THE GAMING INDUSTRY’S NEXT MOVE
NICK BLASKO MAKES MUSIC AN ECONOMIC DRIVER
IS THERE AN UPSIDE TO THE TARIFF TURMOIL?
Festival founder Nick Blasko on running “a globally relevant entertainment company from Vancouver Island.”
BY DAVID LENNAM
How Trump trade turmoil is likely to affect Island businesses. The consequences may surprise you.
BY ANDREW FINDLAY
Meet five business personalities who are shaping Victoria’s future.
BY SHANNON MONEO
Victoria’s burgeoning video-game industry isn’t playing around as it utilizes economic and cultural incentives.
BY TAMMY SCHUSTER
8 NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
11 IN THE KNOW
The University of Victoria’s District Energy Plant gets an electric makeover; the Bay Centre welcomes the YMCA/YWCA relocation; VIATEC’s disco turn — “we don’t do generic galas” — at annual awards; VoxCell’s star turn for U.S. Public Television; tourism shows us the money; Monday’s message for modern workers; Douglas Reads.
40 INTEL
40 IF POWER CORRUPTS, WHAT’S A LEADER TO DO?
Here are some strategies for managing and navigating ultimate responsibility.
BY MIA MAKI
42 IS YOUR BUSINESS AN ENGINE FOR SOCIETAL WEALTH?
Integrative capitalism sees wealth and wellbeing reinforced with the relationship between business and its community.
BY CLEMENS RETTICH
44 LIFE + STYLE
Prime patios, or how best to take your business meetings outside this summer; simulator swings for your course corrections; tie-ing one on.
46 IN RECOGNITION
After five eventful years, departing CEO Bruce Williams leaves the Chamber of Commerce in a better place.
Being there means everything.
Achieve More with an Athena Assistant
WE MADE IT — summer is here. It’s the season of patio meetings, outdoor lunches and sneaking out of the office a little early on Fridays. But make no mistake: No one in Victoria is slowing down. There’s a buzz of energy I’ve sensed firsthand, from the 600-plus people at the VIATEC Awards, full of celebration and ambition, to the focused conversations at a recent Chamber of Commerce luncheon, where the dialogue was about finding our way forward.
As we face a new season of uncertainties, this community is responding. While B.C. may feel fewer direct effects from the tariff tyranny, we are seeing the ripple — and the response is to collaborate and innovate.
A team-based approach for a total wealth strategy that addresses the entirety of your life.
C.P. (Chuck) McNaughton, PFP Senior Wealth Advisor
250.654.3342 charles.mcnaughton@scotiawealth.com themcnaughtongroup.ca
The McNaughton Group ScotiaMcLeod® , a
“This new era is revealing where real power and influence come from — not from titles or tradition, but from action.”
This new era is revealing where real power and influence come from — not from titles or tradition, but from action. Whether navigating global trade tensions or building indie game development companies here at home, influence today is shaped by those who speak up, act and persevere. It takes vision and courage — qualities that get tested in boardrooms, backrooms and backstage. And it’s both the visible and subtle forces alike that drive how business and community evolve on Vancouver Island.
From behind-the-scenes dealmakers to on-the-ground festival organizers, community members show up — as mentors, leaders, advocates or quiet supporters behind the curtain. Their efforts may look different, but they share a common goal: to create something meaningful and power ahead.
So yes, summer is here. But even in the lightness of the season, the work continues. The energy is real. The momentum is building. And together, we’re shaping what’s to come.
— Tammy Schuster Douglas Business Editor editor@douglasmagazine.com
A snapshot of Douglas magazine’s 10 to Watch gala for 2025, celebrating entrepreneurship in Victoria’s vibrant business community. Many thanks to presenting sponsor Monk Office and all our event sponsors!
VOLUME 19 NUMBER 3
PUBLISHERS Lise Gyorkos, Georgina Camilleri
EDITOR IN CHIEF Joanne Sasvari
BUSINESS EDITOR Tammy Schuster
ASSISTANT EDITOR Lionel Wild
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Jeffrey Bosdet
LEAD GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kelly Hamilton
ASSOCIATE GRAPHIC DESIGNER Janice Hildybrant
ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Deana Brown, Jennifer Dean Van Tol, Cynthia Hanischuk, Brenda Knapik
ADVERTISING CO-ORDINATOR Rebecca Juetten
MARKETING & EVENTS
CO-ORDINATOR Lauren Ingle
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Andrew Findlay, David Lennam, Mia Maki, Shannon Moneo, Clemens Rettich, Tammy Schuster, Lionel Wild
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Chad Hipolito, Greg Miller
CONTRIBUTING AGENCIES Getty Images p. 18-19, 20, 45
GENERAL INQUIRIES info@douglasmagazine.com
SEND PRESS RELEASES TO editor@douglasmagazine.com
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR letters@douglasmagazine.com TO SUBSCRIBE TO DOUGLAS subscriptions@ douglasmagazine.com
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES marketinginfo@douglasmagazine.com
ONLINE douglasmagazine.com
FACEBOOK DouglasMagazineVictoria INSTAGRAM @douglas_magazine
COVER Elizabeth Brown, President and CEO, Victoria Airport Authority
Photo by Jeffrey Bosdet
Published by PAGE ONE PUBLISHING
580 Ardersier Road, Victoria, B.C. V8Z 1C7 T: 250.595.7243 E: info@pageonepublishing.ca pageonepublishing.ca
Printed in British Columbia by Mitchell Press
Ideas and opinions expressed within this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Page One Publishing Inc. or its affiliates; no official endorsement should be inferred. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents of any advertisement and any and all representations or warranties made in such advertising are those of the advertiser and not the publisher. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, in all or part, in any form — printed or electronic — without the express written permission of the publisher. The publisher cannot be held responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs.
Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #41295544
Undeliverable mail should be directed to Page One Publishing Inc.
580 Ardersier Road, Victoria, B.C. V8Z 1C7 Douglas magazine is a registered trademark of Page One Publishing Inc.
ADVERTISE IN DOUGLAS!
Douglas is a premium magazine dedicated to innovation, leadership and business lifestyle. Established in 2006, Douglas is the first choice for business leaders and achievers. Align your business with Douglas. For more information or to request a media kit, please call us at 250.595.7243 or email us at marketinginfo@douglasmagazine.com.
A makeover is in the works for the District Energy Plant on campus.
BY LIONEL WILD
Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a dramatic view of the boilers at the UVic power plant.
It’s the picturesque plant that powers a university campus. And now, only six years after its completion, it’s getting a significant upgrade.
The University of Victoria’s District Energy Plant and its three natural gas boilers with a capacity of 27.5 megawatts supply power to about 80 per cent of the buildings sprawled across the 163-hectare campus. The output of those boilers, housed in a stunning 7,642-square-foot building with a pitched roof and tall, public-facing glass windows, will soon be replaced by two new electric boilers (capacity 4.2 MW) to help fulfil UVic’s three-year-
old climate and sustainability action plan.
Call it an addition to the family.
“What those electric boilers will do is take up the majority of our space heating and domestic hot water demand, thus drastically reducing our GHG’s from operations as a result,” says Mike Wilson, the university’s director of campus planning and sustainability.
“We expect that to drastically reduce our greenhouse-gasemissions profile by about 5,200 tonnes per year, so that’s equivalent to removing about 1,200 gas-powered vehicles from the road each year.”
The existing natural gas boilers will be left in place, but only fired up to supplement power when urgently needed, for instance in the event of “a cold snap like we had a couple of years ago, those peak winter months where we might have a period of -10°C or below.”
The $10-million-plus project, now in the final design stages, gets going this summer and will take about a year and a half to complete with over 100 people involved. They will build an addition on the back of the building to accommodate the new boilers.
This marks the most significant change to what’s become an iconic-looking structure since its completion in 2019, when it replaced the three different boiler plants that had reached their expiry dates. The consolidated plant’s boilers feed heat through a network of hot-water pipes to dozens of buildings across campus, and do it rather publicly — the building’s windows let the public look into the plant’s workings.
“What the intent of the design is to do is to make the technology and the function of the building visually accessible to the community, so you can actually see what the purpose of the building is, and there’s that visual connection to the outside,” says Wilson. “There was a strong feeling that people should know where their energy comes from.”
BY LIONEL WILD
For the downtown YMCA/ YWCA, it’s a new home. For the Bay Centre, it’s part and parcel of an evolving community approach to retailing.
The news in early May that the “Y” had signed a lease to move into the 36-year-old centre by early next year — if not sooner — was greeted largely with a sense of relief.
Darlene Hollstein, the Bay Centre’s general manager, recalls “that serendipity moment” when it all came together. “We knew the YMCA’s been looking for some space for some time. We had one of our long-term tenants leave the space, and they reached out, then we reached out,” she says. “It made a lot of sense. They’re a great community partner, and we’re very much focused on working with groups that are very community minded.”
The YMCA/YWCA was forced to make the move when its landlord, Concert
Properties, decided to build a two-tower condominium and rental housing project at its Broughton Street location. Its new facility is the 20,000-square-foot space on the Bay Centre’s top floor, which had been previously occupied by GoodLife Fitness for 15 years. It won’t have a pool, gymnasium or racquet courts, but should have most of the other programs, classes and equipment. Moreover, members will get free parking.
