JOHN WILSON
Limited resources require prioritizing safety and services that are most needed to build resilience and make sure arts and culture programs have access to sustainable funding
VICTORIA – The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is clarifying its position on the need for local governments to reduce their dependence on increasing taxes every year.
A recently published column by Chamber CEO John Wilson issued a challenge to all Greater Victoria municipalities, calling for them to match the City of Vancouver’s effort to achieve a 0% budget increase.
This challenge is not an endorsement of the Vancouver mayor or any municipal political party. It also was not a prescription for each of our region’s 13 municipalities on what they can cut from their budgets to reduce any tax increase.
Regrettably, the attempt at a dialogue on fiscal discipline has been sidetracked by online commentary that clouds the conversation and deflects the vital importance of supporting business and our economy. Since our founding in 1863, The Chamber has been instrumental in shaping a strong economy that includes a thriving arts and culture sector. We also fully support many non-profit organizations — after all, we are one ourselves.
Some of the misplaced remarks we’re hearing are related to the common confusion about our region, specifically that the City of Victoria represents all of Greater Victoria.
To be clear, The Chamber does have a position on priorities for the City of Victoria that may or may not reflect priorities of other municipalities in our region: The Chamber has a mandate by the business community to call for urgent action to prevent further deterioration of downtown Victoria. This requires a fully funded police department as well as the full focus of City of Victoria staff and council.
Further to that note, The Chamber is concerned about the methodology used to prepare the City of Victoria’s 2025 Budget Survey. Downtown Victoria is the hub of our region’s economy. It is home to a critical mass of regional jobs, services and businesses. However, the Budget Survey overwhelmingly draws from respondents who do not own businesses (89%). The survey is also constrained by its representation of Victoria residents and is blind to the reality that Downtown Victoria serves tens of thousands of non-residents daily, and that it is the base for many regional employers whose property taxes will contribute a significant portion of the City of Victoria’s proposed budget — currently at more than $460 million.
The Budget Survey also stunningly brushes over the social disorder and daily distress that has seemingly become normalized by all levels of government. The survey does not reflect the real crisis that downtown is experiencing. That is a major oversight.
“Mayors and councils don’t have an easy job, but they do have a job to prioritize the stewardship of infrastructure and services vital to maintaining their municipalities,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said. “The Chamber, too, will stay in our lane as the voice of business. We believe that fiscal responsibility is key to a robust private sector that creates good jobs, attracts capital investments and provides the taxes needed by government to deliver sustainable public services.”
John Wilson is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
