I am a longtime resident of Victoria, in particular James Bay.
One thing that attracted me to Victoria is its character, especially the character homes in old districts such as James Bay, Fairfield and Oak Bay.
Over the past few years, though, I’ve noticed a dismaying number of new houses being built that are completely at odds with the city’s character. I’m talking about the cubes. You’ve seen them, I’m sure.
They are sprouting up like ugly, square mushrooms everywhere — blocky structures that have nothing at all to do with our pretty city. Sometimes there is part of a roof that slants up slightly; I don’t know if this is an attempt to create “style,” but if so, it’s not working.
Victoria is quickly losing its character, something that residents cherish and that tourists spend a lot of money coming to visit. Whoever on city council is approving these zero-appeal excuses for architecture is not doing the tourism business any favours.
Karla Decker
Victoria
