Victoria ISN'T what it used to be...

I grew up in Victoria in the 70s and 80s, left for 10 years and came back in 2004. I've lived in on the southern edge of James Bay (i.e., close to both downtown and BHP) since 2007. Crime and disorder comes and goes, ebbs and flows. I've never worried too much about needles in BHP, and you can see the playground areas are well-used by families with young children. Heywood field, for example, is also well-used, by soccer players in the winter, and by softball teams in the summer. People suntan on the field, too, which I think is pretty cool. It feels like we live in a real city. Victoria has become more vibrant and interesting and *young*, and in some ways it's only going to get better.

Victoria's biggest problem is affordability. The cost of living has forced people to rely on foodbanks. It's forced families to leave (but where? it's terrible everywhere), or onto the streets.

Growth is the only thing that is going to save City of Victoria. Growth means building more homes (apartments, condos, townhouses, co-ops). This includes a massive investment in public housing.

No growth means accepting the status quo, where people are literally pushed out on the street.

/r/VictoriaBC Thread