Annual Address – Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce - DRAFT

May 11, 2011

 

 

//CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY//

 

 

Thank you for the invitation to speak with you today

 

It’s an honour to be back in front of this audience

 

It was two years ago that I first stood here in front of you

 

– and I can tell you that I was nervous

 

JOKE

 

Really, you were a warm and welcoming audience – and I believe that the past two years have brought a positive relationship… that is benefiting the city and the region

 

I am honoured to do my part

 

- and I thank you for doing yours

 

Now – it has been a busy few years

 

We have accomplished a lot – and there is still more to do

 

MUCH DONE, MUCH TO DO

 

Let me start with the quick recap

 

When we first took office Council, as a team, set out a series of priorities

 

The areas we wanted to focus on –

 

They included affordable housing and homelessness,

 

 Investing in our downtown,

 

Addressing infrastructure needs

 

And improving our civic engagement

 

 

 

I want to thank my council for their work over the past three years

 

It has been a tough ride at times but we are a better city for their investment, dedication

and focus

 

You may not agree with all the decisions we have made, but you have to agree we have been making decisions - making things happen

 

On the housing front we have seen the most movement

 

We began by making legislative changes –

 

Legalizing secondary suites, helping the private sector provide affordable, ground oriented housing, helping seniors and young people, single parents and new homeowners.

 

We followed up with an incentive program, helping spur the local construction economy in the economic downturn.

 

We expedited housing projects

 

We offered tax exemptions to create affordable market rentals,

 

And we fully utilized our housing trust fund.

 

We have invested millions - and that has leveraged tens of millions from our partners

 

From the new purpose built emergency shelter and transitional housing, to supportive housing on Humboldt and affordable family housing at the Wing

 

– we are moving forward rapidly

 

The city, with our partners, also bought two of the former Travellers’ Inn properties –

 

One is already open, offering 36 units of supportive housing at Queens’s Manor

 

As well – our partners in the housing sector have been busy

 

The Greater Victoria Housing Society has two projects on the go on Pembroke and Gorge Road

 

Beacon Services Society is working with the Chard development on Johnson Street

 

And we are waiting for the Hudson Mews to start construction

 

And – we can’t forget the work through the Coalition to End Homelessness

 

In 2010 alone, through the partner groups, service providers and outreach teams that make up the Coalition – 662 people were housed

 

The Coalition is also advancing their Streets to Homes initiative - working with the private rental market to find homes for people.

 

70 people have been housed through this program

 

The collective impact is noticeable – talk to local taxi drivers, buskers or businesses

 

Our streets are starting to look and feel different

 

And public disorder is down – in fact, public disorder calls are down 26% over the last three years.

 

Last year alone we saw a drop of 10%

 

Now – are we done?

 

Far from it….. but we have momentum!

 

We need to develop a new MOU with the province, to confirm the next 3 pipeline projects,

 

and involve our municipal partners on the locations – from Sooke to Saanich to Victoria.

 

We will re-introduce the tax exemption program - so we can continue to see affordable rental housing built in our city.

 

And we will continue to expedite housing proposals of all kinds.

 

Because we know that solving street homelessness is not just good for those individuals who are in need of support – but good for the entire community

 

And we know that we have to be concerned over housing affordability in general so that Victoria remains a city where people can come to start a family, build a career and thrive

 

Much Done, AND MUCH LEFT TO DO

 

Let us turn to the downtown.

 

When I took over the Mayor’s chair, this community was concerned with the perceived rise in public disorder caused by the late night scene

 

This had nothing to do with the homeless – and everything to do with a breakdown in the culture of respect for our community from late night revelers

 

People were using our downtown without care for the community

 

When I last stood before you two years ago I announced the formation of the Late Night Task Force

 

Well, the results of that effort are in – and they are positive

 

Transportation, we heard, is key to dampening disorder – people need a way to quickly exit downtown when the bars close

 

We secured late night bus service on the weekends

 

And we established taxi stands that are staffed by commissioners – creating a safe and reliable site to catch a cab home

 

But transportation doesn’t solve everything

 

– so we also created a dedicated police unit for the late night weekend hours  

 

Their presence is a reminder that vandalism, public urination and fighting are not welcome in our town

 

We have seen a steady decrease in public disorder – as I just mentioned – calls are down 26% over the last three years

 

These police officers welcome people to our downtown, create an atmosphere where people feel safe

 

We installed our first permanent public urinal – and won an international award for it

 

Yes – that’s right – Victoria has the best public urinal in the world!

 

Now – laugh if you must – but it is a success –

 

and we are now looking at adding a few more in strategic locations in the downtown.

 

They are a cost effective way to decrease public urination – and any business owner can tell you the damage a thoughtless individual can do in a door way.

