Safe Communities Archives - Victoria Chamber

New rules on sick notes effective immediately

November 13, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Fair Rules, Finding And Keeping Workers, Government Provincial, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

The province’s rules limiting when employers can ask for sick notes are now in effect. Under the employment standards regulations, employers can’t ask for a sick note for a worker’s first two health-related, short-term absences of five consecutive days or fewer in a calendar year.

The province said it consulted health-care providers, who pointed to scientific evidence that shows most minor illnesses for adults, such as a cold and influenza, have symptoms that typically resolve within five days.

These changes are meant to reduce time spent on paperwork by physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists and midwives.

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

Area mayors, minister to discuss regional policing

November 6, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Government Local, Government Provincial, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

According to a report published in the Saanich News, a meeting to discuss a regional police service is in the works between area mayors and the provincial government.

“This is something that Esquimalt has always been supportive of,” Township of Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins told the media outlet. “When we amalgamated with Victoria way back in 2003 it was with the understanding that … other communities were going to follow but that hasn’t happened, and here we are 23 years later.”

The report quotes written statements from the mayors of the City of Victoria and the District of Saanich agreeing to the meeting, as well as a written response from BC’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Nina Krieger acknowledging she is “open to the discussion.”

The Chamber supports better integration of regional policing services in order to make our communities safer.

Feds announce reforms to bail and legal system

October 29, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Government Federal, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

Last Thursday, the federal government announced highly anticipated reforms aimed at keeping repeat offenders away from communities.

The Bail and Sentencing Reform Act focuses on stricter bail laws for violent and repeat offending, as well as organized crime. It also aims to make sentencing laws tougher for serious and violent crimes.

“This is a pillar of what our Chamber and other business organizations have been calling for,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said. “Whether this Bill accomplishes what the government says remains to be seen. We know many businesses have run out of patience with promises so we really want to see effective action at this point.”

BC’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Nina Krieger, who is MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake, was optimistic the federal reforms will make a difference.

“Police in our province are too often arresting the same individuals for repeat offences, only to see them quickly return to the streets to reoffend,” Krieger said in a media release. “Bill C-14 directly responds to those concerns. It strengthens bail provisions, provides clearer direction on when detention should be sought and enhances sentencing options for serious crimes. In short, these reforms will help keep repeat criminals off our streets.”

Nigel House opens 88 new homes in Saanich

October 22, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Housing, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

The Chamber strongly advocates for increasing Greater Victoria’s housing supply to meet the diverse needs of our region. We all benefit from having a strong real estate industry, as well as affordable housing needed for a safe community.

Last Friday, 88 units opened at the new six-storey Nigel House in the District of Saanich. The building includes 41 private long-term-care rooms for adults living with disabilities, 37 independent-living suites and 10 affordable-housing units.

The project is part of the rapidly developing neighbourhood in the Nigel Valley, south of Saanich’s municipal hall. The area will be a centre of supportive care for the region, offering services that will make Greater Victoria safer for all.

Nigel House is owned and operated by Broadmead Care Society, a non-profit organization that works in partnership with Island Health and Veterans Affairs Canada to provide care and support for seniors, veterans and adults with disabilities.

Construction begins on 500 new homes in Victoria

October 22, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Finding And Keeping Workers, Housing, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

Construction has started on more than 500 new rental homes, retail spaces and a public plaza at the corner of Douglas and Caledonia streets.

“We’re excited to continue providing much-needed housing to Victoria in partnership with BC Housing on this mixed-use project at Douglas and Caledonia,” Chard Development president and CEO Byron Chard said in a media release. “This project reflects our shared commitment to expanding housing options and delivering new community amenities to meet the needs of this growing area.”

The new build is on the site of the former Capital City Centre Hotel at 1961 Douglas St. and 710 Caledonia Ave. It features three concrete high-rise towers and a community plaza on the southeastern corner, which includes office space, child care and a grocery store.

“This development marks another significant step forward in the city’s priority to increase housing choices for Victoria residents,” City of Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto said.

One tower will be owned by the Province, with 20% of its 133 units offered at below-market rental rates. This tower received $73 million in construction financing and a grant of $8 million through BC Housing’s BC Builds program.

The development’s remaining homes will be owned and managed by Chard at market rates.

Change gives sick or hurt staff up to six-months leave

October 22, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Finding And Keeping Workers, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

The BC government is proposing an amendment to the Employment Standards Act that would give employees up to 27 weeks of unpaid leave for serious illness or injury.

The province says the change is in line with other jurisdictions and will protect people who can’t work for at least one week because they need treatment or are debilitated by disease.

Employees must obtain a medical certificate from a doctor or nurse practitioner stating that the person is unable to work and how much time off is required.

ICBC offers insight into future of driving in British Columbia

October 15, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Fair Rules, Safe Communities, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

A sold out Pacific Ballroom at the Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour heard from ICBC Interim President and CEO Jason McDaniel last week, as he candidly discussed the road ahead for the Crown Corporation.

The latest in The Chamber’s series of Business Leaders Luncheons was facilitated by Chamber Board member Mary Lou Newbold, Chief EyeCare Officer at Mayfair Optometric Clinic.

McDaniel offered insight into how ICBC is planning for uncertain times, as well as an update on a major change to how the insurer compensates drivers involved in accidents. The “no fault” model, which McDaniel prefers to call “enhanced care” is up for review by the province next year.

McDaniel also answered questions about proposed changes to the licensing system —including the removal of the second road test.

The event ended with a thoughtful discussion of a question posed by Kyle Granger of ColdStar Solutions about using technology to reduce costs based on advanced driving metrics. The idea of tracking how large vehicles are operated is an interesting opportunity for professional drivers, as well as one that could lead to innovation that helps regular drivers as well.

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.

‘Safe communities now!’ demand BC mayors in Victoria

September 24, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Government Federal, Government Local, Government Provincial, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

The Chamber’s call for all levels of government to take urgent action to address social disorder has resonated across the province.

This week, the Union of BC Municipalities annual conference is underway in Victoria, and the loudest concern is the demand to make our communities safer. On Monday, Our Place CEO Julian Daly drew thunderous applause for a speech decrying the failure to address spiraling antisocial behaviour in downtown Victoria.

On Wednesday, City of Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto rallied with her BC colleagues on the Legislature lawn, calling on Premier David Eby to stop things from getting worse.

“Victoria is proud to be one of the best small cities in the world, but we must act now to support our residents, businesses, and visitors, and we cannot do this work alone,” Mayor Alto said. “We urge the provincial government to take action and respond with the same level of urgency, to help bring necessary and lasting change to cities across BC.”

Chamber CEO John Wilson commended Mayor Alto for facing the fire as frustrated downtown businesses demand urgent action.

“The Mayor is the face of Victoria council, which is feeling the heat for the situation in our city,” Wilson said. “It’s a tough spot to be in, and The Chamber is committed to working together on a solution. We need action now, and that means we will be escalating our calls for action to the provincial and federal governments.”

The rally at the legislature was organized by Save-Our-Streets, a coalition of businesses and organizations that includes The Chamber.

“Municipalities cannot address these issues on their own, and it is not sustainable for them to shelve services and projects in order to reallocate funding to address health and housing issues which fall under the provincial government’s mandate,” SOS Co-founder Jess Ketchum said. “Urgency is required.”