“From a Y’s perspective, it’s a really great piece of real estate for them. It has windows up there, views, stuff like that,” Hollstein says.
The Y’s move is just the latest in a rapidly changing retail world. Over her 23 years as GM at the four-storey shopping complex, Hollstein has seen the impact of online shopping, real-world events like the COVID pandemic and now the demise of the 355-year-old Hudson’s Bay Company that, as the centre’s
anchor tenant, had occupied 229,000 square feet of space.
“I’ve had three anchors since I’ve been here, so Eaton’s, Sears and of course the Bay, and now I get to reimagine that space hopefully again,” she says. “We opened [the centre] with a lot of national and international brands, and over the years because of the focus on local and really throughout the pandemic, we switched pretty big into more local and regional offerings. We’re over 35 per cent local, which is something you generally don’t see in bigger shopping centres, but it’s definitely something we’ve leaned into over the years.”
Hollstein couldn’t go into details about what will happen to the Hudson’s Bay space, but says it’s more likely to be broken up than not. Luckily, the design of the building would lend itself to that as downtown Victoria’s first big shopping mall is reimagined once again.
BY TAMMY SCHUSTER
Under the glint of glittering disco balls, Victoria’s tech community traded their hoodies for sequins at the Silicon-Valley-meets-Studio-54themed VIATEC Awards spectacle.
On May 1, more than 600 members of Greater Victoria’s tech sector — including tech professionals, entrepreneurs and industry supporters — gathered at Carson Hall in the Victoria Conference Centre for the annual event.
The Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council Awards celebrate the innovation and achievements of outstanding companies and individuals contributing to the region’s $7.9-billion tech sector. This year, 15 recipients were honoured out of over 120 nominees and 50 finalists.
“This night is about celebrating the impact and creativity of our tech community in a way that reflects who we really are,” said VIATEC CEO Dan Gunn. “We don’t do generic galas. If we’re asking people to come together, it better be worth it. And it better be fun.”
More than half of the attendees arrived dressed in disco-themed outfits consisting of bell bottoms, sequins and plenty of patterned, non-breathable materials. The live band, Tight Hair Disco, played all the night fever dancefloor hits with slightly tweaked lyrics to fit each of the award winners. The late-night talk show set gave award recipients and sponsors the opportunity to be interviewed by “host” Dan Gunn. And throughout the evening, guests were spontaneously prompted to get out of their seats and do the “hustle.” Crowd participation was at 100 per cent.
Award recipients received astronaut trophies that were hand-sculpted by local artist Russell Papp, and the evening ended with pods of inflatable orcas being launched into the ballroom to be batted around beach-ball style.
For more information, visit VIATEC.ca.
The launch of a new initiative aims to train more sound technicians in Victoria’s music community.
Company of the Year: Niricson Software
Growth Company of the Year: Focal
Scaling Startup of the Year: Revela Systems
Emerging Startup of the Year: Tourismo
Product of the Year: MarineLabs (CoastAware)
Innovative Excellence (Hardware): Solaires Enterprises
Innovative Excellence (Software or Service): VoxCell BioInnovation Leader of the Year:
Darren Beckwith (CTO, Barnacle Systems)
Emerging Leader of the Year:
Ania Wysocka (Founder, Rootd)
Employer of the Year: Barnacle Systems
Inclusion Champion: CultureFoundry
Social Impact Award: Victoria Hand Project
Janet Baird Award for Community Champion: Charter Telecom
Colin Lennox Award for Technology Champion: Nicole Smith (Founder & CEO, Flytographer)
VIATEC Member of the Year: PlusROI Online Marketing
Victoria’s live music scene — and those who aspire to work in it — is getting a boost with the launch of a new program that covers the cost of training for aspiring sound technicians. The Victoria Arts Promotion and Preservation Society (VAPPS) and the City of Victoria’s Music Strategy Grant Program are combining on a new initiative that provides microgrants that will pay for handson training with experienced professionals.
“We’ve always had a shortage of sound techs in Victoria, but right now the need is especially great,” says society treasurer Nev Gibson. “Limited venue options mean events are more often happening at venues without existing infrastructure, where it is harder and more expensive to provide sound. Without people with the skills and energy to take it on, many events just can’t happen.”
These mentoring micro-grants
will enable new sound techs to learn directly from seasoned pros at different events while helping event organizers cover costs. To get involved, aspiring sound techs must create a profile on LiveVictoria.com, a spot for connecting with mentorship opportunities, training sessions and potential gigs. There they can also find more information on the program and getting registered at victoriaarts.ca/soundmentorship.
Victoria biotech firm VoxCell BioInnovation’s feats feted on U.S. TV series.
“Ready for my close-up?” The people behind Victoria-based VoxCell BioInnovation surely were when they scored a recent segment on All Access with Andy Garcia, a U.S. Public Television series.
The 2023 Douglas 10 to Watch winner is on the leading edge of oncology research via its 3D bioprinting technology that produces human-like vascular tissue models that can be used for testing prospective drugs to fight cancer. Its innovative work in accelerating drug development, which has an added benefit of reducing reliance on animal testing while improving drug-testing accuracy, has marked the company as a biotech success.
The segment for the All Access program was filmed in downtown Victoria in early April. The program is hosted by Garcia, an actor/director whose long run in Hollywood includes roles in The Untouchables and The Godfather Part III as well as director Steven Soderbergh’s three “Ocean’s” movies, among dozens of other films.
For VoxCell’s part, founder and CEO Karolina Valente, in addition to her Douglas honours, was also recently recognized in The Globe and Mail’s Report on Business 2025 Changemaker Awards. VoxCell also won an award for innovative excellence at the recent VIATEC Awards.
This local biotech firm is surely enjoying its star turn while it continues to play a pioneering role in the future of medical testing.
With cherry blossom season over and allergy season coming to an end, Greater Victoria now braces for the next infiltration of seasonal inflow: tourist season.
Tourism is more than just crowds and cruise ships — it’s an economic powerhouse for Greater Victoria. A 2024 report prepared for Destination Greater Victoria reveals just how much the average visitors are spending across restaurants, retail, hotels, transportation, museums and more.
Overnighters
With over 2.8 million visits and $1.7 billion spent, overnight travellers are Victoria’s biggest economic contributors. On average, each overnight visitor spends $610 during their stay.
Same-day (non-cruise) travellers — typically regional visitors — account for 1.3 million visits and $125 million in expenditures, averaging over $90 spent per visit.
Cruise Crowds
Cruise visitors, including passengers and crew, account for 838,400 arrivals and spend nearly $110 each during their stopovers, contributing $90 million to the local economy. Cruise-line operations add another $124 million in local expenditures.
Tourism is more than just crowds and cruise ships — it’s an economic powerhouse for Greater Victoria.
International Visitors
Victoria welcomes 926,500 U.S. travellers who spend approximately $488 million and 352,000 overseas travellers who spend $270 million. And the 214,000 American travellers arriving by air spend almost $139 million in the region.
SUMMARY OF PERSON-VISITS AND VISITOR SPENDING IN GREATER VICTORIA, BY VISITOR TYPE, 2023.
Since when was “hiding your light under a bushel” good career advice? Author Jenny Wood truly buries that notion with her new book Wild Courage: Go After What You Want And Get It (Portfolio), a guide to putting aside any fears, embracing your ambition and unabashedly pursuing your goals.
READS DOUGLAS READS
The former Google executive and career coach outlines in her debut book how nine otherwise negative characteristics can be applied in a positive way to realize career success. So … selfishness can translate to “being your own champion,” obsessiveness becomes “pushing, persisting, performing at the highest level,” nosiness can be channelled into “getting curious to network confidently and learn from others” — to cite just three of the traits. Fear of failure has no place here!
Employees split over the best way to begin the work week.
Mondays kind of get a bad rap. With songs like “Monday Monday” (“Monday, Monday, can’t trust that day”), “Manic Monday” and “I Don’t Like Mondays” (let’s not go down that road) the first day after the weekend gets little love in popular culture.
Still, what’s long been regarded as the foundational day of the work week — setting the tone for productivity in the days that follow — has been almost sacrosanct in corporate culture. Now that’s changing, whether due to a new generation, the advent of remote technology, the work practices fallout from the pandemic — or a combination of the above.
A new report from Robert Walters recruitment agency finds a split among employees on whether Mondays should be spent in the office or working from home. While 46 per cent of those surveyed say Monday is the most valuable workday and 25 per cent feel they’re more productive in the office on that day, 35 per cent would rather ease into the work week by working from home on Mondays. Needless to say, this presents a challenge for employers focused on productivity and cohesive teamwork.
“Employers need to find a balance between structured in-office collaboration and the autonomy that many employees now expect,” says Martin Fox, managing director of Robert Walters Canada. “A phased or flexible return on Mondays, perhaps with incentives or designated collaboration time, could be an effective way to drive engagement and business success.”
The agency’s 2025 Talent Trends e-guide reveals that for businesses requiring a full-time office presence, it isn’t easy finding talent — 72 per cent of recruitment professionals report hiring difficulties for such jobs. So what are employers to do? Be flexible in their approach and regularly survey their employees to understand changing preferences and productivity trends in their team.
