I have been a resident of our city since 1978, when I relocated here to become the region’s first economic development commissioner.
What I see happening today in Victoria is a microcosm of what began in Vancouver 20 to 25 years ago. Perfectly good housing is being demolished and replaced by highrise condos, often destroying the character of established neighbourhoods.
I suggest readers not confuse the proliferation of highrise condominiums with a solution to a shortage of affordable-housing stock. The impetus for what we see happening in Victoria today is the greed of developers who stand to make millions in profits so long as members of council continue to approve almost every development proposal presented to them.
It is also relevant to consider the large number of developers from Vancouver and as far away as Ontario who are operating in Greater Victoria. This phenomenon can be largely attributed to the ease with which their proposals will be approved by council.
Barry Mayhew
Victoria
