1026 replies to this topic

[Banksy]

I smell panic from intelligentsia frightened by suburbs thriving and inner cities descending into poverty and crime at the hands of woke socialist masters who promised utopia but delivered tragedy all in a matter of several years. A UVic prof says the McKenzie interchange was a waste of money and we should instead live in pod communities that densify through what looks like imminent domain forcing larger properties to accommodate infill density for the good of humanity with housing growth matching a blanket 1.5% growth rate in every municipality. This is like communist Russia where the state decides on growth rates and housing.

Quote in TC https://www.timescol...ange-1.24294174

How about transportation? Well, we wouldn’t waste $100 million on a pointless highway interchange at McKenzie that just encourages urban sprawl and ­commuting. First, we would moderately intensify ­housing fairly, using the 1.5 per cent ­principle proposed by Todd Litman of Cities for Everyone. Since the region’s population grows by 1.5 per cent annually, each ­municipality and neighbourhood should grow that much.
This should be achieved not by building high-rise condo towers downtown but by sensitive in-filling to create “moderate-priced housing in walkable neighbourhoods,” says Litman, with traditional-looking but more dense homes. Look at the recently approved ASH (affordable, sustainable ­housing) project on Richardson Street in Victoria and similar innovative proposals for what has been called gentle densification.

[Mike K.]

Vancouverites are certainly coming to terms with increased street issues.

But I’m curious why the public is putting the onus on society to perceive the issues differently, when fundamentally the failures are at the hands of provincial and federal governments. You can only ask a person to turn a blind eye to crime and disorder for so long.

[Mike K.]

A federal economic office will be opening in the City-proper:
 

Statement from Mayor Helps on New Federal Economic Development Office for Victoria
August 5, 2021

 

City of Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps has released the following statement in response to today’s announcement by federal Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages Mélanie Joly, that Victoria will be a future service location for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), the new federal regional economic development agency for British Columbia.

 

“While our businesses have been hard hit by the pandemic, Victoria is a dynamic driver of the economy in Pacific Canada, and our city and region are primed for recovery. It’s clear the federal government is in full agreement by choosing Victoria as a site for a Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) office.

 

“The South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP), of which the City is a member, deserves kudos for helping to land a PacifiCan office in Victoria. Two of SIPP’s key projects – the Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST) and the Indigenous Prosperity Centre – are potential flagship projects for the new PacifiCan office to fund, as they will create high-value jobs and a sustainable, inclusive South Island economy.

 

“Strong, sustained growth doesn’t happen in a silo but rather through strong partnerships and a shared vision. I’m grateful to the federal government for betting on Victoria as a key economic engine in the province. Together, we’re poised to build back a high-value, inclusive economy for the future.”

[spanky123]

^ From what I understand this is just a splitting of western economic diversification into 2 departments. Victoria is getting local representation but then so are 8 other towns in BC including Campbell River. Wed previously worked out of the small business BC office downtown. Most people who I know who have worked with Wed in the past expect no changes.

Edited by spanky123, 05 August 2021 - 06:57 PM.

[Rob Randall]

As someone who remembers the high local unemployment of decades past, stories like this amaze me. I mean, there were times 20-30 years ago when you'd walk into a hotel or restaurant with a detailed resume and they'd say hmm thanks but no thanks.

 

With their locations open seven days a week, it’s up to owners like Berry and Stevens to meet the needs of customers.

 

“For me, I’m working seven days a week, early mornings, late nights to get the work done because we don’t have enough people,” said Stevens. “There’s nobody applying.

 

“It’s very difficult there’s not enough workers. You can only work the current staff you have so many hours and it’s left up to me. I’m getting pretty tired.”

 

 

https://www.saanichn...ers-scrambling/

Edited by Rob Randall, 19 August 2021 - 08:24 AM.

[Mike K.]

This is also a symptom of the transition to a food and alcohol services-based retail environment.

There’s only so much supply of people wanting to work in a food and beverage job, but that’s what the retail landscape has become.

[marks_28]

As someone who remembers the high local unemployment of decades past, stories like this amaze me. I mean, there were times 20-30 years ago when you'd walk into a hotel or restaurant with a detailed resume and they'd say hmm thanks but no thanks.

