Chamber CEO Bruce Williams with the Victoria Foundation's 2021 Vital Signs.

One of the innovations that helped business weather the uncertain days of the pandemic was the expansion of outdoor service areas. The ability to enjoy a beverage or bite to eat outside was so well-received, the District of Saanich is extending the initiative until June 2022. Businesses are able to add patio service in their parking lots, allowing them to increase customer capacity and meet public demand.

“This patio (rule change) came out and it was a godsend, and it has since turned out to be a remarkable success story,” Victoria Caledonian Distillery and Twa Dogs Brewery owner Graeme Macaloney told the Saanich News.

In the same article, Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes said the rules have helped business hang on to valuable members of their team. To hear more from Mayor Haynes, including his announcement that he is seeking re-election in 2022, make sure to check out his recent Chamber Chat with Chamber CEO Bruce Williams.

Click here for a list of Chamber members who offered patio service during the pandemic.

This is an important notice for members of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce about a vote to be held at our AGM to add a by-law to our existing governance to establish rules around continuity in leadership in dire situations.

In extraordinary circumstances, such as a natural disaster, pandemic, or an extreme financial situation, the Board of Directors may extend the term of the Chair by an additional year, by a unanimous vote.

The Chamber has a number of active and engaged committees that report to our Board of Directors. A key reason for the success of our board committees is the involvement of our Chamber members as volunteer committee members.

Each year, there are a few openings on our committees for new members. We are recruiting now for members who will be available starting on Jan. 1, 2022 for at least a two-year term. Here are our committees:

The opportunity to apply for any of the above committees will be open until Oct. 15, 2021. At the end of the application period, the chair of the committee will be in contact by email or phone.

In celebration of Small Business Month, Chamber CEO Bruce Williams will be visiting a few lucky members for a Member Spotlight photo that will be shared to The Chamber's social media channels.

Join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #SmallBizVI and tagging @VictoriaChamber or @ChamberVictoria on Twitter.

If you'd like Bruce to drop by, email communications@victoriachamber.ca with a sentence on what being a small business owner means to you. If selected, we will contact you to set-up the visit. Your municipality’s mayor may also join in the celebration of your business. 

The provincial government has renewed the moratorium it's had on liquor licensee retail stores since the 1990s. The move means no new stores will be approved for another decade. Existing LRS licences may still be transferred with approval of the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch. The province says a moratorium gives certainty to current retailers and is in line with public health advocacy.

“While many British Columbians enjoy alcohol and use it in a low-risk way, when it’s more readily accessible, more injuries, incidents of alcohol poisoning, cancers and other diseases inevitably follow,” Tim Stockwell, a scientist with the University of Victoria's Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research said in a news release. “Maintaining B.C.’s liquor retailer moratorium is a vital mitigation strategy that furthers public health and safety.”

One of the keys to helping employers find and keep staff is ensuring there are affordable housing and child care options in the region.

Recently announced plans for a new mixed-use development on the corner of Douglas Street and Burnside Road East will help.

The project will transform the site of the old Tally-Ho Hotel, which had been turned into temporary supportive housing for 51 people. Those tenants will have the option of moving into 54 supportive housing units being built. The Victoria Cool Aid Society will provide meals, life-skills training and counselling to help tenants overcome challenges that have put them at a higher risk of homelessness.

The project will also include 100 rental units for individuals, seniors and families who have moderate or low incomes. As well, Beacon Community Services will operate on-site child care with 36 spaces to help parents who are going back to work or school.

Construction is expected to finish in late 2023.

The days are getting shorter but things are getting brighter for downtown businesses, according to new data released by the City of Victoria last week.

There was a marked increase this summer in business licenses issued, film permits and hotel occupancy over last summer. Construction value reached $101.6 million in July, compared to $13.4 million in July 2020 and $51.5 million in July 2020.

Jeff Bray, Executive Director of the Downtown Victoria Business Association, said the rise in pedestrians downtown is a good measure of vitality. "When more people were working from home, it really emptied out the streets and hit the downtown businesses hard. I am hopeful that we can get back to our pre-pandemic numbers.”

The Chamber is pleased to welcome the newest member of our Board of Directors, Capt. (N) J. Jeffery Hutchinson, CFB Esquimalt's new base commander. Hutchinson takes over from Capt. (N) Sam Sader who has been reassigned to a new role in Ottawa.

Hutchinson served on HMC Ships Montreal, Halifax, Vancouver, Calgary and Algonquin before becoming the commanding officer of HMCS Winnipeg in January 2016. Hutchinson has also worked as Director Naval Strategic Management at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa. He is married with two daughters.

As with previous CFB Esquimalt Base Commanders, The Chamber appointed Capt. (N) Hutchinson to its Board of Directors. He also serves on The Chamber's Public Policy and Advocacy Committee.

From November 7 – 14, bid on fabulous items including a one night stay at the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and a sightseeing voyage with Prince of Whales Whale Watching. All this and more can be won at the 2021 Virtual Chamber Auction!

With a month left before bidding officially begins, register now to stay in the loop as more fantastic items get added.

Interested in having your brand showcased at our auction? From gift cards to great local items and everything in-between, reach thousands of potential customers by donating an item today.

Fill out our 2021 Auction Donation Form, call (250) 383-7191 or email

specialevents@victoriachamber.ca if you have any questions or need assistance registering.

As an event sponsor, Maximum Express, Courier, Freight and Logistics is offering donors complimentary delivery of their auction item to The Chamber Office.

Whether you’re looking to cook your own Thanksgiving meal, or prefer someone else do the work, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to enjoy great food and spend quality time with the people you love.

Take time this long-weekend to check out some of the exciting activities and venues across Greater Victoria. If you’re looking to unwind while staying close to home, or if you’re looking for a place for the in-laws to stay or somewhere to go for dinner, check out the beautiful hotels Greater Victoria has to offer.

As the weather begins to cool, now is a great time to consider supporting one of Greater Victoria's local non-profits. Thanksgiving Dinner at Our Place Society will look a bit different this year, as they are implementing a "grab-and-go" style event. Hosted by Dodd’s Furniture & Mattress, the 23rd annual Thanksgiving dinner will be held 4:30 to 6:30 pm on Friday, Oct. 8. With work like this, it is no surprise that Gordy Dodd is one of the inaugural inductees into the Business Hall of Fame presented by RBC.

Whether you’re seeing your loved ones in-person or virtually this year, The Chamber would like to wish you a happy Thanksgiving!

Members can post Coupons and Discounts free of charge here.