Sunday March 1, 2026 z| ESQUIMALT, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
The Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce now has an executive director.
The newly established position has been filled by James Rogers based on the Chamber’s profile of Rogers as someone with experience in leadership and community development.
The appointment was announced on February 23.
The appointment of a first-ever executive director signals a “new chapter” for the organization, transitioning from a volunteer-led focus to a more formalized, executive-driven approach to business advocacy, the Chamber said in a news release last week.
Rogers will be responsible for leading the Chamber’s strategic initiatives, expanding membership value, and strengthening partnerships with municipal and regional stakeholders, the Esquimalt Chamber says.
Robust growth:
The Esquimalt Chamber says their organization has experienced a period of “robust growth and a commitment to providing enhanced advocacy and support for the local business community”, calling it a pivotal time.
Esquimalt Chamber President Holly Courtright says the business-member organization seeks to “deepen our impact, ensuring Esquimalt remains a vibrant, competitive, and supportive environment for entrepreneurs and established enterprises alike”.
In response to growth, the Chamber aims to provide:
- Strategic Advocacy: Acting as the primary voice for Esquimalt businesses in discussions regarding local policy and economic development.
- Community Engagement: Bridging the gap between the business sector and the residents of Esquimalt through innovative networking and public events.
- Sustainable Infrastructure: Building the internal capacity of the Chamber to better serve its growing roster of members.
Esquimalt within Greater Victoria:
The Township of Esquimalt is within the Greater Victoria area. The Esquimalt population is currently estimated at 19,610 which is a jump of 2,000 people since the 2021 census, and which is about 4.4% of the total 441,491 Greater Victoria capital region population (2025 estimate).
Situated between the core Victoria area and the west shore, the area includes older homes, some newer development, some industry and commercial activity, and the Esquimalt naval base.
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NEWS SECTIONS: BUSINESS & ECONOMY | GREATER VICTORIA AREA | ESQUIMALT