IN THE KNOW:
Rising Economy taskforce sees untapped potential
South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) has released the preliminary findings of its Rising Economy Taskforce 2.0 initiative, giving Greater Victoria solid marks for potential amid uncertainty.
The report notes that while the region grapples with ongoing challenges like fragmentation, reliance on government sector employment, productivity levels below the B.C. average, affordability pressures and an aging population, a path forward is emerging.
The Rising Economy Taskforce, initially formed by SIPP in 2020 to guide economic recovery from the pandemic, was re-activated on March 5, 2025. The 40-member, multi-sector coalition of regional community and business leaders had an urgent mandate: to diagnose the state of Greater Victoria’s economy and chart a course forward to prosperity in these turbulent times.
“Our early findings present a clear picture: Greater Victoria possesses incredible strengths, and we are poised to activate our full capacity,” says Aaron Stone, Taskforce Chair and CEO of South Island Prosperity Partnership. “These are not abstract issues; they are identifiable challenges that, once addressed, will unlock our full potential.
This includes creating high-value jobs for the next generation, attracting healthcare and essential workers, and maintaining our quality of life through sustainable prosperity and innovation. The current global trade dynamics further highlight the importance of a bold vision for Greater Victoria’s economy and decisive, unified action that aligns with residents’ values and provincial and federal priorities.”
The Taskforce’s process included a multi-month public survey, in-depth surveys with 60 community and business leaders, consultations with key industry groups such as Chambers of Commerce, and an Open House on May 27 where the more than 100 members of the public offered feedback on proposed solutions that are emerging from this process.
SIPP says the Taskforce will conduct diligence over the coming weeks, developing key messages and advocacy areas that encourage all orders of government to take further actions, such as regulatory reforms, program funding changes or policy alignments based on shared goals for the future of Greater Victoria in the context of B.C. and Canada’s future.
The Taskforce report, due in late August, will form the foundation for a renewed five-year economic plan to be presented by the economic development alliance early this fall.
Victoria Chamber names 2025 award winners
The 2025 Greater Victoria Business Awards were presented Wednesday, June 4, in front of an audience of 350 at the Lecture Theatre in the Victoria Conference Centre.
The recipients, listed below, distinguished themselves across 14 Business Award categories, including outstanding customer service, sustainable business practices, emerging businessperson and innovation.
Business of the Year (1-10 Employees): This Week’s Lunch
Business of the Year (11-39 Employees): Prince of Whales
Business of the Year (40+ Employees): Phillips Brewing and Malting
New Business of the Year: FORGE Technical Solutions
Non-Profit of the Year: Victoria Brain Injury Society
Business Person of the Year: Tessa McLoughlin, KWENCH
Community Builder of the Year: Victoria Native Friendship Centre
Emerging Business Person of the Year: Inderbir Singh, Western Canada Security – Recipient
Innovation Award: Rifflandia Entertainment Company
Outstanding Customer Service: The Green Kiss
Outstanding Workplace of the Year: Brentwood Bay Resort
Sustainable Business Practices: Schneider Electric
Chamber Member of the Year: Josue Dubon,DesignWealth
Chamber Award of Distinction: Cathy Scott, Departures Travel
An independent panel of prominent business leaders chose the finalists from a wide range of entries.
“There are so many businesses that deserve their moment in the spotlight, and all of this year’s recipients are amazing inspirations for other entrepreneurs and organizations,” Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Chair Christina Clarke said. “It’s never easy for the panel to narrow the field to two finalists and then choose a recipient. We’re grateful for the effort and integrity of everyone who was part of the selection process.”
Remote wildfire detection network gets the green light
A partnership between the Province and the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus (UBCO) could prove vital to minimizing the spread of wildfires across B.C. this summer.
After the successful deployment of a pilot program last year, the provincial government has invested $200,000 to expand a camera network that gives first responders information to support wildfire response, emergency management and public awareness.
Using 5G technology, the cameras detect smoke from wildfires and provide real-time data to support evacuation planning, resource deployment and wildfire behaviour predictions.
Data captured by the network is analyzed using artificial intelligence at UBCO and provides information to first responders to support wildfire response, emergency management and public awareness.
Communities, local governments or First Nations interested in becoming involved in the development of the camera network, can contact the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) for more information.
Nonprofits come together for unique fundraising event
On June 14 interactive fundraiser billed as an “immersive experience unlike anything Victoria has seen before,” will benefit four area non-profit organizations.
The “UnGala” event, benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters Victoria, the Greater Victoria Festival Society, Power To Be, and Soap for Hope Canada, kicks off at one of four Victoria establishments before transporting guests to a mystery location.
“The Five Hearts UnGala is an innovative event full of fresh ideas to inspire the next generation of giving. By leveraging our resources, we [can] extend our impact to a greater audience”, explains Kelly Kurta, Executive Director of the Greater Victoria Festival Society.
Get the details here.
FROM THE PAGES OF DOUGLAS:
Bruce Williams is about to depart the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce after five impactful years as its CEO. We look back at how his leadership transformed the organization.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
JUNE
June 17: VIEA Annual General Meeting
OCTOBER
October 28 – 30: VIEA ‘State of the Island’ Economic Summit