 

Working with the police, the DVBA, and the Bar owners  - the BarWatch program was introduced in Victoria  

 

This program sends a message that our community works together… and cares about what goes on after dark

 

This is just a snapshot of the Task Force efforts

 

but in the end, it was an effort that brought a number of stakeholders together in an unprecedented way for our community

 

I want to thank all those who participated – including our hosts this afternoon the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.

 

This effort too is a work in progress – but the word progress is key here…….

 

The quote I like is, “don’t let perfect get in the way of good”

 

So we keep working and keep moving forward

 

I want to see is additional officers dedicated to the downtown late night shift

 

– I think their presence it vital

 

And I think a few more would really solidify the trend of decreasing public disorder

 

We will act, with our partners, to better enhance people late night experience

 

– we will be a stronger presence in coordinating downtown activities

 

There is a lot going – and I believe that we can help direct people to the services and events they are looking for

 

Again - MUCH DONE, AND MUCH TO DO

 

Infrastructure is the biggest ticket item facing municipalities

 

Like the replacement of the Johnson Street Bridge

 

Last November our residents went to the polls on the referendum to borrow $49.2 million dollar for the replacement of the Johnson Street Bridge

 

I want to thank the Chamber for participating in the engagement process surrounding this project.

 

Part of the success of any referendum is getting the public excited, informed and engaged.

 

And that takes community leaders, like you in this room, weighing into the debate, discussing the pros and cons and helping people get to the place where they are confident about voting

 

The referendum resulted in encouraging voter turnout and a decisive result…

 

61% in favour 

39% opposed

 

What more could you ask for really

 

We have already begun work on this project 

 

As most of you likely know – it is a four year building window, with visible work starting early next year.

 

I am confident that the end result will be a link that meets our changing transportation needs

 

– a link that encourages alternative modes of travel while also highlighting the beauty of our Inner and Upper harbour

 

A project that will drive redevelopment in the north end of our downtown

 

We did the work – now there is more to do

 

We have two major regional projects looming – sewage treatment and rapid public transit. 

 

These projects need to be guided to ensure they are done right.

 

Done with the right consultation,

 

With the right consideration of community values,

 

And the right consideration of affordability and timing – in other words, we will not go it alone.

 

We need to ensure Victoria’s interests and taxpayers pocket books are protected in these regional projects.

 

We have also turned our mind to economic development

 

We began by turning our international obligations into economic opportunities assisting in bringing back ties and possibilities from China and Japan for our tourist, high tech and education sectors. 

 

We did not forget our own neighbours and established ties and a Letter of Intent promoting the Pacific Northwest green economy with Vancouver and Seattle.

 

In our own backyard – we have lowered the business tax ratio three years in a row,

 

after decades of increases

 

We know that 80% of businesses in our city are small business with fewer than 20 employees

 

They create wealth and employment and give back to our community

 

They are people like Ryan at Café Fantastico,

 

I just saw Ryan at Quadra Village Days…

 

His business started out small – but he had a plan and some serious dedication

 

Now he employs 50 people, expanded to more than one location ….but stays true to their roots, giving generously to his community

 

These are the people that make Victoria great

 

And we need to make sure we are fostering the conditions for businesses, like Ryan’s, to succeed.

 

As of this year our tax ration is at 3.59 to 1,

 

Our neighbour – and our main competition – Saanich is at a ratio of 3.78 to 1

 

For 2011 businesses in Victoria can expect to pay $1,354 per $100,000 of assessment towards municipal taxes

 

Saanich is now at $1,211 per $100,000

 

The cost of doing business in Victoria or Saanich is virtually the same

 

And we continue to slowly trend our ratio down with the goal of reaching 3:1

 

It will take time – it’s a balancing act

 

But we know Victoria must remain competitive, while continuing to provide the excellent services business, and residents, rely on.

 

One thing that has really solidified for me is the relationship between social justice and a strong economy

 

The two must go hand in hand – otherwise you have neither

 

In other words, I can be as committed as I want to homelessness, affordable housing and public transportation, to parks and public pools and libraries,

 

 But without investment and economic innovation in our community I can’t move ahead on the civic amenities our community thinks are needed.

Victoria is a leader in Green technology

 

We have a thriving marine industry

 

We are an education hub – where world-class research is constantly fueling new ideas and groundbreaking developments

 

And we continue to be an unbeatable tourist destination

 

All of these sectors are important to the longevity and vitality of our City

 

So the question we are grappling with is how do we encourage their growth?

 

What can City Hall do to keep our economy strong?

 

Well – the answer is…many things

 

We have launched a customer service strategy because we have learned that how we do business is as important as the business we do

 

We need city hall to be efficient – a one-stop shop for projects – from planning through to completion.