 

 

https://www.saanichn...ers-scrambling/

 

Yup, the amount of times in grades 9, 10, and 11 I applied at McDonalds and other fast food places and got nowhere. Even had a group interview at A&W with ~10 other people for maybe a couple positions.

[Rob Randall]

Yup, the amount of times in grades 9, 10, and 11 I applied at McDonalds and other fast food places and got nowhere. Even had a group interview at A&W with ~10 other people for maybe a couple positions.

 

I applied at White Spot in the '90s and went through an in-depth interview and the boss was impressed until he asked how I felt about cleaning the washroom toward the end of a shift and I said, "Uh....yes, I suppose..." and he saw the drop in enthusiasm and the interview was over. 

 

Today, someone could stumble in with a crack pipe hanging off their lip and the boss would say, do you own any clean black pants.

[Rob Randall]

Yup, the amount of times in grades 9, 10, and 11 I applied at McDonalds and other fast food places and got nowhere. Even had a group interview at A&W with ~10 other people for maybe a couple positions.

 

This would happen, you'd be practically begging for any position and they'd say, I like your enthusiasm but we don't think you're quite A&W material at this time.

[Victoria Watcher]

sounds like those robots can’t replace workers fast enough.

my robot only smoked crack once.

[Redd42]

Yet yesterday I saw at least 2 able bodied young men begging amongst the traffic. And more amazingly, people in cars who actually give them money.

[sebberry]

Yet yesterday I saw at least 2 able bodied young men begging amongst the traffic. And more amazingly, people in cars who actually give them money.

 

Don't be too quick to judge, not everyone who looks able-bodied is medically capable of holding down a job.

[A Girl is No one]

Yet yesterday I saw at least 2 able bodied young men begging amongst the traffic. And more amazingly, people in cars who actually give them money.

I was in the car with a friend at the wheel when one of those able bodied young men was begging for money (on Blanshard around the comfort inn). Stuck at the red light he came to our window and asked for money. When we said « no » he accused us of letting him starve to death!!! I had to bite my tongue not to respond….

Edited by A Girl is No one, 19 August 2021 - 01:16 PM.

[Redd42]

No one is going to starve in this city with the amount of resources for the "homeless" and hand outs provided to who ever wants them. 

[todd]

“Supply chain crunch could threaten holiday wish lists“: https://www.cbc.ca/n...chain-1.6195089


My Christmas shopping is just about done as of yesterday and stocked up on toilet paper.

Edited by todd, 12 October 2021 - 07:59 AM.

[Mike K.]

Lots of talk about the Ottawa protests affecting local businesses there, negatively.

Is it time for local politicians to face up to the impact Victoria's frequent protest activity has on the business community here?

[m3m]

I feel like a lot of the disruption to businesses is due to the honking

[Mike K.]

Honks are bad tippers, anyways.

[spanky123]

Lots of talk about the Ottawa protests affecting local businesses there, negatively.

Is it time for local politicians to face up to the impact Victoria's frequent protest activity has on the business community here?

 

Socialist protest don't effect business, only conservative protests do.

 

Same thing with "fringe actors". When a socialist holds a protest and all of the freaks show up for the cameras (ie skinheads, communists, free tibeters, etc) that in no way reflects on the protest organizers themselves. When they show up at a conservative rally they represent leadership.

[Mike K.]

Mariana Mazzucato and her team at the U.K.-based University College London - Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose have been advising the Province on the development of the plan. Mazzucato is one of the world’s foremost economic thought leaders who has advised governments and policy makers to deliver solutions to societal challenges.

We had to look to the UK for economic advice?

The plan’s goals will be tracked through a broad set of progressive indicators. In addition to traditional economic indicators like gross domestic product (GDP) and job numbers, the plan will also measure well-being indicators like affordable housing, post-secondary training and poverty reduction.

StrongerBC: A Plan for Today, a Vision for Tomorrow is an evolving plan based on the experiences of British Columbians and designed to be adapted and adjusted. People are encouraged to share their economic priorities and ideas online. Input from the survey will help inform future policy and guide the work of the plan.

BC says it will work to fill 1 million jobs over ten years, with a huge focus on trades. I guess what this means is we better start building more housing, because things aren’t going to get any less expensive.

- https://news.gov.bc....JERI0004-000230