What Victoria has been reading

“Victoria for All” running on keeping existing rentals, supporting those in crisis, community “connection”, & investing in urban trees, etc.

Presents biased list of issues, asking for reader input

Equates “anger and NIMBY-ism” with the incursion of political parties, slates, and block voting in municipal politics.

Livable CRD claims to be “explicitly non-partisan” and that the questions on the questionnaire will be unbiased.

City council passes a highly controversial bundle of disparate matters, large and small, with a single vote. Little wonder the public is suspicious, and want change.

Liveble CRD plans questionnaire for candidates. “non partisan” “just data” but will grade responses on A-F scale, according to coalition members’ values.

Planning processes are being run backwards - and affordability is not being addressed.

City staff pander to the hotel industry, encouraging council to approve inappropriate heights and facade-ism.

Concerns re neighbourhood character, lack of infrastructure, loss of tree canopy. Rejection of “one size fits all” approach. Sound familiar??

Amalgamation would result in the neglect of local issues and the extension of bad policies.

The inevitable ward system would lead to improved accountability and respresentation.

Requires impartial and factual information

Coucil proposing motions re carbon pollution in existing buildings, affordability of post secondary education, & motor vehicle act (scooters and wheel chairs in bike lanes).

The way the change has been implemented in Esquimalt is affecting the township’s tree canopy and adversely affecting neighbours of the new homes.

Council decisions are often poorly thought out.

How did Speed Ave. co-op morph from condo to rental to co-op and who is the management? And how are they affordable with a $20G buyin?

Many residential areas could be saved by law requiring no new building to interfere with the access of light to adjacent, occupied buildings.

Staff recommend reduced size, improved usable outdoor space, and a “positive street relationship.”

By stripping local councils of their ability to regulate growth, the province facilitates the loss of permeable soil and tree canopy.

The city does not need another simplistic building with minimal contextual references, reminiscent of View Towers and with no reference to Victoria’s downtown urban character.

What used to be a vibrant and people-friendly place is now a wasteland of failing businesses, half-built buildings constructed for the benefit of investors and the profits of developers.

Local government staff must identify deficiencies in applications that have already been certified by developers’ hired professionals.

In past years, we had far too many amendments to the OCP, a document the city states is citizen-generated.

Victoria is no longer lacking in apartments to rent. What is lacking are tenants who can afford the exorbitant starting rents dictated by the developers.Council needs to listen to the citizens of Victoria: what they would like to see happen to the future of Victoria?

Developer Stovell of Reliance angry. Hammond, Coleman, Kim, Caradonna and Gardiner vote to decline proposal not “even in the ballpark” of city policies.”Staff say proposal conflicts with both OCP and DCAP for land use, density and height.

The 5,000-page OCP basically says, “Build, build, build.” It’s time to stop.

One change was directed at ensuring the city will not be responsible for biased signage and promotional material during elections and referenda.

Traffic in Greater Victoria has gone from frustrating to untenable. Construction is everywhere because the region is growing, and that’s just compounding the traffic problems.“We didn’t get much warning or consultation with the city.”

Candidates for council should have decision-making and accountability that comes from experience in the private sector.

“Huge impacts without proper democratic process”

In plain English, this means the elimination of site-specific public hearings.

Mayor Alto has refused to meet withneighbours most affected

Moat criticizes City for > quietly changing boundaries of several neighbourhoods before OCP approval; > without community consultation or public notice; > shows how this benefited and will benefit developers while overriding residents’ rights.

Describes campaign engine > to help groups across BC connect, coordinate, and support the environmental movement's 2026 election activities; > to advocate for housing, affordability, safety, health, and climate solutions; > to offer shared election hub, listservs, and support tools for member groups and allies to “amplify collective efforts”.

Cleverly uses Alto’s own comments to criticize her decision to run for re-election.

Miller assesses mayor and Council majority as > disappointment at policy creation and implementation, civic direction-setting and renewal, and community-building.> Cites bad financial decisions (swimming-pool, Centennial Square); failure to address urgencies (downtown decline): excuse and blame-shifting (homelessness, mental health & addictions); unpopular & destructive OCP; lack of courage against province’s “theft of civic identity”.

Etkin interviews McInnis on > how a heritage restoration evolved into a high-density mega-project;> how speculative “land banking” shapes Victoria’s housing market;> why experts opposed to the rezoning were ignored; and >what this says about City Hall’s lack of accountability or democratic processes.

After considering halting new MM projects because of blowback, workshop held to discuss options with stakeholders (incl. NAs & residents).

“Victoria for All” running on keeping existing rentals, supporting those in crisis, community “connection”, & investing in urban trees, etc.