NICK BLASKO IS THE FOUNDER OF VICTORIA’S FAVOURITE MUSIC FESTIVAL, WHICH ALSO HAPPENS TO BE A MAJOR ECONOMIC DRIVER IN THIS CITY.
BY DAVID LENNAM
The Rifflandia Festival Nick Blasko began with his wife Casey Austin in 2008 makes its 15th appearance this September 11 to 14, again on the Matullia Lands in Rock Bay and featuring an extra day of big-name talent and bigtime fun.
The 50-year-old father of three, who has spent a lifetime producing thousands of concerts and major festivals, has expanded his business, while downsizing his, uh … portfolio.
Blasko no longer runs Atomique Productions. The concert-booking firm he started with childhood pal Dimitri Demers was sold to Vancouver’s MRG Group, as was his stake in the Capital Ballroom. He’s also divested himself of music biz clients he used to manage with his agency Amelia Artists.
Instead, Blasko is dabbling in Hollywood as an executive producer (Oscar-winner The Brutalist) and, under the banner of the Rifflandia Entertainment Company, is producing festivals, galas and sports events internationally. The company employs a staff of 12 and, when Rifflandia is rolling, hosts up to 300 volunteers and contributes to more than 350 jobs.
“I believe you can run a globally relevant entertainment company from Vancouver Island,” Blasko says. “A lot of people tell
me, ‘You’re joking. There’s no way that’s possible.’ But I know it’s possible, yet the destination remains sort of undefined. But we’re doing it.”
Renowned for his endless patience and ability to hear what’s being said, Blasko is, I once wrote, “A good guy in a cutthroat world.”
“I like that,” he says.
Douglas: Festival production costs have skyrocketed since the pandemic. How vital is provincial support, like B.C.’s new Destination Events Program?
Nick Blasko: It’s vital for a lot of people for the very survival of their event. For us, not getting it would mean doing a different event and making some difficult decisions. I don’t think we’re in a year where our survival is dependent on it, but certainly in the long-term health of our organization, that would play a factor. If we didn’t have that funding, the cost of tickets would go up significantly or we’d have to drop certain elements of our programming.
Douglas: How much are people willing to spend on a ticket these days?
Nick Blasko: This is the question. For the longest time when we moved to Royal Athletic Park we were charging about $150 for a three-day pass, so about $50 a day. We’re hard pressed to get under $100 a day now or $125. It’s not like prices [for producing a festival] were sky high and then came down. They’ve just continued to go up. What hasn’t gone up is the public’s tolerance for ticket pricing. We can’t just overnight up our ticket prices by 20 or 30 per cent.
Douglas: What does it cost to put on Rifflandia?
Nick Blasko: It’s really expensive. In the early days, we put on the festival for, give or take, a million dollars. In this current iteration, it’s closer to three or four [million]. There’s a wide range there
because we’ve reinvented the festival for the past three years in a row.
Douglas: Tell me about your magical power of persuasion that fuels the festival and other events you’ve run, like the super-popular Car-Free Day.
Nick Blasko: I like hearing you say that, but I think it’s more determination and also attracting like-minded people that believe things are possible. Some of the greatest things we’ve done have started with a simple conversation where someone has raised their hand and asked, “Hey, have you thought of this and can I help you with this?” Our answer is, more often than not, “No, we haven’t thought of that and yes, do you want to help with that?”
Douglas: Is there a way to gauge the economic impact Rifflandia has had on Victoria?
Nick Blasko: The cab drivers would say, “We love Rifflandia. It’s like New Year’s Eve three nights in a row for us.” That, to me, was an indicator we were actually putting some dollars and cents back into the city. [A 2015 study showed the fest produced a $3.9-million boost to the city.]
Douglas: Does the festival support local businesses?
Nick Blasko: Hundreds, really. When you break it down, we look at our food vendors, we look at our liquor suppliers, we look at our infrastructure suppliers from sound and lighting to the fencing, to the port-a-potties, to where we print our promotional supplies, to where we buy our insurance to everything. We’ve tried to source local first since the beginning of this festival.
Douglas: Has Rifflandia helped shape policy at City Hall?
Nick Blasko: When I look at our journey we had to jump through so many hoops to get our liquor licences. We were on the forefront of trying to modernize and
change those laws to be closer to what we were experiencing in other countries or states or provinces.
Douglas: Rifflandia has a killer brand. How important is that?
Nick Blasko: The festival has a great brand, but that’s hard-earned. We’re doing our 15th festival in 18 years and prior to that was decades of concert promoting to get to that point where we could even do a festival. In many ways, Rifflandia encapsulates my life’s work to an extent.
Douglas: You were the co-chair of the Juno Awards in Vancouver this year and in 2018 as well. You’ve long supported trying to bring the Junos to Victoria. What do we need to make that happen?
Nick Blasko: I don’t think Victoria needs anything. We have it all. I think what needs to happen is CARAS, the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, needs to reimagine their event to fit within what we have. I don’t think we’re very far off from what they need, but this is not a case of Victoria being deficient in any way … we deserve to have the event. It’s a complicated question about whether the Junos travels or not.
Douglas: Does a music festival drive culture in a city?
Nick Blasko: Music is just a massive, very emotional part of people’s lives, whether we’re cognizant of that emotional value or not. We all hear it and experience it differently. Festivals are about enjoying a moment in time and creating some memories and escaping your day-to-day reality.
Douglas: So when it comes down to it, are you only as good as your last Rifflandia?
Nick Blasko: Kind of. Yeah … All I know is that music kind of drives it. That connection people have with songs. Less about artists, I find. But songs are so important in people’s lives.
BY ANDREW FINDLAY
How
Cam Matthews feels like he’s in the crosshairs of U.S. President Donald Trump and his America-first tariff strategy.
As a senior mechanical engineer, Matthews leads a small team of engineers at York Machine Shop. In business since 1983, the Campbell River outlet makes milling machines, metal lathes and other precision tools designed for portability and remote applications. In 2017, York was bought by the Texas company Superior Plant Rentals.
Most of York’s customers, including the United States defence industry, are American.
“We’re a perfect example of what MAGA [Make America Great Again] is trying to do, to move production to the U.S. If our product suddenly gets a lot more expensive, we’re going to experience a huge drop in sales,” Matthews told Douglas magazine.
Matthews, of course, isn’t alone. Businesses and governments around the world have been rocked by the fallout from, and unpredictability of, the Trump administration’s evolving economic policies since it came to office in January.
Within two months the U.S. signalled it would be treating Canada in a very different manner from before, beginning on March 4, when it slapped tariffs of 25 per cent on Canadian goods and 10 per cent on energy and potash. By mid-month, it hit Canadian steel and aluminum with a 25-per-cent tax, and come early April, a 25-per-cent tariff on Canadian automobiles took effect.
Trump’s actions prompted a retaliatory response from Canada, turning what was once a positive trade relationship between besties into a nasty narrative of tit for tat between squabbling neighbours.
For Matthews and the 42 engineers, machinists, draftspeople and office staff employed at York, this trade war represents an existential threat.
The tale of York Machine Shop could be a metaphor for Trump 2.0’s unprecedented trade war. Any way you view it, people and businesses on both sides of the border will bear the brunt of tariff-induced higher prices. And just as Superior Plant Rentals runs an integrated cross-border business with subsidiaries on both sides of the 49th parallel, our economy is deeply — and currently painfully — integrated.
According to a recent Scotiabank analysis, 77 per cent of Canada’s exports go to the United States. On paper it is a daunting U.S.-dependent trade relationship, says Jason Hicks, an American-born University of Victoria economist who, along with his wife, just got permanent residency in Canada.
“It’s unlikely Canada could sustain a trade war over the long term without sustaining some serious damage to its economy,” Hicks says.
If that sounds like it’s stating the obvious, well, it is, admits Hicks. However, a deeper dive into the current Canada-U.S.
discord reveals a much more nuanced picture. The challenge is parsing out true intentions from bluster when the news cycle can barely keep pace with the American president’s daily on-again, offagain trade and tariff pronouncements.
“We know that Donald Trump is transactional in his approach. He views trade as a zero-sum game where there’s a winner and loser,” Hicks says.
That’s counter to the spirit of trade agreements, like 2020’s Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and its predecessor NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), which are meant to be mutually beneficial. Hicks says it is possible that Trump sees tariffs simply as a method of extracting benefits from trading partners, such as Canada’s appointment of a new drug czar to tackle the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. But as the United States’s own data shows, the amount of this toxic drug entering from Canada is a trickle compared to the amount that arrives from other countries. In other words, it’s a red herring, a flimsy justification for tariffs.
Or Trump may indeed believe that tariffs can force manufacturing back to the U.S., despite studies of his 2018 tariffs showing they had little impact in this respect.
Nobody knows, and if there’s one thing
businesses hate, whether they’re flying the Maple Leaf or the Star-Spangled Banner, it’s uncertainty. The current trade climate is rife with uncertainty that Hicks believes could and may already be backfiring on Trump.
