Victoria is the envy of Canada (if not the world) for its climate, beauty and relaxed lifestyle. With that comes development, but at what cost?
Since the go-ahead to build a 26-storey tower in downtown Victoria, the gates have swung wide open to other developers to follow suit. That is leading to skyscrapers dotting the landscape, obstructing the view for many.
As a renter, I chose my apartment because of the view. I think this should be considered when the municipal government allows towers higher than the treeline.
Rental units constitute about 60 per cent of dwellings in the city. We pay taxes, too (included in our rent), so we should have a say on what affects our well-being. Perhaps renters should be compensated due to obstructed views from new developments.
Bennett Guinn
Victoria
