10347 replies to this topic

[Spy Black]

I don't think choosing to operate a business in downtown Victoria equates in any way with a desire to enter into documenting or involving oneself trying to "undo" the misdeeds of the COV Mayor and Council.

 

I pay somewhat exorbitant business taxes, along with assorted (and expensive) licensing and permit fees to the COV for things like boiler permits, electrical permits, plumbing permits, building permits, parking permits, etc ... and for that money I don't necessarily expect a "helping hand" ... but I do expect law and order in and around my place of business, along with a generally supportive local government.

What I don't expect, is  my local government actually working against me ... a local government that's working against my business.

 

Operating a business is essentially a 24/7 undertaking ... and small and large business operators often don't have the time, desire, or energy to get involved with trying to unseat a Mayor and entire Council because they're fundamentally unable to operate in a professional and informed manner - in other words, a local government acting in a manner that highlights the best interest of the COV, its residents, its business operators, and its taxpayers.

Edited by Spy Black, 05 October 2021 - 08:29 AM.

[A Girl is No one]

The issues Stephen talks about that are currently plaguing downtown have been complained about, discussed, pondered, tolerated, encouraged, facilitated, and essentially accepted and applauded by the current Council (minus Stephen A.).

Asking folks to "speak up" and "step up" are fine ... except those of us that have been doing just that (stepping up) repeatedly for the past decade or so, and having our concerns fall on the deaf and fundamentally uncaring ears of Council ... well, we've done our bit - and now we're done.

There's really no point in pleading with a Council whose very core represents an anti-law and order, anti-police agenda.

As much as it pains me to say this, the City of Victoria deserves every single thing it currently has.
Voting this Council in repeatedly definitely has a hard cost ... and the COV downtown core is currently paying that bill in spades.

I agree with you Spy Black. I have spent way too much of my free time trying to alert everyone in power to avoid getting where we are now, and all of it was wasted. However, if Stephen Andrew had been on council at that time, things might have turned out differently. He is asking people’s support so he can push on this. He can’t do it alone, no more than we could do it alone.
I’m eternally grateful to Stephen for his offer, and even though my past experiences have burnt me out, I will do what I can to support him.

[A Girl is No one]

I don't think choosing to operate a business in downtown Victoria equates in any way with a desire to enter into documenting or involving oneself trying to "undo" the misdeeds of the COV Mayor and Council.

I pay somewhat exorbitant business taxes, along with assorted (and expensive) licensing and permit fees to the COV for things like boiler permits, electrical permits, plumbing permits, building permits, parking permits, etc ... and for that money I don't necessarily expect a "helping hand" ... but I do expect law and order in and around my place of business, along with a generally supportive local government.
What I don't expect, is my local government actually working against me ... a local government that's working against my business.

Operating a business is essentially a 24/7 undertaking ... and small and large business operators often don't have the time, desire, or energy to get involved with trying to unseat a Mayor and entire Council because they're fundamentally unable to operate in a professional and informed manner - in other words, a local government acting in a manner that highlights the best interest of the COV, its residents, its business operators, and its taxpayers.

Totally agree… My city taxes this year indicated that I paid $1000 for police service… yet, I know I can’t get anyone here should I need their help, not do I feel safe walking around in my neighbourhood anymore. It’s revolting, but only by speaking up can we bring some change - with the help of at least one councillor who is willing to take this up. Thanks his could be a game changer.

[Taco]

I understand people being discouraged after years of effort, but it's still worth it.

Write a note; detail an incident; share your feelings in a respectful (clear) way; tell them exactly what you want to see happen. 

 

The murder, rape, assault, suffering, is on them. Not telling them how we feel about it is on us.

[VIResident]

Many of the policies formed appear to be (and in as much stated) in attempt to 'balance' what was deemed 'unbalanced' - meaning a certain group was gaining more than another.  The 'balancing' has affected once thriving businesses, homeowners, and tenants sense of safety, property values etc. (look at the price of any main floor condo vs. higher levels in buildings that once commanded top-dollar no matter the floor) everyday residents - they, you are very ones who paid for the 'balancing'.  They will hold up why they were right to do what they've done, they will point to the unfortunate, in every detail - making you all appear to be entitled monsters who don't care and 'isn't it great we are here to 'fix' it'.  Unless you detail the oppressive policies, how they've impacted the local economy, etc. you will be rolled over.  Take my word for it. 

