While acknowledging the challenges faced by Victoria’s downtown as a result of the economic downturn, it is important to recognize the great work that is being done in our community to boost downtown’s capacity to remain the economic driver of our region.
Committed organizations are working hard to support business in Victoria and share the story of our great city with travellers from all over.
Social service and charitable organizations are providing support and services for the people in our community who need it most.
The City of Victoria has an economic development strategy that fosters sustainable growth from which we can all benefit. On June 3, our new executive director of economic development will begin a two-year contract to lead economic initiatives within the capital city and collaborate with regional and economic partners to tap into new opportunities together.
The city’s new customer-service centre has created a physical space that will help streamline planning applications and permits, a new direction for how the city does business with its residents and investors.
And all the while, local residents lead the way in supporting a vibrant local economy by choosing local merchants and services, and creating a more livable downtown by making it their home 24/7.
Together, we have made a difference downtown.
Last year, more than 800 residential building permits were issued in Victoria, 35 per cent of which were in downtown. The number of cranes in the city is comparable to the number that were here during the boom in 2005-2006.
Co-operative efforts by the city and the Victoria Police Department have reduced downtown disorder by more than 26 per cent over the past four years.
A total of 245 new units of subsidized housing have been added in Greater Victoria. More than 500 people have made the transition into housing in Greater Victoria each year, reducing our homeless population.
Economic development is fundamental to a healthy and sustainable city. To pursue our larger community goals — creating affordable housing and ending homelessness, building a more robust transit system and investing in our vibrant downtown and neighbourhood villages — we need a strong economy.
And just as a strong economy benefits the whole community, the community plays a vital role in the local economy.
Residents of Victoria, keep shopping, eating and adventuring downtown.
If you have a favourite restaurant, take time to share it with your friends. If you have a beloved local attraction, visit it with your family and guests. And if you want people from across Canada to visit our jewel of a city, send them a photo of shirt-sleeved diners on a patio in the Inner Harbour, against a backdrop of blooms and racks full of bicycles.
Our downtown successes are steps in the right direction — toward a strong economy and a healthy community for Victoria and the region.
Dean Fortin is mayor of the City of Victoria. Marianne Alto is a Victoria councillor and council liaison to the Downtown Victoria Business Association.