Council disbanded the Renters’ Advisory Cte., but before the election this October plans to amend bylaws re compensation for long-term tenants, which won’t go far enough in today’s market.

Liveble CRD plans questionnaire for candidates. “non partisan” “just data” but will grade responses on A-F scale, according to coalition members’ values.

Planning processes are being run backwards - and affordability is not being addressed.

Cooling devices must be in place and working, according to changes in bylaw.

Dell and Thompson bring forward motion re enforcing bylaws, claiming lost opportunity to redevelop and create “net new housing.”

Council waives development charges and fees, but ignores rising assessments and spends on discretionary projects, making life here unaffordable.

Alto claims council will look at “every opportunity to be inventive … innovative and adaptive” because Victoria has a significant history of “testing things.”

The demolition of existing affordable housing should not be permitted until developers can prove there is market demand.

Instead of directly subsidizing developers & speculators by eliminating development charges and inclusionary zoning, require substantial, permanent affordability.

Hammond and Gardiner support tenants - the Gang of 5 does not.

None of 20 applications has been completed yet. Financing issues, construction industry slowdown - providing opportunity to revise zoning bylaws to make sure things work for all parties involved.

Despite stiff opposition from existing tenants, offered first refusal at 20% below market rates.

Grandfathering legally established, purpose-built short-term rentals would preserve existing supply, protect local investment, and buy time while slower hotel development catches up.

Units will be unaffordable to the single workers for whom 80% of the units are being designed.

Housing funding will jump start $85M. co-op acquisition; a 179 unit multifamily building. Residents pay a one time $20G member share fee. Then low cost monthly charges.

34 low-cost rental units will be replaced by high-end investment properties & parking for residents with multiple cars.

Home design regulations might make missing middle proposals more palatable and more environmental.

The Gang of 5 votes against increasing the compensation for long-term tenants evicted for redevelopment.

15 per cent of housing available in Canada should be non-market, but the actual amount is only around three to four per cent.

When you have a long-term tenant who’s paying significantly under market rent, there’s a lot of financial incentive for a landlord to exploit any mistake or technicality.

It would be so much better to build less-dense, more environmentally and family-friendly townhouses.

Though the province has recommended that 35% of units be affordable, including supportive housing, it has withdrawn funding for affordable and Indigenous projects.

Victoria is becoming a city of boring, boxy condo buildings.

What used to be a vibrant and people-friendly place is now a wasteland of failing businesses, half-built buildings constructed for the benefit of investors and the profits of developers.

Developer Stovell of Reliance angry. Hammond, Coleman, Kim, Caradonna and Gardiner vote to decline proposal not “even in the ballpark” of city policies.”Staff say proposal conflicts with both OCP and DCAP for land use, density and height.

The Gang of Five consistently vote together, failing to advance alternative thinking and action for the majority of Victorians who struggle to find decent, safe housing that they can afford.

Household incomes are significantly less in Victoria -Tax restraint

Across the street is another massive mixed-use project for 481 rental units in towers that are 28 storeys and 15 storeys.Caradonna said the Jawl project provides some transition to the neighbourhood to the east with buildings that are 19 and six storeys.Coun. Thompson noted the project is environmentally friendly due to its proximity to downtown and transit & bike lanes.Coun. Loughton increasedheight and density on the site are supportable because of what the project brings to the community.

A number of key drivers in the housing market have changed dramatically in the past three years.Federal immigration curbs have dramatically curtailed population growth in B.C. Last year, the population actually dropped slightly as out-migration to Alberta increased.Rents have been dropping lately, and the tight vacancy rate has eased in B.C.

About 100 proposals will likely be impacted by the change: a 139-unit development in Colwood, the 40-unit Sutcliffe redevelopment in Saanich and the 210-unit Lime Bay/Roundhouse project in Victoria, all projects by the Greater Victoria Housing Society.

“Huge impacts without proper democratic process”

Demolition of existing housing = fewer affordable places.Need for simpler, affordable spaces.

Doesn't mention the need for nonprofit housing, which would be the perfect boost when Market housing is in a slump. Erroneously equates more supply with affordable rents.

Supportive housing ladder

Stevens reports on:> Rat infestation in North Park caused by demolition. > Motion by Hammond for staff to explore rat-abatement practices used by other municipalities in response to complaints from neighbourhood residents;> Richmond & Coquitlam have pre-demolition requirements.>Council approves motion but staff claim no report possible before election.

Duffy reports on:> progress report on city’s community safety and well-being plan after 6 months;> mayor says Victoria at capacity for dealing with unhoused who need supportive services;>Province has come to end of HEARTH funding;>Mayor says “We think we’ve done enough”.

