DRA & DV2020 Election Questions
for a Better Downtown Victoria
Submitted by Jonathan Valentine

Jonathan elected to give us a more concise review of his stance on these issues...

"The opportunities that have presented themselves in the all-candidates meetings have provided wonderful opportunites to network, and be exposed to the various issues that face the new council, so I'd feel I'd be doing a great disservice by strictly presenting my views. The impression I've gotten is that there has been a general lack of attention towards the opinions of socially important groups and community associations, and so I'd rather see what solutions they have to offer first, before presenting a whole bunch of my own. However, here are some of my observations...

- there are a few too many vacant/flattened lots in and around Downtown. Better for them to be used as either community gardens/parks, and living space for affordable housing, or even a more controlled "tent city" scenario, until said housing is solidified. Would be intersted in converting the vacant Pandora/Fisgard lot next to "Swans", into an oriental garden/park, to link it to the history of Chinatown.

- time to start using the vacant buildings like the Janion for essential purposes. This would be in the form of the much more affordable restoration of these structures as affordable housing lots.

- time for the advocating of affordable housing, instead of the majority focused on expensive condominium development.

- the loss of the arts-laden festivals that used to populate our events calendar, need to be addressed. Maybe the revitalization of some of these as one or two "big" events a year.

- would like to see integration of environmental technologies into city operations and practises. Things like more reliance on alternate power sources (solar/wind/tidal, etc.), incorporation if greenspace into existing structures to encourage more oxygen production (and prevent more Florida-like weather patterns). Should be major consulting with local environmental groups and specialists, of course.

- I use BC Transit exclusively for my major travels, and would be very passionate about any major changes that would be of positive public benefit.

- there is also a Committee to End Homelessness, that seems to be getting less press. In order to streamline service delivery as far as the Coalition to End Homelessness and the United Way are concerned, there would need to be the acknowledgment that a little division is to be expected. Perhaps a big meeting is needed between the two Homeless committees, and the 214 groups' representatives, to determine who wishes to co-ordinate with whom, and just do it.

- haven't had the priviledge of being made aware of most of the city planning, but the Greenways plan has piqued my curiosity. The connection of the Selkirk Trestle to Odgen Point also looks interesting, as I've done a lot of power walking/hiking in my youth.

- I'm an artistic person by nature, and would be willing to investigate the possibility of improved facilities for the Downtown Library and the Moss St. Art Gallery.

- downtown safety issues seem to involve the limiting of hours, and elimination of services and affordable housing. House the homeless who wish to be housed, with small-staffed offices in these structures to ensure those housed have easy access to community resources (counselling, addiction services, job hunting). If the 2am closure of late-night business' has an adverse affect in the future, I'd be willing to revisit the policy.

Lastly, I'm not employed currently, so I'd be spending my full-time efforts to being a City Counsellor, outside of meetings. My networking with as many associations as possible, to provide humane and ethical solutions, would be my utmost priority. I'd even donate as much of my City Council salary as possible, in aid of this."

Yours Sincerely,

 

Jon Valentine

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