“When Trump imposed tariffs in 2018 during his first term, it had very little impact on reshoring of manufacturing. It requires massive investment in building infrastructure and training employees and no company is going to take on that risk without certainty in the trade environment,” Hicks says.
That gives some comfort to Matthews and his fellow staff at York Machine Shop. However, that’s just a single thread in a narrative with many threads.
The South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) is taking a big-picture look with the creation of Rising Economy Taskforce 2.0, which is bringing together business leaders to unpack what a protracted trade war with the U.S. means for Vancouver Island and B.C.
“We’re looking at the real impact of uncertainty and unpredictability on a dayto-day basis for businesses, how we can adapt to tariffs and what weaknesses and
1 2
Source: Fraser Institute.
5 4 3
Local expertise, limitless reach. Digital marketing that expands horizons.
Board of Trade, blame stringent regulations and an unfavourable business investment climate for Canada’s low productivity. According to Stone, Victoria’s productivity lags even further behind the B.C. average, though he says this is due in part to the large percentage of civil servants in the provincial capital. Still, he sees an opportunity.
“I just hope that we keep up this momentum on interprovincial trade and start harmonizing regulations, regardless of how this trade war unfolds.”
— Aaron Stone, SIPP CEO
“This is where we can really lean into initiatives like the Ocean Innovation Hub, encourage investment in value-added, and support businesses as they diversify and adapt,” Stone says. “Victoria is a wonderful place. We have talent, we have the ocean and we have the geography. I really see
the U.S. as a trading partner has also been brought into sharp focus. Stone says that SIPP supports the efforts of the Ministry
Innovation, which in the past few months
part of B.C.’s Trade Diversification Strategy.
David Eby told reporters in early February terminal where a docked ship loaded with table, but nothing will change the reality of geographic proximity. Canada and the Robust trade between our countries makes
There are other signs that Trump’s tariff
Vancouver Island. In 2023 nearly 300,000
Americans came to the Island and spent money on hotels, restaurants, whalewatching tours, sport fishing and myriad other experiences.
“The concern is that tourism is immune from the impacts of tariffs, but if things get more expensive in the U.S. and Americans have fewer resources, they won’t travel,” says Brian Cant, vice-president of business impact and engagement for 4VI social enterprise group.
So far that hasn’t been the case. The number of Americans visiting Canada was up 21 per cent in January compared to the same month in 2024. On Vancouver Island, where the tourism sector is worth $3.2 billion in annual spending, some experts are even predicting a bump in visitors, whether they are Americans taking advantage of the low Canadian dollar or Europeans wanting to avoid the U.S.
Already Destination Greater Victoria has seen one unexpected benefit from the tariff war: an increase in conferences. “We’re seeing a record convention year. Conventions are at capacity,” says Paul Nursey, CEO of DGV. In 2023 the city hosted 20 conventions; this year it’s scheduled to host at least 30, some of which had originally been planned for U.S. markets. “We’ve been able to repatriate some of those.”
Still, Nursey says: “It’s a very uncertain time. Tariffs are driving all sorts of uncertainty and our industry relies on confidence. In the short term we are going to be OK, but none of this uncertainty is going to be good for any sector. Through Q3 it’s still going to be pretty good, but after that it’s hard to say.”
He adds: “If there’s a trade war worldwide, that will affect the whole economy and that will affect travel, too.”
Where tourism may be looking rosy on this side of the border, it’s a different scenario on the other side of the 49th parallel. Canada is the top source of international visitors to the U.S., but recent data shows airline bookings from Canada for the summer season are down a whopping 70 per cent. The U.S. Travel Association warned that a 10-per-cent drop in Canadian traffic could cost the country $2.1 billion in spending and 14,000 jobs.
UVic’s Hicks says tourism is one example of the complexity and unintended consequences of a trade war. Another is a potential brain drain. There are early signs that academics and medical professionals affected by Trump’s cuts to science and health care are starting to look north of the border. This could be a big win for Canadian research and a solution to the growing doctor shortage. According to the Medical Association of Canada, the number of U.S. medical graduates opening
accounts on the physiciansapply.ca site jumped 583 per cent between October 2024 and March 2025.
Back in Campbell River at York Machine Shop, Cam Matthews and his staff will continue to do what they do, designing and manufacturing precision machines that a lot of American customers want.
When asked about Canadian trade in early March, President Trump told reporters: “We just don’t need their product.”
He might live to eat those words, and in
the end it could be pressure from within that will force the issue. For instance, in a recent CBC interview, Doug Sombke, president of the South Dakota Farmer’s Union, called the tariffs a “horrible idea,” saying: “Whoever thought that tariffs were good for the country, they really don't understand civics and/or economics very well.”
Meanwhile, Matthews notes an ironic twist to the story of York Machine Shop and its Texas parent company. “All of my Gulf Coast colleagues voted for Trump,” he says, “and now it’s hurting their company.”
With a lifetime of experience and 12 years as a Notary Public, Beverly Carter provides exceptional legal services, combining expertise with a client-focused approach. Carter Notary is a trusted partner for real estate transactions, wills and estates, and notarization services—where professionalism meets personalized service for a seamless experience. 5 ways Carter Notary can help Real Estate Buy, sell, refinance, transfer property
Wills & Estates
Start with our will questionnaire
Power of Attorney
Plan for the unexpected
Health Representation Agreement
Appoint your trusted people
Notarizations
Get help with personal and business needs
Not always visible, but always vital — these five powerhouses are helping shape the future of Victoria.
BY SHANNON MONEO
In Greater Victoria's local business community, true changemakers often work behind the scenes — solving problems, pushing boundaries and building momentum where few are watching. These five individuals may not always be in the spotlight, but their steady work continues to carve out a more business-friendly work of art.
Creating strategies to address downtown business concerns, steer international airport strategy, rethink disaster response, lead progressive construction and shape Indigenous legal frameworks — Jeff Bray, Elizabeth Brown, Shawn Carby, Rory Kulmala and Val Napoleon are each sculpting the city in their own way.
No one’s going furniture shopping from Central Saanich on their cargo bike.”
Executive Director, Downtown Victoria Business Association
Jeff Bray has had a many-faceted career. He worked in government, was a one-term Liberal MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill and managed government and regulatory affairs for Shaw Communications (now Rogers). “I’ve been on both sides. I’ve written treasury board decisions and I’ve received them,” he says.
Bray became interim executive director of the Downtown Victoria Business Association in November 2017, and within months was named permanent ED.
“We have a tremendous cross-section of commercial businesses,” he says of the DVBA’s 1,800-plus members. That variety affords the opportunity to get a good feel for what’s happening in all sectors, he adds.
DVBA’s main function is to be the “authority of all things downtown,” which means promotion, marketing and making downtown a place that people want to visit. Bray has been a stellar agent in those departments, but he’s quick to credit his effective DVBA team. “I know how to step out of the way when they’re doing their good work,” he says. One example of that good work? The DVBA Clean Team removed over 15,000 graffiti tags last year.
Much of Bray’s efforts involve working with a diverse collection of association members to address their concerns, which
often means liaising with all three levels of government.
Recently, he has been pushing for a shift in how the region responds to downtown challenges. One such challenge is the perception of downtown as a disorderly and risky place. Ground-floor retailers have been hit with theft and property damage, and shoppers are feeling leery about visiting. For Bray, waiting for the ideal solution isn’t good enough. He has been pushing for a shift toward practical and immediate action. “We can’t wait for the perfect building. Bring in ATCO trailers — they’re good enough for kids who go to school,” he says, referring to housing for the unhoused.
He’s also challenging downtown’s parking and drivability. Bray agrees that infrastructure work needs to happen, but he questions the expansion of bike lanes. “No one’s going furniture shopping from Central Saanich on their cargo bike,” he says. He’s also calling out the compounding impact of fees/taxes/permits, which hurt operations and limit a business’s ability to raise prices. Bray says that even a $1 increase can be a dealbreaker for a small business.
While advocating for a more grounded, business-savvy approach to civic problem solving, Bray must be doing something right. In 2023 and 2024, Condé Nast readers voted Victoria as the best small city in the world.
We’d rather be at the table than on the menu.”
CEO, Vancouver Island Construction Association
Now in his eighth year as CEO at the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA), Rory Kulmala leads an organization that supports the construction industry through advocacy, education and connection. VICA’s 450-plus membership spans the industry from builders, professional service providers, project owners and students. “The [construction] culture is committed,” says Kulmala. “We want to get things built.”
Construction is an area that’s vital to national growth, Kulmala says. But these are uncertain times. “How do we create resilience in our own economy?” he asks. “My goal is to align with the business community and bring our perspective.”
One way VICA makes its voice heard is via direct communication with government representatives and industry leaders to advocate for fair policies for its members. “We’d rather be at the table than on the menu,” says Kulmala.
When it comes to Greater Victoria’s construction industry, amid the U.S.’s escalating-then-retreating tariff threats and a volatile interest-rate environment, caution is crucial. Premier David Eby has committed to building more infrastructure as debate roils over unattainable housing targets.
“My goal is to plan for the worst,” Kulmala says of a construction environment that is susceptible to government edicts.
