Vital Signs Report gives housing failing grade, again

Greater Victoria has earned a “B” from this year’s Vital Signs Report, released yesterday by the Victoria Foundation. It’s the same score as last year.

“For nearly 20 years, Vital Signs has been helping the community identify and respond to the greatest challenges facing our region,” Victoria Foundation CEO Sandra Richardson said in a media release. “This year, the survey found cost of living, housing, and healthcare to be among the most important issues in Greater Victoria.”

The report looks at 12 areas and grades them based on data from a survey completed by more than 6,500 people as well as from sources curated by a local researcher

In the 2024 report, housing rated a D-, down from the D the area received last year. Health and wellness also fell from a B- to a C+ — as did the grade given to our standard of living.

Environmental sustainability earned a B, which is the same as last year.

On the positive side, sports and recreation increased from a B last year to a B+ this year. Belonging and engagement, arts and culture, and economy all stayed the same from last year.

The Vital Signs Report is available online at victoriavitalsigns.ca, as well as in print at various locations throughout the region.

Input sought on Uptown’s future as a transit hub

How will you be affected by plans to transform the Uptown neighbourhood through transit-oriented development? Find out and have your say as the first round of public engagement for the area is underway and will continue until Sept. 18.

Your feedback will help set the vision for the area, including a potential transit exchange connected to proposed new homes next to the Lochside and Galloping Goose regional trails. With connections to downtown Victoria, Gordon Head, the West Shore and the Saanich Peninsula, Uptown will become a hub for active transportation and transit in the region.

BC Transit supports developments built close to transit hubs and corridors as more people will see public transit as a viable and accessible option and can live and work without complete reliance on vehicles,” BC Transit CEO Erinn Pinkerton said. “A transit exchange in this location would support improved regional connectivity, future increases in transit service levels, more direct bus routing and reliable, faster transit service.”

A -specific timeline for development will be available after preliminary planning work is completed.

“The District of Saanich welcomes this opportunity for people to provide feedback on this proposed development from the Province and BC Transit — a project that will help us implement our exciting vision for the Uptown-Douglas area,” Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock said. “We look forward to integrating housing, public transportation, convenient amenities and vibrant public spaces into what could become the heart or downtown of Saanich.”

Rail shutdown poses critical threat to our economy

The Chamber continues to call on our region’s Members of Parliament as well as the federal government to take immediate action to ensure the continuation of rail services. A strike that began Aug. 22 threatens to disrupt local economies as well as our country’s national security.

Working with our national chamber network, we have been asking the government for weeks to protect the Canadian public. Under section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, the federal Minister of Labour can refer the dispute to the Canada Industrial Relations Board for binding arbitration and can end any ongoing stoppage pending a resolution. The government can also introduce back-to-work legislation.

This is not a partisan issue. However, a steep price will be paid by families, workers and businesses if action is not taken.

“I sent a letter to all of the Members of Parliament in Greater Victoria, so they are aware of the gravity of this issue,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Our expectation is they will take up this call in Ottawa and work with the government to protect our region before we experience supply shortages that could create a real crisis here.”

RapidBus times to benefit from highway investment

The commute between the West Shore and the Victoria core will be a little more convenient, the federal government said this week. A $95 million funding partnership between the feds and provincial government will widen 3.8 kilometres of highway between the McKenzie and Colwood interchanges. The change will create a continuous route for BC Transit‘s RapidBus Service.

The Chamber is an advocate for regional strategic transportation planning as a solution to shortening travel times in Greater Victoria. Convenient commuting is critical for enabling a regional workforce to help meet labour market demand.

Belleville Terminal construction starts this week

Work is getting underway on the redevelopment of Belleville Terminal, with Phase 1 Wharf Modifications starting at the Steamship Building’s water lot.

A barge with a crane derrick is on site, and work will take place from 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and potentially weekends depending on scheduling. However, no work will occur over long-weekends, and should be completed by the end of August.

“Potential impacts from this work include noise from the removal of existing pilings and installation of new pilings as well as the visual impact of the crane derrick within the inner harbour,” states a memo about the project from the BC Ministry of Transportation and Projects.

The Chamber advocated for two decades to gather support for the modernization of this important international gateway that greets thousands of travellers every year.

“It’s great to see the project finally underway and we know the temporary disruption will be worth having a 21st century facility in place,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said.

You can stay updated on the Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project by visiting the project website.

YYJ working to improve services for travellers

Air travel is vital for business and essential for our region’s visitor economy. To make sure our region’s airport continues to overachieve, the Victoria Airport Authority is conducting a survey to check-in with stakeholders.

The survey consists of a variety of statements along 12 critical variables, and can be saved to complete in multiple sessions.

Responses are confidential, and will help the airport’s team better understand how to serve the community.

Saanich approves 24-storey tower at Uptown

A new tower that will create a notable landmark for people entering Greater Victoria’s core has been approved by District of Saanich council.

The 24-storey apartment building will house 318 rental units on the corner of Carey Road and Ravine Way. A residential building on the site was part of the original proposal for Uptown. The new building will also include commercial space and cycling amenities.

Saanch has a long-range vision for transforming the neighbourhood into a central hub that will become the heart of the municipality.

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Drivers get breaks from ICBC with rate freeze, rebate

If you had vehicle insurance through ICBC in February, you can expect to get cash back this year. The public insurer estimates 2.7 million drivers will each be eligible for the $110 rebate. Additionally, basic rates will not change until March 31, 2026, ICBC said.

“How drivers receive the rebate depends on how they paid for their insurance,” states the government’s announcement. “For people who paid by credit card, the rebate will be refunded to the credit card. People who paid by cash, cheque or debit can sign up for direct deposit or will receive a cheque from ICBC. For people who are on a payment plan, the rebate will be applied directly to an upcoming payment.”

David Wong, ICBC’s new president and CEO, said “Initial rebate payments will commence in late May, with ongoing processing until the end of July. Customers receiving rebates via cheque are advised to allow additional time for mail processing and delivery.”

Transportation crossroads getting major overhaul

As part of the plan for transforming the Uptown corridor, the province is proposing changes to Ravine Way to accommodate new bus stops and expanded trails in the area.

An information session is scheduled for May 1, from 3-7 pm at Cedar Hill Golf Course, to review design concepts, get feedback and discuss how to improve the area for people travelling by bus, foot, bicycle, wheelchair or scooter.