IN THE KNOW:
Rising Economy 2030 aims to flip the script
South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) unveiled its Rising Economy 2030: A 5-Year Regional Economic Development Plan during a breakfast event this week, while also launching The Possibility Charter — a first of its kind in Canada.
The organization described the Charter in a media release as a “bold, community-driven pledge to build Greater Victoria’s future on a foundation of hope, creativity and entrepreneurship, rather than complacency and stagnation. It signals a new way of thinking: that city-regions are not only shaped by infrastructure and policy, but also by the shared belief that hope is fundamental to strategy.”
In inviting the public to sign and share the The Possibility Charter, SIPP CEO Aaron Stone noted the Charter is not simply a document but “a call to action for Greater Victoria to embrace creativity, take risks and co-create a future where people and businesses can thrive together. By pairing the Charter with SIPP’s 5-year plan, Rising Economy 2030, we are giving our region both the vision and a plan to succeed.”
Rising Economy 2030 focuses on growing promising sectors like the blue economy, cleantech and life sciences, with the aim of attracting and retaining essential workers, including healthcare professionals, broadening the adoption of AI skills and new technologies across all ages, abilities and sectors, and creating the conditions for young people to stay and succeed in the region.
The plan was developed through extensive collaboration with business leaders, First Nations, governments and community partners and builds on the work of the Rising Economy Taskforce.
Victoria is still the best small city in the world
Condé Nast Traveler has named Victoria as the World’s Best Small City for the third time in a row in its annual Reader’s Choice Awards.
The city beat out cities like Florence, Lucerne and Galway for the honour.
“Being recognized as the World’s Best Small City by Condé Nast Traveler’s discerning readers for a third consecutive year is both an honour and a testament to Greater Victoria’s incredible community,” said Paul Nursey, CEO of Destination Greater Victoria.
“This achievement reflects the quality and dedication of our members and their teams, whose passion for service and hospitality sets Greater Victoria apart on the global stage. Our investment in strategic media and public relations has significantly increased international awareness of the destination, and this recognition demonstrates the impact of our combined efforts. Thank you to our members, partners, and the entire community. This accomplishment is ours to share.”
More than 750,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers across the United States shared their insights, rating destinations worldwide to highlight the places they look forward to returning to the most.
The 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler’s website and celebrated in the November issue.
2025 VIEA Summit takes place this month
The 19th annual State of the Island Economic Summit takes place October 28–30 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo.
Hosted by the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA), this three-day event, sponsored by Douglas magazine, is the Island’s largest gathering of business, government, First Nations and community organizations.
With more than 600 delegates, 35+ exhibitors and 20+ sessions, this is where the conversation about Vancouver Island’s economic future begins.
The Summit will feature the Island Good Showcase, sessions on the seaweed economy, AI, workforce development and Indigenous partnerships, along with economist Susan Mowbray’s State of the Island Economic Report.
Keynotes include Mike Fata on building a $400M global brand; The Future We Choose panel with Rory McAlpine, Stephen Huddart and Chief John Jack; Paul Healy of Futurus and Aaron Stone of the South Island Prosperity Partnership on workforce-driven growth; and a closing keynote from Shachi Kurl of the Angus Reid Institute.
Delegates can also join the interactive Vision 2050 Workshop, take part in fireside chats on Indigenous economic models and the creative economy or connect at the popular networking reception featuring Island Good offerings.
Only 150 spots remain, and regular pricing ends Friday, October 10, 2025.
City of Victoria adopts new Official Community Plan
After a two-year planning process and extensive public engagement, the City of Victoria has finalized its new Official Community Plan.
Titled Victoria 2050, it sets the direction for the city’s growth and development for the next 30 years. The plan focuses on managing population growth, addressing the housing and climate crises, and supporting complete, livable communities while preserving Victoria’s unique historic character.
Key elements include increasing density through more multi-storey residential buildings in key areas, reinstating the legality of corner stores, and shifting away from zoning designed exclusively for single-family homes.
Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto emphasized that the true test of the OCP’s success will be in its implementation, saying the city has listened to its residents and has included an implementation strategy that includes actionable steps and annual reviews to track progress.
Public and community reactions have been mixed, with some neighborhood associations expressing concerns about density impacts, while supporters note that increased density has revitalized some areas and fosters a vibrant community atmosphere.
FROM THE PAGES OF DOUGLAS:
For some First Nations, modern aquaculture combines old traditions with new technology, and sustainability with profitability. Read our profile on the Indigenous seaweed farming industry.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
OCTOBER
October 26 – 29: Ocean Floor Explore Conference
October 28 – 30: VIEA ‘State of the Island’ Economic Summit
NOVEMBER
November 12: Westshore Chamber of Commerce AGM
November 15: Colourful Business Expo
November 18: Chamber Marketplace Mixer
Douglas Weekly brings local business news, insights and community spotlights to keep Victoria and Vancouver Island In the Know. Got a story tip? Email us.