VICA makes great efforts to keep its members informed about industry developments and opportunities. Among its key initiatives is the continuation of the Tailgate Toolkit program launched by VICA five years ago to educate and help employers and employees address the ongoing crisis of illicit drug poisonings. The program’s success has led to its adoption provincewide and, more recently, by the City of Calgary.
Prompt payment is another of Kulmala’s advocacy efforts as B.C. has no protection/ guarantee that contractors will be paid on time. There is currently nothing compelling a customer to pay a $200,000 invoice within 30 days, and delays can be a death knell for small firms.
And, as many local businesses can attest, attracting and retaining workers remains a challenge. Kulmala is working to change that by raising awareness and pushing for better access to training and career paths. It’s not just carpenters, plumbers and electricians who are needed, but concrete finishers, bricklayers and crane operators. He believes that it should be easier for people to enter the trades as well as to see a career in them.
In these somewhat truculent times, Kulmala considers VICA as both sword and shield advocating for growth while defending the industry from challenges. “We support growth, but we’re aware of the headwinds.”
Every successful business needs reliable technology and skilled IT support. Westcom’s managed IT service lets you refine your system, relieve digital headaches, and scale up smoothly—all for one simple, monthly fee.
(778) 401 6160
612 Boleskine Road, Victoria, BC westcom.it
Delivering care to those in need has given me an awareness of what we may have to face here.”
— Shawn Carby
Senior Manager, Protective Services, Capital Regional District
With over three decades of experience in emergency management and protective service across Canada, Shawn Carby has become a trusted voice in crisis planning. One of the tools he helped bring to life is the CRD’s newly created Emergency Dashboard, a comprehensive online tool kit with a real-time information portal for everything from power outages and weather warnings to wildfire smoke or emergency alerts.
But ever-present in his preparedness psyche are the tremblers. “The potential for a catastrophic earthquake is real,” says Carby. “There’s a one-in-three chance in Greater Victoria in the next 30 years that we’ll have an earthquake.” If and when it happens, Carby says that basic services will disappear for some time. His work behind the scenes is aimed at ensuring the community is ready when that day arrives. The basic services affected could include food and fuel shortages, damage to transportation infrastructure impeding doctors from getting to hospitals or injured workers unable to perform critical services. “Businesses should think about what they can do to make their business
more resilient,” says Carby. “Do a businesscontinuity assessment. How would I run my business, if …” Those ifs include a severed supply chain, reduced staff, disrupted phone and internet access, damaged business premises and power or water outages.
Carby says businesses should adopt a critical mindset and think about how they would respond to crises like a small or large fire, flood, waterline break, severe staff shortages or unavailable supplies. A critical mindset includes having off-site records, heeding warnings about securing premises, protecting windows, ensuring alternative communication systems are available and ensuring staff are prepared.
Carby’s international volunteer work has informed his domestic mindset. He was on the ground in Nepal after the destructive 2015 earthquake and in the Philippines following a typhoon, as well as carrying out disaster relief work in Armenia and Ukraine. “Delivering care to those in need has given me an awareness of what we may have to face here,” says Carby. “I believe in helping people in crisis, whether local, other Canadians or in international situations.”
President and CEO, Victoria Airport Authority
With the number of travellers coming through Victoria’s airport almost back to pre-COVID levels, Elizabeth Brown is hard at work building momentum that will take the city’s airport to new heights.
As the president and CEO of the Victoria Airport Authority since 2023, Brown brought her high-flying experience back to Canada after spending almost 16 years working in airports in Jamaica and the U.S. “What was meant to be three years turned into 15 years,” Brown says of her international career. “But I learned a lot. I have a very good understanding of the Canadian, U.S. and international airport systems.”
Brown began her career in 1993 at the Edmonton International Airport, later working in various roles at the Sangster
International Airport in Jamaica. In 2015, she helped develop the Cross Border Xpress, a cross-border, pedestrian facility that connected San Diego to Tijuana International Airport, the only one of its kind in the world. By 2017, she became the general manager at the privatized Orlando Sanford International Airport in Florida, which served about three million passengers annually.
There’s so much potential here. I want to put my knowledge toward this airport and its great market.”
— Elizabeth Brown
Now back in Canada, Brown’s expertise is shaping key decisions that will affect the future of Victoria’s airport. “There’s so much potential here,” she says of Greater Victoria. “I want to put my knowledge toward this airport and its great market.”
In 2024, the Victoria airport transported just under two million fliers. It is ranked as the 11th busiest airport in Canada and has been rated one of the top 10 mostloved airports in the world by CNN Travel.
Brown’s vision for YYJ includes creating a business development department and attracting more ground and air services. In fall 2023, Porter Airlines began a nonstop service from Victoria to Ottawa. And Brown hopes to target desired markets that are currently not being served, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Halifax and London, U.K. “We will be proactively talking to airlines to get more services.”
Increasing the airport’s services means improving its facilities. Construction is currently underway on a new air traffic control tower, expected to be completed in 2027, and construction on a three-storey, 129-room hotel is expected to be finished later this year.
Brown is also a part of ensuring the airport hits its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
Prudent planning is required to find the balance between what the market can bear and what passengers demand. “Our job at Victoria International is to listen to the business community, hear what they’re saying and deliver,” she says.
Professor, Law Foundation Chair of Indigenous Justice and Governance, Faculty of Law, University of Victoria
Val Napoleon has been a massive change agent since deciding to attend university as a 42-year-old grandmother. A Saulteau First Nation member from northeast B.C., Napoleon earned a University of Victoria law degree in 2001, followed by a PhD in 2009. She joined UVic’s Faculty of Law in 2012 and that same year helped to establish the Indigenous Law Research Unit (ILRU).
ILRU’s focus is to revitalize Indigenous law and governance not only in B.C., but across Canada and in Indigenous communities everywhere. People travel from around the world to learn the complexities and beauties of Indigenous law. “When we look at Indigenous law, we look at all aspects … family, governance, harms and injuries, lands and water,” says Napoleon, who is also a painter, her specialty being trickster ravens.
Building on ILRU’s niche success, six years later Napoleon was the leading agent behind UVic’s joint Canadian common law and Indigenous legal orders degree program, the first of its kind anywhere. The four-year joint degree/joint Indigenous degree (JD/JID) program uses Indigenous/
“Our local presence ensures that businesses receive personalized advice, rooted in firsthand knowledge of the Island’s economic and environmental landscape.”
In the dynamic business landscape of Vancouver Island, having an insurance partner who truly understands local nuances is invaluable.
Acera Insurance — a 100% Canadianowned and independent brokerage — offers precisely that.
Deep Local Expertise > Acera Insurance’s locally based teams have been serving Vancouver Island businesses for nearly 60 years. With an intimate understanding of the region’s unique challenges and opportunities, the company offers personalized advice grounded in firsthand knowledge of the Island’s economic and environmental landscape.
Specialized Industry Knowledge > The advisors at Acera Insurance bring specialized expertise across key sectors vital to Vancouver Island’s economy, including tourism, hospitality and marine industries. This industry-specific insight allows them to craft insurance solutions that address the distinct risks and needs of local businesses, ensuring comprehensive protection and peace of mind.
Commitment to Community Growth > Beyond delivering insurance services, Acera Insurance is deeply committed to the prosperity of the communities it serves. Through active participation in local initiatives and support for regional organizations, the company demonstrates a genuine dedication to fostering growth and resilience within Vancouver Island’s business ecosystem.
Navigating Global Uncertainties with Confidence > In today’s interconnected world, businesses face a wide array of challenges — from economic fluctuations to shifting regulatory demands. Acera Insurance stands as a reliable partner, equipping Vancouver Island businesses with the tools and coverage needed to navigate these complexities with confidence.
Acera Insurance stands as a steadfast partner, equipping Vancouver Island businesses with the tools and coverage needed to navigate these complexities confidently.
A Partnership for the Future > Choosing Acera Insurance goes beyond securing a
policy — it signifies a partnership with a team that values the success of its clients.
As an employee-controlled company, the team is empowered to make local decisions and is dedicated to supporting clients in their long-term success.
With a steadfast commitment to understanding and serving the unique needs of Vancouver Island businesses, Acera Insurance stands as a trusted ally in your entrepreneurial journey. The company embodies the spirit of Canadian entrepreneurship — resilient, communityfocused and forward-thinking.
For Vancouver Island businesses seeking an insurance partner attuned to their specific needs, Acera Insurance offers a confident and optimistic path forward.
mfi-customerservice@acera.ca 250-595-5212 | acera.ca
Thousands of families on Vancouver Island have children with complex health needs. Many need to travel long distances to access care.
The stress and cost associated with these journeys is significant, if not prohibitive. Parents’ time away from work is often a significant financial hit. In the most extreme of cases, delayed care means urgent situations escalate. Children and their families are paying an unthinkable price — all because of geography.
That’s where Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island comes in. Its mission is to support these families along their journeys, making sure that neither cost nor distance stands in the way of a child getting the health care they need.
Formerly known as the Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children’s Health, the charity has a storied history on Vancouver Island going back nearly 100 years.
Today, they’re best known for their Homes Away From Home. Located on
hospital campuses, Jeneece Place in Victoria and walayu House in Campbell River provide welcoming, low-cost accommodation for families who need to travel to access health care for their child. Staying at a home saves them time, money, and allows them to focus on what matters most — their child’s well-being.
