“The crisis takes a much longer time coming than you think, and then it happens much faster than you would have thought.”
- Rudiger Dornbusch, MIT economist, as quoted by John Hussman 7 Nov 2011

"If we want things to stay as they are, things will have to change." The Leopard  by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa

This mornings paper reports the opening of a new downtown grocer, the coming of Smoking Bones to the Hudson, along with 2% Jazz Coffee, the Royal Bank and a hair Salon.  Stores are being filled on Douglas Street and Johnson and Govt.  Reminds me of the old statement by Samual Clemments (Mark Twain) "News of my demise are slightly exagerated".  Thanks everyone for investing and believing in downtown Victoria!

I've gotten a few questions lately about Royal Athletic Park and its use by different sports groups, specifically from soccer fans.

First, let me say that the City has hosted some fantastic soccer events, including big events like the Fifa Under 20’s. We continue to seek out these kinds of opportunities to support pro, amateur and youth sports in our community. I also want to stress the that RAP is not the only venue in the city that supports soccer. In fact, many of our youth leagues play out of Topaz Park, a field that meets all the requirements of a full soccer pitch. We will always look for ways to support and foster local sports in our community.

"I am in support of amalgamation, and believe we start with 13 cities becoming 3 - the core, the west and the north. I have no illusions, this will be a long process, and will ultimately require the Provincial government to order the region to do so. In the interim, I believe we need to start with police services, and I look forward to the outcome of the police review currently being conducted by the BC Police Services. We have seen some movement on exploring those issues that easily cross boundaries--we have been successful at hosting the first ever joint City of Victoria and Saanich council meeting on Climate Change and Emergency Services, and will continue this in the new year.

What Cities Do……

Building and maintaining a city’s infrastructure is fundamental to the role of a city government – in fact, according to the law, it is our sole purpose. Now, of course that is not all we do…..we are involved in housing, service delivery, arts and culture, and so much more….but we can’t forget just how important our infrastructure is.

Well done John Luton!  Light rail is the single most important thing we can do to lower our greenhouse gas emmissions and make transportation affordable for everyone.  It will also drive our economy, especially keeping our downtown core alive!

http://www.timescolonist.com/news/Politicians+join+call+light+rail+transit/5232854/story.html

Last night, a formal opportunity to attend Pride celebration where Papparizi's owners Helena and Attila Bassett donated $5000 to Pride Week celebrations! What is Pride - it is an opportunity  for everyone in Victoria to demonstrate a commitment to inclusion, to show support for our friends, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, to be free from discrimination.

Good day for Victorians and the region as CRD suppports several proposals.  $8 mil gas tax  allocated to Johnson Street Bridge project, bringing the price tag down.  CRD has contributed $1.2mil towards the purchase and renovations of the two Travellers the City purchased, and finally, there was support for moving the BC Transit Commision function to the Regional Board.

This week we marked the construction start of 50 units of low end market rental for families by the Greater Victoria Housing Assoc, with their building at 60 Gorge Road.(the City threw in $ and zoning). Behind the numbers, we realize there is the faces of women and children and a chance at a better life. Should be ready late fall for occupancy.

 it is my pleasure and honour to offer our sincere best wishes and congratulations as we celebrate the Lunar New Year and the dawning of the Year of the Metal Rabbit.

Victoria 2011.  What a year we have coming -  It is going to be great!  Economic Development strategy with real results, housing and homelessness projects, public transportation plans for 2020, local sustainability initiatives.  And big issues - sewage treatment hits the ground this year, policing, and downtown plan, FCM sustainability conference, harm reduction initiatives.  And everything we do not even see coming yet!  "Lets get this party started!"

The last couple of weeks have had a special focus on harm reduction services in Victoria, and what we can do to advance the effort to reduce the spread of HIV and Hep-C.  It is tricky, as we try to balance all interests in the community.  A Report has been tabled, and sucessful meetings with Aids Vancouver Island and Vancouver Island Health Authority have been organized.  Harm reduction Victoria presented to the Victoria Police Board and Vic PD has engaged in the discussion.

The Coalition to End Homelessness commissioned a report that was delivered- a Harm reduction action plan for Victoria.  It is a great review of what exists and gaps.  and some interesting questions are posed and implied. 

Rememberance Day Ceremony today at the Cenotath at the Provincial Legislature followed by visiting the local Legions, to give thanks for their sacrifices on all our behalf.  This is a  day for me to have quiet reflection on my own grandfathers and grandmothers, who were part of the war effort, and helped shape me as a child.

Its a planning day - expanding the Regional Housing Trust fund, FCM Sustainability Conference, JSB editorial, and finally tonight, speaking to the Fernwood NRG group on the upcoming referendum on borrowing for a new bridge.

Tomorrow we get busy - official opening of the Ellice Street Shelter , business lunchen with Changsha, Hunan Province representatives, meeting with Ross Place seniors, and Police Board mtg.  I close out the night with talking JSB first with Oaklands Community Association and residents and then over to North Park neighbourhood to talk to their reps and residents.