Victoria Residential Business Association (VRBA) Conference > forecasts slowdown in housing starts over next 2 years; > cites high level of unsold units, mostly apartments - highest in 35 years;> cites 14 Greater Victoria council members as obstructive by voting to increase DCCs (development cost charges) for development impacts on water infrastructure; >calls for candidates with “real-world expertise” to run as councillors to end “obstruction, unrealistic demands and high costs of development”.

Seymour presents opposing views on issues of density, development costs and public engagement related to :> missing middle; and Bill M216 > from a developer, the MLA who introduced Bill M216 and the View Royal Mayor.

Motion for a new landlord licensing set of conditions to aid in enforcement

Lo reports on:>34-bed shelter in Rock Bay; > last temporary shelter and housing support provided by province’s Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing Program (HEARTH);> referral-only model with spaces prioritized for those living on Pandora, Ellice and other downtown streets;> provides breakdown of who provides Victoria’s 439 shelter spaces.

Volkart’s article > reviews movement to repeal provincial housing legislation; > cites Calgary electing new mayor and council opposed to blanket rezoning; > shows how Burnaby & other BC municipalities are pushing back; > describes how BC neighbourhood associations,16 BC mayors and 27 experts are calling for repeal.

Loughton’s invitation contains: > an update on her progress on promises made; > her vision for 2026; and> Council update on accomplishments.

Kerschbaumer criticizes Oakland development:> serves no one but greedy developers; > provides unaffordable luxury priced housing under guise of missing middle; > not for renters, young families or working people; > density impacts: destruction of trees & underground stream and damages Garry Oak canopy.

Burnaby Mayor writes on behalf of 16 Metro Mayors, > calling on Eby to repeal housing legislation; > criticizing unrealistic housing targets, eliminating public hearings & public input;> reflecting public hearing concerns about overcrowding, infrastructure strain & growing uncertainty for residents;>calling for collaboration with, not control of cities. > He also explains Burnaby’s variance from provincial guidelines: less lot coverage, more trees & greenspace, more parking.

Moat criticizes City for > quietly changing boundaries of several neighbourhoods before OCP approval; > without community consultation or public notice; > shows how this benefited and will benefit developers while overriding residents’ rights.

Bell reports on View Royal’s judicial review & efforts to garner support from other municipalities to challenge: > BC’s housing policies (including Bills 44, 47, 13, 15 and M216); > shift of zoning authority and some infrastructure from local to provincial authority to fast-track approvals; > removal of key decisions from public engagement & public view;> interfering with local governments’ ability to operate as democratic institutions. > Bell reviews growing concerns from other municipalities about housing targets and impacts.> Dell’s reported response: “Build housing. Stop complaining.”

Ample inventory was good news for sellers and for the stability of our market. Buyers had more choice and time to make decisions, while sellers benefited from clearer expectations around pricing and timelines,

Greater Victoria’s vacancy rate rose to 3.3 per cent, the highest it’s been since 1999.

Etkin interviews McInnis on > how a heritage restoration evolved into a high-density mega-project;> how speculative “land banking” shapes Victoria’s housing market;> why experts opposed to the rezoning were ignored; and >what this says about City Hall’s lack of accountability or democratic processes.

After considering halting new MM projects because of blowback, workshop held to discuss options with stakeholders (incl. NAs & residents).

Candidates should address today’s needs rather than regress to the past.

“Crazies” at City Hall inconvenience thousands with temporary traffic closures.

City’s 1st AAA plan aims for 42% of trips. Future lies in alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles.

Liveble CRD plans questionnaire for candidates. “non partisan” “just data” but will grade responses on A-F scale, according to coalition members’ values.

Remove redundant signs, simplify intersections, reduce visual noise: prioritize clarity over quantity.

Abolishing street parking impacts tourists and locals who are elderly or disabled.

Parking minimums have been destructive, increasing sprawl, costs, and car use. People choose other modes, when car infrastructure is limited.

at no cost to the City - easier and safer for people to choose transit

vehicle-parking minimums to be reduced as a development gets closer to city centre or “well-served” transit areas

A modest pilot project would allow us to measure the demand & identify operational challenges for connecting existing transit systems.

Lower speed limits are working - drivers are obeying and streets are safer.

Protected bike lanes are necessary and desirable, but “overboard.”

Vulnerable road users not relegated to over-complicated, winding back street routes - freeing up road space for thosewho need to drive.

The whole point of living in a city is to be able to easily access shopping, work, and play in whatever mode is most convenient, whether it’s walking, cycling, or driving.