Campbell River parents Ricci and Brian know how important that is.
When their doctor told them during a routine ultrasound that their baby wasn’t growing and they needed to get to Victoria, Ricci and Brian left immediately, and had their baby that very day.
“It was absolutely the scariest day of our lives,” Ricci recalls. “If Jeneece Place wasn’t there for us, I honestly don’t know what we would have done. We were able to be with Emma constantly, and then go back and rest.”
More than 500 families stayed at a Home Away From Home last year alone, and that proximity to their child in health crisis makes all the difference.
“We can’t change what families are going through, but we can support them along the way, reduce their stress, and ultimately enable better health outcomes for their kids,” explains Veronica Carroll, CEO of the Foundation.
Navigating a child’s complex health journey is overwhelming. And the costs add up fast. But you can help.
From the Foundation’s earliest days in the 1920s to today, their work has been funded exclusively by generous individuals, community organizations, and businesses across Vancouver Island.
Destination Greater Victoria (DGV) is our region’s official not-for-profit destination marketing organization, a highenergy tourism board, driving economic momentum across the region. As we move through a period of global uncertainty, Greater Victoria’s tourism sector is resilient and DGV is at the helm with a steady hand on the tiller.
The vibrant visitor economy continues to generate meaningful jobs, support small businesses and spark investments across the region. Stakeholders can look to DGV’s leadership as a source of stability and direction in support of a thriving visitor economy.
Last year, the visitor economy supported 25,000 jobs, while welcoming 4.9 million visitors and generating $3.5 billion in business sales. Accommodation revenues were up, and the Victoria Conference Centre exceeded key targets for room nights and delegate days. The Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission sponsored 35 sporting events, including Scotiabank Hockey Day in
Canada and CFL’s Touchdown Pacific, which together delivered an economic impact of $20.3 million. The region also welcomed 316 cruise ships with 970,000 passengers.
This year, Greater Victoria is on pace to match those numbers, in large thanks to a world-class brand and a strong conference sector. Additional cruise ship visits are expected to bring another 30,000 passengers, and our Business Events Victoria team has attracted more than 100 events for 2025, including 30 city-wide conferences.
In a recent survey of local residents, 98.6 per cent agreed tourism was important to the region, with close to 30 per cent saying they would welcome more visitors. DGV is committed to attracting more visitors in ways that align with community values, generate local benefits and achieve the high sustainability targets it has set for itself.
The continued success of Greater Victoria’s visitor economy is founded on its well-earned and vigorously promoted reputation as one of the world’s most livable and friendliest cities, surrounded by natural splendour that offers countless recreational
opportunities. Through attention-grabbing travel trade and media campaigns, AI-driven market insights and a steadfast dedication to the communities it serves, DGV’s nimble and experienced team will continue to guide the sector with the same steady hand that had seen it expertly navigate previous challenges to world travel.
DGV’s success in 2024, and progress so far in 2025, provide ample evidence that Greater Victoria’s tourism sector will continue to provide a sound economic foundation as the region weathers the ever-present challenges of the global marketplace.
600-765 Broughton Street
Visitor Centre: 812 Wharf Street destinationgreatervictoria.com tourismvictoria.com
Experience and expertise that is second to none
Expertise in optometry transcends mere prescriptions. It lies in a nuanced understanding of each individual’s unique visual history, the early detection of subtle changes in eye health and the ability to provide confident guidance toward a lifetime of clear vision.
The power of Dr. Taylor and his team’s optometry practice comes not only from its use of cutting-edge technology, but also from the wisdom and experience gained over decades of dedicated care.
The team is honoured by the trust placed in them to help generations of families safeguard their sight — today and for years to come.
From websites to comprehensive marketing strategies, Victoria Digital Marketing continues to grow alongside its clients. The company is proud to now offer professional graphic design and branding services — tailored, thoughtful and locally crafted. Whether it’s a refreshed logo, business cards, a new website or signage, Victoria Digital Marketing provides complete support. Founder Jessy Savage’s new role as Marketing Director for Think Local First reflects the company’s core belief in collaboration over competition. As its services expand, so does its commitment to supporting Victoria’s vibrant business community. Call today to build something meaningful, creative and impactful — together.
JEFFREY BOSDET
The local video-game industry, a key component of Victoria’s flourishing tech sector, isn’t playing around as it utilizes education, lifestyle and tax-credit incentives.
BY TAMMY SCHUSTER
Behind the city’s historic facade and scenic backdrop, a handful of game-development companies are creating futuristic worlds played by millions around the globe. And with a brand-new tax incentive aimed at boosting interactive entertainment, the local gaming scene is in a position to advance to the next level.
“A stronger incentive structure makes it easier to attract both companies and talent, ensuring B.C. remains a viable alternative to larger hubs,” says Tim Teh, CEO and cofounder of KANO Applications, an independent video-gaming company founded and headquartered in Victoria.
Once considered a lazy pastime, video games are now the subject of box-office-smashing motion pictures, conferences with recordbreaking attendance and a culture that is mainstream business. They have become a cross-generational hobby that connects players around the world. In short, they are huge.
Gamers dive into epic adventures every day — from futuristic battlefields to medieval jousts or racing in the Grand Prix. Some of these thrilling experiences were created in our backyard, and our front yard, too.
B.C. has been one of Canada’s top game development hubs, with major studios such as 2K, EA and Relic Entertainment located in Vancouver, alongside a thriving indie scene. According to the Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC), British Columbia is home to 161 video-game studios, supporting 8,700 jobs and contributing $1 billion to the economy annually.
Victoria into a hub for development. But the barriers to drawing talent to Victoria include housing shortages and affordability. While some developers may love the lifestyle Vancouver Island offers, many are often drawn to bigger cities with more opportunities, making it challenging for Victoria-based companies to attract and retain skilled developers.
In March, the provincial government announced an increase to the interactive digital media tax credit (IDMTC) for companies that develop interactive digital media products such as video games, educational software, edutainment (a combo of education and entertainment) products and simulators. Starting September 1, eligible companies can claim a 25-per-cent tax credit — an increase from 17.5 per cent — for salary and wages incurred after August 31, 2025.
$5.9B 2O23 2OO4 $1B
According to VIATEC’s 2024 economic impact report, Greater Victoria’s tech sector has seen rapid expansion, with revenues growing from $1 billion in 2004 to nearly $5.9 billion in 2023. Employment in the sector also increased from 16,775 in 2017 to over 20,000 in 2023, reflecting the industry’s strong momentum — one that extends to video-game development.
Rapid revenue growth across Victoria’s tech industry
Victoria has carved out its own niche in the industry. It’s been a longtime home to a number of studios, including Hololabs, KANO Applications, Codename Entertainment and Metalhead Software (acquired by EA in 2021), producing games for mobile, PC and console as well as virtual and augmented reality.
Victoria is a prime location for video-game development. The city offers a high quality of life, a supportive and connected business community and is strategically close to major tech hubs like Vancouver, Seattle and San Francisco. It also benefits from a stream of graduates from the University of Victoria and Camosun College, both offering varying levels of computer science, game development, design and digital arts programs. This schoolto-industry connection has helped shape
The hope with these increased tax incentives is that they may help the city attract more companies to the region and help studios attract talent.
“We are a smaller market, but like all tech in Victoria, we are a tight-knit community of companies,” says Teh, who cofounded his company in 2008 and now employs more than 30 people across Canada. “As relatively smaller developers competing in an industry that is projected to hit $186 billion in 2025, and with a global customer base, collaborating and information sharing has always been a much better strategy than being secretive and adversarial.”
Teh says starting an independent gaming company in Victoria, far removed from tech hubs such as Silicon Valley and San Francisco, allowed the company to chart its own path. “We built a culture that prioritized sustainability, creativity and long-term thinking,” he says. “This has really helped us, especially in recent years with the shift from ‘growth at all costs’ to ‘profitable, sustainable growth.’
”
The introduction of a tax incentive for interactive digital media is hoped to fuel even more growth, making Victoria an increasingly attractive place for game developers to set
up shop. But while our laid-back Island atmosphere may appeal to developers looking for better work-life balance, cash is still king.
“I think any tech company working here on the Island has a challenge in attracting high-quality workers and staff,” says Mike Wozniewski, president of Hololabs. “Competitive salaries are a challenge, especially for smaller businesses like ours, so this will definitely help offset that.”
Wozniewski started Hololabs in 2011 in Montreal before moving headquarters to Victoria in 2015. Quebec, known as a major competitor for the tech sector, once offered a 37.5-per-cent multimedia tax credit. Wozniewski says that Montreal is also a bigger draw for talent because of the city’s size and culture. Vancouver is another tech community he competes with for talent and funding.
“One of our biggest problems is attracting the younger folks who typically prefer to be in cities like Vancouver,” he says. “We have to be able to attract them with salaries. Offering the beauty of the Island only goes so far. Salaries matter.”
The ESAC reported average annual salaries for Canadians in the video-game industry in 2024 ranged from $67,000 for a junior developer with less than two years of experience to $131,000 for a senior staffer with six-plus years of experience.