 

So that we are helping, not hindering, the growth of our community and our economy

 

We are also building an Economic Development Strategy

 

Without one we are standing still

 

And standing still means you are falling behind…..

 

We are working with a team of committed community leaders to map out this strategy

We want to guide business recruitment and retention, infrastructure investments, development incentives, strategic partnerships and marketing of the Capital City over the next 10 years.

We know that to support Victoria's future economic growth, the Economic Development Strategy must be economically, environmentally and socially sustainable.

Now - the plan is expected to be completed by June 2011. 

But it needs to be more than a plan,

It must be a call to action –

which is why we are committing to funding in the 2012 budget to move the initiative forward.

We remain committed to working with the Greater Victoria Development Agency and the Chamber in delivering this product

We will enhance our contribution to get the strategy in play

And we will use the tools we have available under the Community Charter, such as the creation of Economic Development Zones, to foster the opportunities we want to see.

 

For example – one area I am particularly interested in is the Rock Bay area

 

– and the lands currently held by BC Hydro

 

This land, along with the neighbouring Transport Canada land, is the last big Brownfield left in the City of Victoria

 

As you all know well – we have very limited land in the City of Victoria

 

We must plan wisely so not to waste this opportunity

 

The area is zoned as industrial – and it certainly needs to be part of the economic and employment agenda

 

And in my mind I see great potential for a downtown version of a tech park

 

A development suited for both start-up and more established tech companies – a place where innovation can happen and we can promote and foster our growing green tech sector

 

I have been working with members of the Mayor’s Technology Council – seeking guidance and advice on how we can move forward on this idea

 

There are many examples we can learn from – Yale Town, Vancouver Island Tech Park, etc

 

We need to package them together for a “made in Victoria” option. 

 

We have work to do, but we will make it happen!

 

Obviously there are many steps to take – but I think it is important to dream – to bring to the table ideas that inspire and motivate

 

And then lay the ground work to keep moving forward in a steady, pragmatic and community minded way

 

I like the recent quote from the US Secretary of Transportation, who said:

 

“Daring projects don’t just solve today’s problems; they create tomorrow’s possibilities”

 

I am not interested in resting

 

Our city has weathered the economic crisis better than most

 

We still have developments moving forward

 

834 Johnson

 

Trevor Linden’s building on Herald

 

The Townline - -Hudson site

 

The Anthem – Buckerfield Site

 

The Royal BC Museum expansion

 

And many more – all of which are adding to the dynamic feel and flow of the City

 

They also push me to think of what else can be done

 

–        like furthering district energy systems,

 

–        and rewarding green developments instead of punishing them

 

We in this room need to work together to push the province for change on this – right now you pay more for building in a community and environmentally minded way

 

That kind of thinking needs to change

 

We can be smart in our growth - protecting the tax base while continuing to provide the high quality services people have come to rely on, the household sustaining jobs we need

 

I have been out talking to different groups about the city’s budget – the challenges and opportunities ahead

 

And to get feedback on what members of our community value – and where there is room to shift

 

The answers we are getting speak to the challenges ahead – in other words, we all want it all….but we need to better understand our limitations

 

There are no easy answers ahead

 

Listening is as important as talking - and we are learning to listen better

 

Civic engagement has taken on a whole new meaning for the City of Victoria

 

The bridge project and the task force are good examples, but there are many others

 

The Official Community Plan has reached out to more than 5,000 people

– and the feedback is really positive

 

Last year for the first time we did a business survey the same time as the citizens’ survey

 

The overall perception provided back to us was predominantly positive.

 

In fact, more than 83% of businesses describe Victoria as either a "very good" or good" place to do business.

 

Further – we were told that businesses are more than twice as likely to anticipate expanding as they are downsizing or closing in the next five years.

 

That is a good trend we want to see continue

 

We are reaching out in unprecedented ways

 

I will be spending the summer, with my team, out in the community - listening, consulting, and meeting with community and business members to understand what matters to them….

 

And to hear the potential solutions being offered

 

We will bundle all the input up and bring it forward in the fall

 

Victoria is a truly remarkable City – full of possibilities

 

So while we have challenges ahead – I am more confident than ever that we can over come

 

In fact, I think we are well on our way to taking the leap from provincial capital to world class City

 

People come here because we are a wonderful community – where our quality of life matches our quality of opportunity

 

We are a community with a vision – and we have been routinely recognized for that vision

 

Financial Times of London named Victoria the top Micro City of the Future

 

Recently the Corporate Knights names Victoria as the most sustainable small city in Canada

 

….and don’t forget we are now also the most romantic!

 

We are pulling all of this into the vision for the city – the community’s vision

 

We are celebrating our history, engaging our community, and building our future

 

Let me close by showing you this vision

 

 (SHOW VIDEO)

Thank you to everyone in this room for being a part of this long-term project