Praise for the “comfy chaises.”

Barriers create more predictability, a key element to help people safely traverse on bikes, which also sets expectations for drivers.

Council needs to reject proposals that seriously reduce setbacks, violate height restrictions, and threaten to cause traffic chaos.

Increasing density to the extent we are is destroying our natural environment and adding more congestion to the streets.

Significant investments are going to TransLink. The province needs reminding that it’s important to support communities all over B.C. too when it comes to transit.

City council wants to accelerate the expansion of bike lanes on Pandora to improve safety at what some consider to be one of the city’s more dangerous intersections for cyclists. Staff will report on collision data, parking data, & effect fast-tracking would have on 2026 budget.

According to the organizers, the series is intended to provide an inclusive, in-person space for thoughtful discussion at a time when civic debate is often polarized online and at council meetings.

Overlap of major projects feels poorly coordinated and deeply disruptive.

The board unanimously backed a motion this week that will have staff develop a plan to provide about $1.6 million from a reserve fund to support the Reconciliation Corridor Initiative.

People who aren’t in cars help make traffic a little lighter, parking a little easier and our air a little cleaner.

The request comes in the wake of a spate of collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians, cyclists, and scooters.

These protected lanes help unlock financial freedom for members of our community, without requiring that we put our health and safety at extreme risk.

Stevens reports on:> Rat infestation in North Park caused by demolition. > Motion by Hammond for staff to explore rat-abatement practices used by other municipalities in response to complaints from neighbourhood residents;> Richmond & Coquitlam have pre-demolition requirements.>Council approves motion but staff claim no report possible before election.

Lo reports:> CRD approves development cost charges (DCC) for developers for new water infrastructure for their developments.> new DCC comes into effect in 2027> staff working on fee-exemption program for affordable housing projects; separate fees for industrial, commercial and institutional buildings;> developers say hampers construction during building industry slowdown;> Caradonna says “cost of doing business”. > Similar DCCs exist in Metro Vancouver and Westshore.

Burnaby Mayor writes on behalf of 16 Metro Mayors, > calling on Eby to repeal housing legislation; > criticizing unrealistic housing targets, eliminating public hearings & public input;> reflecting public hearing concerns about overcrowding, infrastructure strain & growing uncertainty for residents;>calling for collaboration with, not control of cities. > He also explains Burnaby’s variance from provincial guidelines: less lot coverage, more trees & greenspace, more parking.

“Victoria for All” running on keeping existing rentals, supporting those in crisis, community “connection”, & investing in urban trees, etc.

Council (some of whom don’t reside in Victoria) provides meals, hotel rooms, cellphones, & bus passes to drug-users.

Instead of subsidizing an industry that is in demand, spend revenue on issues related to poverty and homelessness.

Speaks to the need to acquire more park land and protect existing trees. Goal for every neighbourhood to have 30% canopy.

Disgusting state of the sidewalks downtown could have a serious effect on tourism.

Requires impartial and factual information

Stop voting for councillors who refuse to collect fines owed by people who haven’t paid their parking tickets.

Moratorium on tax, hiring, bike lanes …$ for flower baskets.Amalgamation.More oversight on building apps, etc.

Public facilities are not being kept up.

This council is too ready to hand out public money.

Continued questionable financial support from council in time of inflationary Budget requirements

The decision to close the jazz club and View Street Social was largely motivated by a lack of money.

Significant investments are going to TransLink. The province needs reminding that it’s important to support communities all over B.C. too when it comes to transit.

Yet another complete lack of judgment over discretionary spending in the midst of an unmitigated and ongoing budget crisis.

The theatre company has repaid part of the loan through private donations, support from the B.C. Arts Council and a $100,000 grant from the City of Victoria.

Municipalies representative “mistakes” modest residence for ATM

Council shouldn’t allow the same marches to disrupt the city every weekend. They are a waste of expensive police resources.

Council slashed contributions to reserve funds, gutted its contribution to commercial heritage properties and reduced the budget for new police officers, but also agreed to cancel its membership in the Urban Development Institute for 2026, saving $2,625.

Candidates for council should have decision-making and accountability that comes from experience in the private sector.

Some council members questioned whether the results are representative, noting only 351 people took part in the six-week online survey.

A provincial ruling that came down in January over disputed costs in the 2025 police budget will add almost the same amount as that cut.

Bartlett criticizes >Victoria’s budget hike of 10.44% as “gut-wrenching” and “from a different galaxy” when compared to other BC municipalities. > Council’s refusal to re-evaluate operational efficiencies e.g. doubling of staff since 2021; cost of regulating requirements of provincial housing legislation.