Your weekly round-up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria

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BizNews

October 15, 2025

ICBC offers insight into future of driving in British Columbia

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.

ColdStar Solutions:

Member since 2012

CHAMBER CHAMPION

Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour:

Member since 2004

Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC): Member since 2023

Mayfair Optometric Clinic:

Member since 1996


Chamber Events

 

October Emerge Connector @ Western Design Build with Alitis Investment Counsel - At capacity

 

Small Business Month: Business Owners Roundtable Breakfast

 

October Business Mixer @ Ruffell & Brown Window Covering Centre

 

Webinar: Creating Meaningful Territorial Acknowledgements with Your Business in Mind

 

November Emerge Connector @ Artemis Whiskey Bar

 

Marketplace Mixer - Exhibitor Booths & General Admission Tickets on Sale

 

November Member Networking Breakfast


Check our Events Calendar for updates

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Chamber pitches national delegates on Victoria 2026

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.

Destination Greater Victoria:

Member since 1988

Spots still open for Small Business Month breakfast

A special Business Owners Roundtable breakfast, aimed at business leaders in organizations with 11-49 employees, is planned at Doane Grant Thornton's offices next week. Spots are still available, but registration is limited to one representative per organization. 


  • Tuesday, Oct. 21,
  • 8 - 9:30 am
  • Doane Grant Thornton LLP, 650 - 1675 Douglas St.


"In today’s rapid-evolving landscape ― shaped by global market shifts, geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and changing trade dynamics ― Canadian businesses are navigating both complexities and opportunities," Doane Grant Thornton said about next week's event. "This roundtable will bring together a select group of Victoria based business owners to share insights on the current economic climate, market sentiment, and the outlook for small and mid-sized organizations like yours, with a focus on managing business growth in uncertain times.”


The event will be facilitated by Doane Grant Thornton professionals: Vancouver Island Managing Partner Mike Stubbing, and Assurance and Business Advisory Partner Kyman Chan.


Read more about the impact of tariffs, futureproofing your business and year-end tax planning as well as other timely topics on our Small Business Month page.

Doane Grant Thornton LLP:

Member since 1973

SIPP sees silver lining with new Possibility Charter

The South Island Prosperity Partnership launched a new initiative last week that complements work done earlier this fall by the Rising Economy Taskforce.


The Possibility Charter features a pledge "to build Greater Victoria’s future on a foundation of hope, creativity and entrepreneurship, rather than complacency and stagnation."


“The Possibility Charter is more than words on a page — it’s a call to action for Greater Victoria to embrace creativity, take risks and co-create a future where people and businesses can thrive together,” SIPP CEO Aaron Stone said in the media release. “By pairing the Charter with SIPP’s five-year plan, Rising Economy 2030, we are giving our region both the vision and a plan to succeed.”


The new economic development plan focuses on growing emerging sectors — the blue economy, cleantech and life sciences — as well as finding and keeping essential workers and broadening AI adoption. The plan aims to create conditions that help young people stay in the region and succeed.


“The Chamber supports the work done by SIPP and continues to work with our members and partners as the unapologetic voice of business to address social disorder, increase access to skilled workers and grow our regional economy in ways guided by innovation, inclusion and resilience," Chamber CEO John Wilson said. "The time to act is now — to build a safer, stronger and more prosperous Greater Victoria for everyone.”

South lsland Prosperity Partnership:

Member since 2017

Applications open for Emerge Mentorship Program

The Emerge Mentorship Program is a chance for Chamber members to connect, grow and give back through meaningful one-on-one mentorship.


Applications are open now for anyone interested in being a mentor or a mentee as well as those open to either role. The program, a project overseen by The Chamber's Emerge Committee, includes regular one-on-one meetings and quarterly events that will bring the full 2026 cohort together.


Whether you're looking to share your experience or gain fresh perspective, this is your opportunity to build lasting professional relationships across our community. Apply now to be part of the 2026 cohort.

Gain exposure and give back with Chamber Auction

Showcase your business to hundreds of online bidders with a donation to the 2025 Chamber Auction! Donate today by filling out our auction form or emailing specialevents@victoriachamber.ca.

 

The Chamber’s Online Auction is our largest fundraising initiative and provides an opportunity for our members to showcase their products and services to a wide audience. Mark your calendars for this year’s auction, running from Nov. 2 to 9, and check out some of the great items that will be available for bidding from L.A. Limousines, Victoria Golf Club, Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites, and Mayfair Optometric Clinic!

Member News @VictoriaChamber

Click the image to read and share the Member News story on Instagram

Seair Seaplanes launches service to Victoria beginning Oct. 20.


Seair Seaplanes:

Member since 2025

Make Space Storage opens new facility at 1921 Mills Rd. in North Saanich.


Make Space Storage:

Member since 2025

joni ranked as No. 19 Top Growing Canadian Company, celebrates one million period products donated.


joni: Member since 2022

Victoria Women in Need Community Cooperative hosts Fall Online Silent Auction until Oct. 20.

Victoria Women in Need Community Cooperative: Member since 1998

Share your good news so we can share with other members!

Email marketing@victoriachamber.ca

Hire right this fall with The Chamber's job board

Make sure potential employees know about the opportunities that you offer when they work with you. If you have any questions or need help uploading your job, or volunteer opportunity, email us at marketing@victoriachamber.ca.

 

Compensation Specialist – BC Ferries

Network & Systems Administrator – Tecnet Canada

Manager, Bylaw and Business Licensing – City of Victoria

Construction Safety Officer – Kinetic Construction

Operations & Bookkeeping Lead – Impossible Enterprises

 

Sales Enablement Coordinator – Pattison Media

 

Special Offers: Member to Member Discounts

Members can post Coupons and Discounts free

 

New Members

 
 

Best of Chamber Chats

How SD61 helps prepare students for future careers

Chamber Chats with CEO Bruce Williams

Greater Victoria School District (SD61): Member since 1976

This is a special rerun of a Chamber podcast taped earlier with former Chamber CEO Bruce Williams.

Students are engaging with career options at an earlier age than many people realize. In this Chamber Chat, former CEO Bruce Williams speaks with SD61 Superintendent Deb Whitten and SD61 Vice Principal of Pathways and Partnerships, Career Education Lindsay Johnson to learn how schools are helping young people prepare for their working life.

Redefining what banking can do for people, communities and our world.

Special thanks to our series sponsor: Island Savings
 
 
 
 
 
 
250-383-7191 
victoriachamber.ca
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