IN THE KNOW:
VIU looks ahead to brighter future with latest appointment
Dr. Dennis Johnson will serve as interim president and vice-chancellor at Vancouver Island University for a term of up to two years, effective June 16, 2025.
He holds a PhD in Educational Administration from the University of Saskatchewan, a Master of Education in Post-Secondary Studies from Memorial University of Newfoundland, a Bachelor of Education in Adult Education from Brock University and a Carpentry Certificate of Qualification and Certificate of Apprenticeship from British Columbia.
“This interim period is an opportunity to strengthen VIU’s foundation and chart a stronger course,” said Dr. Johnson in a statement announcing his appointment. “The next chapter starts with honest conversations across our campuses and evidence-informed actions. Together we can stabilize our budget, clarify our direction and build lasting confidence in the university’s future.”
VIU has recently faced a period of significant financial instability, marked by mounting deficits, program cuts, and widespread dissatisfaction with university leadership. The crisis reached a peak in early 2025, culminating in the resignation of president Deborah Saucier amid accusations of financial mismanagement and a loss of confidence from both students and faculty.
WorkBC expands services, releases survey
In a response to labour market changes, the Province has announced it is expanding WorkBC’s employment services to offer more choice and tailored support to meet people’s individual needs.
Its new model offers self-directed, in-office services and employment-readiness outreach. It aims to meet people where they are on their employment journey, offering services and supports that will be most effective for them.
Job seekers, employers, service providers and the public are invited to provide input on this new model through an engagement survey, as part of WorkBC’s goal to build a more timely, inclusive and person-centered system.
Vancouver brand opens store in Victoria
A former Lululemon storefront on lower Johnson Street is now the site of Vancouver apparel brand DUER’s newest standalone store.
The performance apparel brand whose clothing aims to strike the perfect balance between work-appropriate style and functionality, chose Victoria because of its commitment to active lifestyle choices.
“We like to land in places where the lifestyle aligns with our clothing,” said founder Gary Lenett in a recent article. “These are active urban markets where people walk, bike and have a strong connection to nature—and that’s exactly who we design for.”
City of Victoria unveils $10M Community Safety Plan
The City of Victoria has launched a sweeping Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan (CSWB), committing $10.35 million to address rising concerns over public disorder, street safety, and the economic impact on local businesses.
The plan, adopted by council on July 3, 2025, follows 18 months of public engagement and input from a panel of community leaders representing business, health, public safety, and Indigenous organizations.
The plan includes 99 recommendations, with 46 for the City itself and the remainder directed at provincial and federal governments.
Initial funding will focus on hiring 12 additional bylaw officers and 9 new police officers, enhancing visible enforcement and targeting street disorder in the downtown core, especially along Pandora and Princess avenues.
The plan specifically addresses issues affecting businesses, such as shoplifting, property damage, and public disorder, which have driven some business owners to consider leaving the downtown area.
It also emphasizes “upstream” interventions (prevention, social supports) alongside “downstream” enforcement, aiming for long-term solutions to homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges.
Mayor Marianne Alto described the plan as a “watershed moment,” emphasizing the city’s obligation to act amid a “fraying health care system” and increasing social disorder.
Outgoing Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO Bruce Williams noted the plan’s success depends on investment in preventing problems from manifesting, rather than constantly reacting to them. He says this approach requires support from higher levels of government, even though the municipality is often on the frontline.
VIATEC seeks new board members
The Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology & Entrepreneurship Council is looking for seven directors to join its board this year. Applications are open from now until September 2 for VIATEC members in good standing.
FROM THE PAGES OF DOUGLAS:
Victoria’s restaurant scene got its yearly dose of well earned applause last month, as the YAM Best Restaurant Awards announced its 2025 winners.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
JULY
July 16: Westshore Chamber Summer Social
AUGUST
August 21: Victoria Chamber Mixer
August 24 – 26: Victoria Forum
OCTOBER
October 28 – 30: VIEA ‘State of the Island’ Economic Summit
