Chamber News Archives - Victoria Chamber

Saanich heeds feedback on Quadra McKenzie plan

February 4, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Chamber News, Government Local, Housing, Streamlined Regional Regulations, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

After the latest round of public feedback, a decision on the future of one of the region’s busiest traffic corridors will need further review.

The Quadra McKenzie Plan is a massive undertaking by the District of Saanich that is trying to reimagine the future of the neighbourhoods near this intersection. Saanich worked with business and citizens for months to develop the draft plan, released last month.

On Monday, Saanich council decided it needed to direct staff to cancel planning for two new hubs in the neighbourhood, lower proposed building heights and remove a planned transit lane.

The updated plan will come back to council after revisions are finished later this spring. Once adopted, the plan will provide a guideline for the area for the next 20-30 years. Saanich hopes it will lay a foundation for communities with a “diversity of housing options, active transportation infrastructure, vibrant public spaces, and services and amenities within walking distance for residents.”

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.”

Support stronger reforms to crime prevention laws

January 28, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Chamber News, Government Federal, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

Are you tired of seeing stories about repeat offenders creating chaos with downtown businesses? The Chamber has been an outspoken advocate for urgent changes from all levels of government, including federal. We supported their initial reform effort, but are now ramping up efforts to expand the changes.

You can help by emailing the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights and voicing your support for our efforts. The Chamber has adopted a formal letter we are working on with community partners that our members can use for an email campaign. If you want to support this, add your name and organization to the bottom of the info below, and then copy and paste the into an email to JUST@parl.gc.ca.

RE: Urgent amendments required to Bill C-14

I am writing to urge the federal government to strengthen Bill C-14 so it addresses the crisis of repeat property crime affecting downtowns, main streets and neighbourhoods across Canada.

In Greater Victoria, chronic theft, vandalism and street disorder have reached a breaking point. While Bill C-14 focuses on violent offences, it must also confront the repeated non-violent crimes that are devastating businesses, eliminating family-supporting jobs and undermining public safety.

Staff and customers face regular threats, employers cannot retain workers, and once-vibrant neighbourhoods are now widely perceived as unsafe.

Most troubling is the persistent release of prolific offenders. Individuals with dozens — sometimes more than 100 — theft convictions are routinely released on bail and reoffend within days, often at the same stores. This revolving door has eroded confidence in the justice system to the point many crimes now go unreported.

To address this, we urge the Committee to amend Bill C-14 to:

Include repeat offenders with significant histories of theft, vandalism or bail breaches in the reverse onus and bail-condition provisions.
Require courts to consider tertiary grounds for detention for prolific non-violent offenders, including chronic shoplifting.
Apply the new aggravating factor for retail crime to prolific shoplifters.
Rebalance the Principle of Restraint to restore proportionality in bail and sentencing decisions.
Permit consecutive sentencing for prolific non-violent offenders.

Without these changes, Bill C-14 will not address the crimes most damaging to communities and local economies. We urge you to act decisively.

Sincerely,

Name

Organization

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.

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.”

Chamber clarifies statement on municipal budgets

November 20, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber News, Government Local, Inflation And Rising Costs, Streamlined Regional Regulations/by Jim Zeeben

The Chamber issued a statement this week, clarifying our position on the need for local governments to reduce their dependence on increasing taxes every year.

A recently published column by Chamber CEO John Wilson issued a challenge to all Greater Victoria municipalities, calling for them to match the City of Vancouver’s effort to achieve a 0% budget increase.

Regrettably, the attempt at a dialogue on fiscal discipline has been sidetracked by online commentary that clouds the conversation and deflects the vital importance of supporting business and our economy. Since our founding in 1863, The Chamber has been instrumental in shaping a strong economy that includes a thriving arts and culture sector. We also fully support many non-profit organizations — after all, we are one ourselves.

To be clear, The Chamber does have a position on priorities for the City of Victoria that may or may not reflect priorities of other municipalities in our region: The Chamber has a mandate by the business community to call for urgent action to prevent further deterioration of downtown Victoria. This requires a fully funded police department as well as the full focus of City of Victoria staff and council.

“Mayors and councils don’t have an easy job, but they do have a job to prioritize the stewardship of infrastructure and services vital to maintaining their municipalities,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said. “The Chamber, too, will stay in our lane as the voice of business. We believe that fiscal responsibility is key to a robust private sector that creates good jobs, attracts capital investments and provides the taxes needed by government to deliver sustainable public services.”