[On the Level]

So the Victoria Foundation has released a "Vital Signs" report.  They provide 12 "key issue areas" and some go into great detail, like inclusion which has 12 detailed questions, then others just ask for a grade on the overall issue area.  Strange.  

 

Victoria-Vital-Signs-FINAL-Main-Report-2021.pdf (victoriafoundation.bc.ca)

 

Interesting summary for inclusion.  Would be curious for a read from each councilor on this list.  Which they agree with or are opposed.  The disabled and food security are not well represented.

 

 

 

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[spanky123]

^ I give it the same credibility as the PIT count.

[pontcanna]

Today's T-C:

 

[todd]

^There all crazy in the capital region, every last one of them. For as long as I can remember.

Edited by todd, 06 October 2021 - 07:04 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

two newspaper articles on the report yesterday.  this is from the report:

 

 

 

 

Cost of living remains key concern in latest Vital Signs report for Greater Victoria

 

Cost of living, housing and homelessness were the leading concerns expressed by those who participated in the 16th annual Vital Signs checkup for Greater Victoria, while natural environment, climate and air quality topped the list of the area’s best features.

 

https://www.timescol...oria-1.24362144

 

 

 

drug use/addictions and mental health (mental health was only in context of COVID) are not mentioned in the 22-paragraph TC article.

 

victoria news 8 paragraphs:.

 

 

 

 

Victoria’s 2021 Vital Signs report released with B-grade quality of life

 

_____________

 

The number of residents who took part in the survey more than doubled from 1,793 in 2020 to 3,757 in 2021, the majority of whom are financially well-off, white, and long-term residents of the region. Together, they graded the region’s overall quality of life a B.

 

_________________

 

Respondents were enthusiastic about the beauty of Greater Victoria, listing the environment, climate, and air quality as the best things about the region. When it came to concerns, cost of living, housing, homelessness and addiction were top of mind.

 

_________________

 

Notably, Indigenous people were overrepresented in several categories, including homelessness and children in foster care. Of the survey’s BIPOC respondents, 58 and 60 per cent said they felt included and respected in the region, respectively. But, data included from a survey solely of BIPOC individuals showed 71 per cent had experienced racism in the last five years.

 

https://www.vicnews....uality-of-life/

 

 

 

 

 

this is 2017:

 

 

 

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 06 October 2021 - 07:05 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

how did transportation concerns drop by 2/3?

 

the mckenzie interchange i guess!

[todd]

^There all crazy in the capital region, every last one of them. For as long as I can remember.

https://youtu.be/eFTLKWw542g

[Taco]

So the Victoria Foundation has released a "Vital Signs" report.  They provide 12 "key issue areas" and some go into great detail, like inclusion which has 12 detailed questions, then others just ask for a grade on the overall issue area.  Strange.  

 

Victoria-Vital-Signs-FINAL-Main-Report-2021.pdf (victoriafoundation.bc.ca)

 

Interesting summary for inclusion.  Would be curious for a read from each councilor on this list.  Which they agree with or are opposed.  The disabled and food security are not well represented.

 

I don't know anyone who takes this report seriously because of how the data is gathered.

The "findings" are just an opinion.

[Taco]

two newspaper articles on the report yesterday.  this is from the report:

 

screenshot-victoriafoundation.bc.ca-2021.10.06-10_51_48.png

 

 

 

Cost of living remains key concern in latest Vital Signs report for Greater Victoria

 

Cost of living, housing and homelessness were the leading concerns expressed by those who participated in the 16th annual Vital Signs checkup for Greater Victoria, while natural environment, climate and air quality topped the list of the area’s best features.

 

https://www.timescol...oria-1.24362144

 

 

 

drug use/addictions and mental health (mental health was only in context of COVID) are not mentioned in the 22-paragraph TC article.

 

victoria news 8 paragraphs:.

 

 

 

 

Victoria’s 2021 Vital Signs report released with B-grade quality of life

 

_____________

 

The number of residents who took part in the survey more than doubled from 1,793 in 2020 to 3,757 in 2021, the majority of whom are financially well-off, white, and long-term residents of the region. Together, they graded the region’s overall quality of life a B.

 

_________________

 

Respondents were enthusiastic about the beauty of Greater Victoria, listing the environment, climate, and air quality as the best things about the region. When it came to concerns, cost of living, housing, homelessness and addiction were top of mind.

