Urban trees – let’s do better
I was lucky to grow up in a city just two blocks away from a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – the Niagara Escarpment (photo above). As a kid I played in …
Non-resident voters
This is the full text of my responses to questions asked by Kate Korte for her excellent article in Capital Daily. https://www.capitaldaily.ca/news/non-resident-voters-victoria In your opinion, does allowing non-resident property electors …
Election info: renters can allow access to their building, but…
Renters tend to be underrepresented among local election voters. This is partly because candidates and volunteer canvassers often have a hard time providing election material inside apartment buildings. Houses and …
Read moreElection info: renters can allow access to their building, but…
Key voting info – a quick rundown
Hello voters! In my continuing efforts to help more people to vote, here is some key voter information. Election day is October 15, but you can vote in advance… You …
Students can vote! (October 15 – save the date)
Young adults are hit hard by the housing shortage, and who gets elected to Victoria City Council on October 15 will make a difference. The housing shortage causes low vacancy …
Community and placemaking – Oaklands Rise
I just had a really nice tour of some inspiring community-led placemaking. This tour was kindly given to me by three new friends I met today in Oaklands Rise. Of …
Airbnbs and the housing shortage
(Image: Inside Airbnb) We have a crisis-level housing shortage, with a rock-bottom vacancy rate that is causing sky-high rents. At the same time, literally hundreds of Airbnb units are not …
Safe spaces for people
The way we built our cities and transportation systems, mainly in the previous century, creates serious safety risks for people – whether they are inside cars, walking, rolling, riding, or …
Victoria’s protected “AAA” bike and roll routes
In conversations with voters over the past year, many have raised Victoria’s protected bike and roll routes, which the City calls All Ages and Abilities or AAA. So far this …
City Council decisions and good governance
I participated in the City of Victoria’s Governance Review and I am happy to see that the City’s consultant, MNP LLP, has released its report. You can read it here. …