We're looking into a more advanced version of the directory, and a way to keep it up to date. Note that you can already look up all Chamber members in the Chamber's main directory . This is a complicated issue with a confusing variety of rates, premiums and coverages. It's becoming apparent that many HBBs, in Victoria and elsewhere, are not as well covered by insurance as they think they are. Your Committee is interested in identifying the most reliable and effective options for HBBs.
Enforcement is anywhere from spotty to nonexistent.
Licence fees range from tens to hundreds of dollars a year, and there are various restrictions. Many HBBs feel they get no benefit from this fee, and indeed many don't pay it. Saanich Mayor Leonard spoke to the 3L club in early 1997, and Councillor Sheila Orr leads a new Home Based Business task force. Orr believes that low fees and limited red tape will encourage more businesses to take the protective benefit of registering. The mayors of Victoria, Oak Bay and Saanich have all spoken to the chamber's HBB networking group about Home Based Business.