Read the full statement

Chamber is the unapologetic voice of business in our region

November 12, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Chamber News, Fair Rules, Finding And Keeping Workers, Government Federal, Government Local, Government Provincial, Inflation And Rising Costs, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

The Chamber recently issued a media release outlining our shift in advocacy priorities.

“We know our members have been hearing about these changes and we want to spread the word to the wider community, as well any businesses that might be unaware their voice is represented by The Chamber,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said. “We want businesses to know their calls for urgent action are being heard, and we have the ear of decision makers in all levels of government.”

The people who make up Greater Victoria’s business community care deeply about our region. They want a safe and sustainable life for everyone who lives here now, as well as for future generations.

As a member-based organization, The Chamber listens to its members and Board of Directors, who represent organizations of all sizes and industries, including the non-profit sector. They understand the current state of business in the region and have been clear about the direction needed.

“Our board has full confidence in John’s experience as a business leader and community-minded entrepreneur,” Chamber Board Chair Christina Clarke said.

How can we help your business? Please share your advocacy priorities with us at communications@victoriachamber.ca.

Read the Media Release

Chamber pitches national delegates on Victoria 2026

October 15, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Chamber News, Hospitality And Tourism Rescue And Recovery/by Jim Zeeben

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce held its AGM last week in Mississauga, Ont. The event will be held in Victoria next year.

The gathering of chamber leaders from across the country is a chance to gain insights, build collaboration and celebrate successes. It’s also an opportunity to set the policy agenda for the upcoming year by voting on key priorities that shape the national chamber’s advocacy work.

“One of the highlights was a panel on tackling social disorder,” Greater Victoria Chamber CEO John Wilson said. “This is a pressing issue for Downtown Victoria, and we heard how other jurisdictions are addressing similar challenges in their communities.”

The keynote speaker in Mississauga was federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, who spoke about tariffs and supply chains as well as workforce development and innovation.

The Greater Victoria Chamber and Destination Greater Victoria attended the 2025 AGM, and were able to showcase Greater Victoria and encourage delegates to visit in 2026.

Chamber’s new advocacy focused on urgent action

October 8, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Chamber News, Fair Rules, Finding And Keeping Workers, Government Federal, Government Local, Government Provincial, Inflation And Rising Costs, New And Established Businesses, Safe Communities, Streamlined Regional Regulations/by Jim Zeeben

You might have noticed some changes to how The Chamber is using our position as the unapologetic Voice of Business.

The series of messages, shown below, will start appearing more on Chamber social channels and in other media. The focus is on action. Businesses have had too many years of uncertainty caused by societal shifts and the growing burden of red tape. Our members and our Board of Directors have been clear that we need to speak up and call for change.

Our first focus is downtown Victoria and other central areas being devastated by a permissive attitude toward disorder and crime. People need to feel safe. That means all levels of government need to do their part — and do it with urgency.

We know what’s needed: consistent police and bylaw presence and enforcement, immediate options for people needing mental health and addiction care and changes to a legal system that currently allows repeat offenders to harm our communities.

Our other current priorities are more responsible spending by governments, and reduction in regulatory roadblocks that make building homes and providing services for families too expensive.

Minister meets with Chamber to hear about business issues

September 17, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Chamber News, Global Uncertainty, Government Provincial, Hospitality And Tourism Rescue And Recovery, Safe Communities, Training And Microcredentials, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

The Chamber would like to thank BC’s Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, Jessie Sunner, for meeting with members of Greater Victoria’s business community today.

The Minister had lunch with Chamber members and staff after a tour of Camosun College‘s Interurban Campus. The meeting was a welcome opportunity to hear about the province’s plans to address ongoing challenges in BC, and hear from businesses about the value of supporting local education as well as urgent issues facing Greater Victoria.

Members from the post-secondary sector as well as aviation, hospitality and transportation industries spoke candidly with the Minister about actions they would like to see happen.

“We spoke about investing in trades training, and we also spoke about the crisis happening in downtown Victoria, and the need to not damage businesses there,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said. “Yes, this is a complex problem that involves all levels of government, but that is precisely why we need all levels of government to listen to business.”

Policies like a Canada-wide restriction on foreign workers or allowing downtown Victoria public sector offices to remain vacant have ripple effects that hamper the ability of businesses to operate.

Without the vibrancy that businesses create everyday, there’s a real risk we’re hollowing out an invaluable economic engine for our region.