Do business here.

Lekwungen Territory

Esquimalt is the home of the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) people, known today as the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations. The Lək̓ʷəŋən People have hunted and gathered here for thousands of years. This area, with its temperate climate, natural harbours, and rich resources, was a trading centre for a diversity of First Peoples. When Captain James Douglas anchored off of Clover Point in 1842, he saw the result of the Lək̓ʷəŋən People’s careful land management, such as controlled burning and food cultivation. These practices were part of the land and part of Lək̓ʷəŋən culture. (Source: Songhees Nation)

17,500

residents

43

average age of residents

$60,424

median household income

Top fields of study:

  • Social & behavioural sciences, law

  • Business, management & public administration

  • Business, management, marketing

  • Architecture, engineering

  • Health & related professions

    *Data from Statistics Canada, 2016 Census Data

Business Resources

901 Esquimalt Road

775 Lampson

102-517 Gore

Commercial Opportunities

1235 Esquimalt Road

400 Head

Get your space listed here!

Do you have a commercial space available for lease? Contact us to get your unit listed.

Listings are provided for informational purposes only. The Chamber provides no guarantee of their accuracy, and information is subject to change.

Visit listing link for up-to-date information and contact the agent for details.

Strategic Location

Located on the tip of the largest island on the Pacific coast, Victoria is the southernmost major city in Western Canada. Access Vancouver and Seattle quickly and easily with a wide range of transportation options, all within the same time zone. Travel between downtown centres can take as little as 35 minutes by float plane to Vancouver and 45 minutes to Seattle, making same-day meetings possible.

Serious Talent

Leverage experienced local talent to launch a business or build out a team. Our talent pool has been carefully fostered through one of the highest-ranked school systems in Canada. Local post-secondary institutions excel in innovation and technology-related teaching and research and are helping graduates integrate with local business through co-ops, incubators, accelerators and business centres. The region also benefits from the spillover effect of nearby tech hubs like Vancouver and Seattle.

Business Advantages

Benefit from newcomer-friendly immigration and visa programs designed to attract foreign talent and companies to our region. Our overall corporate tax rates are the most competitive in the G7. And a broad system of tax credits and incentives involving research and development, business investment and entrepreneurs support companies establishing a regional platform.

Better Affordability

Improve your bottom line, with business costs that are typically lower than Vancouver, Seattle or Silicon Valley. Operating costs like wages, utilities and commercial space tend to be lower, comparatively. Residential properties are also less expensive, making it feasible for employees to grow their families and call Greater Victoria home for the long run, resulting in a more stable workforce.

Attractive Lifestyle

Simply put, the mild climate and unsurpassed quality of life here is a huge incentive for people to stay in the region, which can help with employee retention. Shorter commutes and a multi-modal transit system make getting to work better and faster. Coffee shops, restaurants and craft breweries celebrate local ingredients and producers. After work and on weekends, the lively local cultural scene, outdoor recreational opportunities and family-friendly parks and services keep everyone busy and healthy.

5 Reasons to do Business Here

The South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) is the economic development organization for Greater Victoria, located on BC’s West Coast. The organization comprises 50+ members, including ten local governments, seven First Nations, three post-secondary institutions, seven industry associations and non-profits, and more than 20 major employers.

Learn more about the region in the Invest Victoria Executive Summary.