An initiative that could transform residential neighbourhoods in the City of Victoria is going to Public Hearing next week. The Missing Middle Housing Initiative is a proposal to spur housing density by allowing houseplexes and corner townhouses in areas that have traditionally been single-family homes.
 
The Aug. 4 public hearings are going ahead after what the city said has been an extensive 18-month community engagement process. Anyone interested in participating in the public hearing can do so in a number of ways.

Camosun College is among the BC post-secondary institutions receiving funding for a new pathway program aimed at helping students get skills that have the highest demand in the workforce.
 
“The pathway programs are a new Adult Basic Education and English Language Learning initiative that will help address labour shortages by better supporting students in completing the pre-requisites they need to transition directly into high-demand post-secondary programs of their choice,” the provincial government announced Tuesday. “The overall goal is to increase learners’ success and improve their access to post-secondary programs related to high-priority careers in the skilled trades, the technology sector, early childhood education and health care, including nursing and allied health jobs.”

The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority is preparing to welcome the nine millionth passenger to the Victoria Cruise Ship Terminal at Ogden Point. The lucky passenger arrives Friday afternoon.
 
“Many businesses in Greater Victoria provide services for cruise ships and their passengers, and welcoming the ninth million unique visitor shows how much the work of these businesses has made our region appealing to travellers,” Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO Bruce Williams said. “As travel opens up around the world, we are proud to see Greater Victoria has earned its place as a preferred destination for cruise ships.”
 
The ten millionth cruise ship passenger is expected in Victoria by 2024.

A report by the Chartered Professional Accountants of BC has confirmed expectations that people are moving to Greater Victoria faster than homes can be built for them. Our region added 5,941 residents in 2021 bringing our regional population to 432,062. Going back five years, Greater Victoria has added 31,500 people. And, although 16,942 housing units have been completed in that time, they have not met the demands of the market.
 
“Across the region, there has been strong housing construction activity. However, developments have typically been smaller attached units replacing older stock, with limited mid-sized units,” said Chamber Governor Lindalee Brougham, President of LL Brougham Inc. “The strongest demand has been for larger units, which has put significant pressure on housing prices for family homes.”
 
All of the region’s growth is coming from migration as people move here from other parts of Canada. Greater Victoria’s natural growth remains negative as fewer babies are being born here compared to the number of residents dying.

Actions matter on the road to reconciliation, and The Chamber applauds the decision by the City of Victoria to rename a municipal throughway Su’it Street. Pronounced “say-EET,” the new name is Lekwungen for “truth.”

The street had been named for Joseph Trutch, who was born in England and became involved in colonial politics in British Columbia. He was an avowed racist who refused to acknowledge Indigenous treaties and titles.

“With the renaming of this road, the Lekwungen people are not only able to share our native language, but also decolonize a chapter of local history,” Songhees Nation Chief Ron Sam said in a media release. “We will continue to work with the City of Victoria to change the narrative on historical figures, and towards a partnership reflective of truth and reconciliation.”

The Chamber continues to work with Indigenous individuals and nations to facilitate inclusion in the broader business community.