 

_________________

 

Notably, Indigenous people were overrepresented in several categories, including homelessness and children in foster care. Of the survey’s BIPOC respondents, 58 and 60 per cent said they felt included and respected in the region, respectively. But, data included from a survey solely of BIPOC individuals showed 71 per cent had experienced racism in the last five years.

 

https://www.vicnews....uality-of-life/

 

 

 

 

 

this is 2017:

 

screenshot-victoriafoundation.bc.ca-2021.10.06-11_03_18.png

I forgot they call it a "survey." Thats embarrassing, at best. Fraud, in my opinion.

 

Calling it a "survey" leads one to believe its a representation of the community, which it's not, as it makes clear every year in the first few paragraphs.

[Victoria Watcher]

presumably a large portion of responses come from Victoria Foundation donors. So it’s not a bad thing they canvass their base.

[Victoria Watcher]

 

men are the worst.  i bet they are white and cis-gender too.

 

https://www.vicnews....l-signs-report/

 

 

[pontcanna]

Victoria tow-truck driver accused of misleading practices loses licence

Times Colonist - 8 Oct 2021

Victoria council has revoked the business licence of a tow-truck driver who staff say operated with “misleading business practices.”

City staff recommended revoking the licence of John Mueller, as I-Tow Group, because, they say, he has “demonstrated a disregard for city bylaws.”

Mueller is accused of repeatedly overcharging people, failing to adequately identify his vehicle and failing to display fees charged for vehicles towed.

In April, he pleaded guilty to five charges and entered into a provincial court order with several conditions, such as properly marking his vehicles with his business name and phone number, and prominently displaying fees charged where towing occurs. City staff say he has not fully complied with that order and he has avoided attempts by bylaw staff to inspect his company.

Bylaw manager Shannon Perkins told councillors on Thursday staff recommended the licence be revoked after “having exhausted all other avenues to gain voluntary compliance.”

 

More: https://digitaltimes...281556589000682

[Spy Black]

Victoria council has revoked the business licence of a tow-truck driver who staff say operated with “misleading business practices.”

Stephen Andrew was the lone Victoria Councillor to vote to let this guy keep his business license.

Andrew noted that he felt it was premature to take this guys business license away until such time as the courts had rendered a verdict on some pending cases involving this guy and his company.

 

But By-Law officers, and City Council in fact do have the power to make substantial change when they choose to use it, as was clearly demonstrated by the effective closure of this shady tow truck business. 

Andrew's belief (at least in this specific case) that Council and Vic By-Law Officers must stand back with their hands tied until the courts render some sort of verdict is difficult to understand in light of his position on other issues that speak to Mayor and Council making much needed changes at the street level with regards to crime and violence ... but that's an aside to this particular post.

 

I would posit that VicPD, City Council as a whole, individual COV Councillors, VicBy-Law officers, VicFire Dept Inspectors, etc all do have the power to make serious change ... it's just in Victoria, for reasons unknown, it's never used where it needs to be used, and is all too often used instead to confound the lives of tax paying business's and residents trying to build a new home, put in a new driveway, put up a new business sign, phone VicPD to report a crime, etc.

 

The COV seems to live in fear of being hauled off into court for actually enforcing the by-laws that were legally enacted in order to ensure quality of life for residents and business people in the COV.

 

All civic by-laws must be enforced equally and consistently, lest society begin to break down (albeit slowly, but exactly as we're seeing in the downtown core of the COV). 

Edited by Spy Black, 08 October 2021 - 05:47 AM.

[sebberry]

Maybe Stephen can confirm the exact intent of the vote before we call him out?  

 

If the council vote was to permanently revoke the license, then I agree with Andrews' position that the courts should rule first.  Another article I read mentioned the tow guy had a court date coming up in March 2022.

 

If the vote was to temporarily suspend the license until the court ruling, then Andrews' position would be questionable.

 

I'm surprised this anti-car council would do anything but support a crooked to operator...

[Spy Black]

The intent was to revoke the business license permanently due to repeated violations of COV by-laws.
That he violated these by-laws repeatedly wasn’t remotely in question.
Council dumping off simple by-law enforcement decisions to the courts seems yet another excuse not to take a stand.
Don’t forget, the “city staff” in this case was the By-Law Officer herself, asking that Council revoke the business license.

Regardless, it’s yet another demonstration of the thought process that seems to hamstring Council from actually making even the slightest effort to fix what’s broken.

Edited by Spy Black, 08 October 2021 - 08:20 AM.