JOHN WILSON
VICTORIA – The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce recently presented a plan to the provincial government’s Select Standing Committee on Finance, outlining how targeted investments and policy changes can restore safety, support businesses, and strengthen downtown economies across British Columbia.
Victoria has everything it needs to succeed: a strong business community, a vibrant downtown and a growing population. Now is the time to double down on what is working and fix what isn’t.
“We’ve provided the provincial government with a clear, practical plan,” said John Wilson, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. “This is about restoring confidence and making it viable for businesses to stay open.”
The plan focuses on three priorities: reducing the cost of doing business, restoring safety and order, and bringing people back downtown.
Key measures include targeted tax relief for active storefronts, a dedicated downtown safety and recovery fund, expanded mental health and addiction treatment, and stronger responses to repeat offenders.
In total, the plan outlines approximately $100 million in provincial funding to support community safety and wellbeing and boost economic recovery in downtown cores across British Columbia.
“People can and do recover from addictions, but only if they can access the care they need when they need it. Expanding treatment and recovery capacity and building on the investment already made by the province is essential if we want to see real lasting change for the individuals and or our community,” said Julian Daly, CEO, Our Place Society.
The Chamber says action is needed now as closures, rising vacancies and declining business confidence threaten the economic base that funds public services.
“When conditions improve, people return. When people return, downtowns recover,” said Wilson.
“Government has the tools, now it’s time to act.”
John Wilson is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