A key factor in attracting and retaining talent goes beyond salaries alone — it also involves creating an environment that encourages growth.
Teh says that B.C. is already a strong contender in game development, but tax incentives will help level the playing field against provinces like Quebec, a leader in the gaming space.
In his case, he believes that Victoria’s lifestyle, combined with the company's growth, has helped his company offer stable, long-term careers to employees. As a result, he’s been able to attract and retain talent in a competitive marketplace, but the increased incentive could provide more opportunities to invest in his staff and grow his team.
“An increased tax credit directly impacts our hiring and expansion potential,” says Teh. “It lowers the cost of talent acquisition and also allows us to continue to pay current team members competitively in a time when the cost of living is increasing. While it won’t single-handedly drive expansion, it certainly makes scaling more viable in a sustainable way.”
B.C.’s tech industry has seen rapid ups and downs, but Victoria seems to be taking a long-term approach. By creating conditions that promote business growth, attract talent and foster innovation, Victoria is ready to accept its next mighty quest.
Celebrate life’s everyday moments with Selbrae House — beautifully crafted kitchenware and drinkware made from natural materials like oak, slate, and linen. Featuring charming bee, whale, and cow prints.
We’re committed to helping you get ahead �inancially.
From growing your business to planning for retirement, we can provide you with customized advice that covers your entire �inancial life. Working together, we will build a tailored plan that incorporates today’s priorities while keeping your future in focus.
We would be pleased to meet with you to provide comprehensive advice to help you achieve your �inancial goals. Contact us to get started today.
faculty outreach, at the Gustavson School of Business at UVic; a professor of finance, accounting and entrepreneurship; and a principal at Quimper Consulting. Maki has helped raise over $50 million for international initiatives, including acquisitions, strategic partnerships and joint subsidiary creation projects.
Strategies for managing and navigating ultimate responsibility.
Power is a double-edged sword. It enables leaders to make decisions, drive progress and inspire teams — but it can also lead to arrogance, unethical behaviour and corruption. The famous phrase by historian Lord Acton, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” has stood the test of time. But does power inevitably lead to corruption? More importantly, what can leaders do to avoid its pitfalls while using power effectively? Research offers some answers.
THE SCIENCE OF POWER AND CORRUPTION
Does Power Really Corrupt?
Studies suggest that power does not corrupt everyone; it amplifies existing traits. According to research by Keltner, Gruenfeld and Anderson (2003) published in Psychological Review, power tends to magnify personality characteristics — if someone is ethical and responsible, they become more so when given power. Conversely, if someone is selfish or egotistical, power makes them even more so.
Other research, such as Lammers, Stapel and Galinsky (2010) in Psychological Science, found that power increases moral hypocrisy — leaders are more likely to condemn others for unethical behaviour while excusing themselves.
In business, this translates to leaders who may start with good intentions but gradually become insulated from reality, believing they are above accountability.
Why Does Power Change People?
Power alters the way people think and behave in several ways:
• Reduces empathy: Research in The Journal of Experimental Social Psychology (Galinsky et al., 2006) shows that powerful people are less able to see things from others’ perspectives.
• Increases risk-taking: Research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2011) suggests that power increases dopamine levels, making leaders more prone to risky decisions.
• Creates a sense of invincibility: Power often leads to an inflated sense of self-worth, making leaders believe they are always right. However, power does not have to lead to corruption. Leaders who cultivate self-awareness and accountability can use power as a force for good rather than a path to self-destruction.
Strategies for Using Power Wisely
1. Stay Accountable
• Unchecked power is dangerous. Leaders must create systems that keep them honest.
• Encourage feedback: Surround yourself with people who will challenge your ideas, not just agree with them.
• Establish checks and balances: Make sure decisions are subject to oversight.
• Promote transparency: The more visible your actions, the less likely corruption can take hold.
2. Develop Self-Awareness
Leaders must actively monitor how power affects them. Questions to ask:
• Am I still listening to others?
• Have I changed how I treat people?
• Are my decisions benefiting the organization or just myself?
A willingness to confront these questions — and adjust accordingly — can prevent ethical drift.
3. Use Power to Empower Others
Power should not be hoarded but shared. Leaders who delegate authority, develop talent and foster collaboration create stronger, more resilient organizations. Research by Edmondson (1999) in Administrative Science Quarterly on psychological safety shows that empowering employees leads to greater innovation and trust.
4. Lead with Humility
Power should not be about dominance but service. Ethical leaders:
• Admit mistakes rather than cover them up.
• Listen more than they speak to stay grounded.
• Acknowledge their privilege and use it responsibly.
5. Focus on Long-Term Impact
Many ethical failures stem from short-term thinking — leaders cutting corners for quick wins. The Seventh Generation Principle, rooted in Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy wisdom, teaches that decisions should be made with the well-being of seven generations into the future in mind. This philosophy encourages leaders to prioritize sustainability, ethical responsibility and community impact over short-term power or profit.
By adopting a long-term mindset, leaders can ensure that their influence benefits not just
The best way to understand ethical power is to look at those who have wielded it responsibly. Here are some examples of leaders who maintained integrity despite the temptations of power:
Jacinda Ardern
(former prime minister of New Zealand) Ardern’s leadership was marked by compassion, transparency and integrity. When faced with crises, such as the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks, she led with empathy rather than authoritarianism. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she took a 20-percent pay cut for six months to show solidarity with struggling citizens. Her use of power strengthened trust rather than eroded it.
Warren Buffett (CEO of Berkshire Hathaway)
Despite his immense wealth, Buffett is known for his modest lifestyle and ethical business practices. He rejects excessive executive pay, calls for higher taxes on the wealthy and refuses to engage in deceptive business tactics. His philosophy: power should serve the greater good, not just personal gain.
Nelson Mandela (former president of South Africa) Mandela is one of history’s most profound examples of ethical leadership. After 27 years in prison, he chose forgiveness over revenge and led South Africa through a peaceful transition from the white-supremacy policy of apartheid. Unlike many leaders who cling to power, he voluntarily stepped down after one term, proving that leadership is about service, not control.
themselves or their organizations, but also society at large. This principle aligns closely with ethical leadership practices seen in sustainable businesses and responsible governance.
Power itself is not the problem — it is how it is used that determines whether it corrupts or uplifts. Leaders who actively practise accountability, humility and ethical decision-making can avoid the pitfalls of power and create lasting, positive impact. So, if power tends to corrupt, what’s a leader to do? The answer is simple: Use power to serve, not to rule. Would you rather be remembered for the power you held, or the good you did with it?
Wirk Consulting partners with you to map a clear path forward for your business – designing your future, aligning your team to a shared purpose, committing to key priorities, and implementing with focus.
wirkconsulting.ca | 250.588.9051 team@wirkconsulting.ca
Clemens Rettich is an organizational consultant with Beaton Rettich Waters. Once and always a musician and an educator, he has spent over 30 years practising the art of management. Rettich also shares his passion for leadership and organizational behaviour with his students at the Peter. B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria.
The power of integrative capitalism to transform community.
A few months ago, the finance leader of one of our clients in a small B.C. community casually dropped into a conversation that they had just crossed the $1-million mark in annual payroll. I stopped the conversation.
“Have you taken a moment to celebrate that?” I asked. “Do you realize how incredible that is in the impact you are having on your community?
One million dollars a year is flowing from you through the bank accounts of your employees and into the restaurants, grocery stores, hockey teams, dance classes and schools of your community. You have to celebrate this!”
Little else we could have discussed in that moment could matter more than celebrating that accomplishment.
That moment was integrative capitalism in action: wealth and well-being flowing between the business and the community that in turn supports them.
Integrative capitalism sees businesses as the most effective mechanism we have in our society for creating and distributing value and wealth. I borrowed the word “integrative” from the world of negotiation. Negotiation theory distinguishes between distributive (win-lose/cut-up-thefixed-pie) and integrative (win-win/grow-thepie-together) approaches to a negotiation. In integrative negotiation we seek to understand and integrate interests, with the goal of creating value for all parties.
The model of capitalism in place since the 1980s assumes that maximizing wealth (profits) solely for shareholders magically benefits communities in what is often called “trickle-down economics.” This has not worked. In Canada, wages have stagnated since 1975, communities are struggling and productivity has flatlined.
Businesses — in partnerships with communities and government — can change that story.
Businesses can choose to integrate employees and communities — our businesses rely on the well-being of both — in a virtuous loop: healthy communities supporting healthy businesses supporting healthy communities. Businesses sit at the centre of this. Here are some concrete steps that move us in the right direction:
Income: a living wage. If every business paid a living wage the impact would be substantial. If we “can’t afford it” then we need to step back and understand the situation holistically. Inputs such as pricing, efficiency and regulatory frameworks (national to regional) need to be reconsidered.
Wealth and ownership. Initiatives such as employee stock options (ESOPs) and employee ownership trusts (EOTs) are finally starting to take hold in Canada and create significant opportunities for sustainable wealth in our communities. Profit sharing and ownership align risk, effort and reward. They are a powerful way to align business, individuals and communities in a virtuous cycle.
Education.
• A living wage would put the post-secondary education in trade schools and universities within reach of more community members.
