues around the region do something with your own people. People who are coming — we’re full.”

During the Q&A that followed, the Mayor addressed concerns about homeless people congregating in front of businesses as well as how the city can better work with the province on housing.

“On behalf of The Chamber, I’d like to thank the Mayor for being accountable to those who attended our event, and for her promise to take urgent action to help downtown businesses,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said. “We’ll keep talking about this issue for as long as it takes to be resolved.”