• Industry school partnerships would improve the flow of talent to nurture the virtuous loop of integrative capitalism.
• Increasing investment in internal upskilling and cross-training increases productivity and feeds that virtuous loop.
Good jobs strategy. The book The Good Jobs Strategy, by MIT’s Zeynep Ton, reframes labour as capital (an investment) not a resource (cost). Fair compensation, stable schedules, training and development and career pathways are all part of this strategy. These pillars support healthy employees, vital communities and profitable businesses.
Account for negative externalities. The cost of certain business practices to communities and our planet should be recognized and paid for. Paying “true” costs of pollution, infrastructure degradation, energy and water, extractive leveraged buyouts, etc., would create a business incentive to — at a minimum — not behave in exploitive ways. Examples:
• When large retail chains pay less than a living wage, forcing employees to turn to government assistance to make ends meet, that cost should be recognized.
• When a business pollutes the environment and degrades the quality of life for a community, that cost should be recognized.
The work will only go so far without also rethinking tax structures; investing in technology, people and new processes; rethinking what we teach in schools; rethinking provincial and municipal regulations; and more.
Are these things already happening? Yes, in businesses and communities all across this country. Look at organizations such as CHEK News, Accent Inns and Hotel Zed, Kinetic Construction, VMAC (Nanaimo), and further abroad at Costco, SRC Holdings Corp. (Jack Stack), Patagonia, Semco Energy, Trader Joe’s and many others. All are — in their own way — moving towards a new relationship between value, wealth, employees and community.
The idea of integrative capitalism and the virtuous cycle that feeds it is simple; the execution is not. The work will only go so far without also rethinking tax structures; investing in technology, people and new processes; rethinking what we teach in schools; rethinking provincial and municipal regulations; and more.
The journey toward integrative capitalism is not a quick fix. It requires an updated understanding of the interconnectedness of business, people, community and the planet, and a move from magical “trickle down” to intentional circular value creation.
If we can do that work, businesses would play an even more impactful role in building more equitable, sustainable and prosperous communities.
The many benefits of membership
Since 1879, the Union Club has provided many in Victoria’s business and social communities a special place to create new connections. Membership provides access to our elegant, century-old building, casual and fine dining, billiards room, library, well-equipped fitness centre, meeting rooms, and much more. With over 400 affiliated clubs, the world is yours — wherever you travel, you will always feel right at home.
805 Gordon Street, Victoria | Membership inquiries: sales@unionclub.com | unionclub.com
Wind Cries Mary
Walk down the stairs and wind yourself through to the back of Wind Cries Mary to its charming, secret courtyard. Surrounded by weathered brick walls and shaded by tall, lush trees, this inviting space — enhanced by twinkling lights — offers a calm and creative meeting space suitable for any brainstorming session. windcriesmary.ca
Waterfront Restaurant + Patio
Located across the harbour at the Inn at Laurel Point, Aura offers a scenic patio perfect for any size meeting with plenty of tables and umbrellas. With a view of the Inner Harbour, it’s a great place to watch the seaplanes take off and splash down. Then take a Harbour Ferry back across the harbour. aurarestaurant.ca
The Veranda at the Empress
Every seat is a good seat at the Veranda. Overlooking the expansive grounds of the Fairmont Empress Hotel, you have a frontrow seat to Victoria’s Inner Harbour. You might want to schedule a few back-to-back meetings at this location. fairmont-empress.com/dine/the-veranda
It’s the season of outdoor meetings. The sun is out and the office air conditioning is chilly, so grab your sunnies and your lappie and call your next meeting at a nearby patio. We’ve rounded up a few of the best downtown patios to impress clients, charm new hires and please your taste buds.
10 Acres Bistro
Make a reservation for 10 Acres Bistro’s bright, open-air garden patio. The elevated (above street level) space has a fresh, vibrant feel with bright flowering planters hanging from a trellis ceiling and historic buildings of downtown as the backdrop — all just a short walk from the office. 10acresgroup.ca
+ Batten Restaurant and Cafe
Just a little farther down the Songhees Walkway, Boom + Batten is located at the Victoria International Marina. Its large patio runs right along the walkway so there’s lots of activity. You’ll spot dog walkers, joggers and occasionally a curious otter. Plus it’s a revitalizing walk back to the office, if you choose to return. boomandbatten.com
Is this staple of business neckwear out of style? It depends.
Thin, wide, skinny or bow. As with any accessory, neckties can also fall victim to trends, shapeshifting in both length and girth through the seasons. One year’s masterpiece could be the next decade’s costume.
The recent dressing-down trend means we have spotted fewer ties fastened around fewer necks, but they didn’t fully get the noose. For an accessory that’s been around in the form we know it as today since the 1890s, ties could never truly be out of style. Fashion experts say their popularity may fade and their importance may fizzle, but formal and business wear (depending on your business and the city in which you live) will always call for a tie.
The decline in neckties gained momentum in the 2000s when tech bro core took over during the rise of Silicon Valley and the boom of tech, causing a ripple
effect in the way people dressed for work. With that, ties became less mandatory and more of a choice in business wear.
However, in recent years, ties have been making a bit of a comeback. Gen Z is reportedly embracing the accessory, picking them up by the dozens at thrift stores and vintage retailers, eager to tie one on. And at spring/summer Paris Fashion Week, top female models were dressed in menswear-inspired suits all adorned with Wall Street-style neck ties, showcasing the grand era of 1980s drama and glam.
While they aren’t as important as a pair of socks and definitely not as compulsory as a belt, ties can be seen as an expression of self. They can reflect a person’s attention to detail, style and elegance. So the beauty may just be in the eye of each beholder. And if a cravat still has a place in the world, then maybe the piano tie does as well.
Are you looking to tighten up your tie game? Let’s start with the classic business tie options:
1. Corporate stripe: A classic choice popular for finance, law and corporate offices.
2. Power tie:
Typically a bold red often worn in political environments and high-stakes corporate takeovers.
3. Whimsical tie:
Bright and creative with yellow being a favourite in media and creative types of functions.
4. Interview tie:
Brown for a subtle confidence or fuschia to make a bold impression.
When your drive, hook shot or putt needs work, there’s a simulator for that.
Even if you’ve mastered PGA Tour on your Xbox, improving your swing, putt and long game requires practice. We don’t always have an entire morning to commit to a round of golf, but there are golf simulators around Victoria where you can tidy up your game before hitting the links. Drop in solo or bring your coworkers along for a fun (or frustrating) teambuilding session.
As the sister company to Axe & Grind, Golf & Grind’s golf-simulator technology is ideal for players of all skill levels to practise or have fun. The Government
Street centre also has a range of VR, arcade and console games for the nongolfers. Or if you’re done swinging the irons, you can work on your pipes as they also offer karaoke.
golfandgrind.com
Sticky Wicket Golf Simulator
Located in the Strathcona Hotel, “experience” 80 courses from around the world, all from the comfort of The Sticky Wicket pub. Improve your game with indepth stats and swing analysis on every shot you shank while enjoying a nosh and/ or a pint from the pub’s full menu. strathliquor.com/golf
As CEO Bruce Williams steps down, he reflects on five years of leading innovation and driving change.
BY TAMMY SCHUSTER
Five years ago, Bruce Williams took over as chief executive officer of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and faced immense challenges and uncertainty just as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold.
“We stayed on top of the facts,” he recalls of leading the chamber with innovative communication strategies, launching campaigns that encouraged local shopping and vaccine confidence. “We didn’t go to the dark side, we did
everything we could to keep messaging positive.”
As the chamber transitions to new leadership, it faces a new set of challenges, such as Canada-U.S. relations and their impact on the local business community.
In stepping down from the helm of the 162-year-old institution, Williams recently reflected on a tenure marked by crisis leadership, inclusivity and modernization, feeling he leaves behind a chamber that is stronger, more diverse and ready for the future.
“We imposed a lot of change on the organization,” Williams says of his time as CEO. “The chamber has made tremendous progress and growth, and after five years I think it's time for some new energy to come in and carry that forward.”
The legacy of Williams’s leadership is rooted in how the chamber weathered the storm during the pandemic.
With event revenue coming to a halt and membership dues in question — the chamber’s main financial drivers — Williams introduced the Chamber Champions, a new upper-tier membership model that allowed struggling businesses to pause dues while retaining access to vital services that membership provides. “That was a game changer,” he says. “It meant businesses didn’t have to give up their health benefits and member services, and we could still hear their voices.”
The chamber also made diversity, equity and inclusion a priority and Williams proactively engaged with underrepresented groups. The chamber created the New to Canada Fund, which covers two years of membership for newcomers planning to start or buy a business. With support from the Victoria Foundation, Western Interior Design, Air Canada and the Victoria Airport Authority, the initiative helps new business owners overcome financial barriers while connecting to the chamber network.
Under his leadership, the chamber received the Canadian Chamber Inclusive Growth Award, and Williams himself was named Canada’s top chamber executive in 2023.
“I guess my legacy would be that we diversified and modernized the chamber,” says Williams, who will focus on new projects with Spark Strategic Group, a marketing organization he operates with his wife Amanda. “It’s been very rewarding.”
