Today we announced the external advisor to the Victoria Police Department, who will review our use of force policies and issues, including our cell block procedures.  Vince Bevan is the former chief of police for Ottawa.

The fundamental role of the Police Board is civilian oversight – it is there to make sure we are running the best police force possible.  This kind of internal audit is an important step in this effort .
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It was fabulous to meet Governor General Michele Jean and participate in the fleet review this weekend.  Her term is just about done, no hint who will replace her.  She is warm and very genuine.

Today we receive the Johnson Street Bridge technical reports and costing on the refurbishment option and updated costing on the replacement option.  CBC radio tomorrow morn at 7:10.

Working on setting up an economic steering group for Victoria.  Preliminary meetings with the Downtown 2020 group and the executive of the Chamber of Commerce last week.  read more »

Dean Fortin isn’t stupid. Neither, apparently, are the citizens for whom he toils.

“I think when the news went out, there was a ripple of pride that went through the population,” says the mayor of Victoria. “I think it’s important on many different levels. I think it’s a good reputation to have and it speaks to the quality of life that we have here.”

For those who haven’t heard, Victoria is the most recent city to be dubbed Canada’s smartest. Last year, Calgary boasted the designation. It’s based on the latest findings in the Canadian Council on Learning’s Composite Learning Index.  read more »

I have been invited to give a presentation on "Economic Development that Works" by the Union of BC Municipalities - its a real credit to the people we have in the GVEDA.  Thanks Sasha!

Continuing with our Strategic Planning today, then mtg with Esquimalt mayor to review policing options between Victoria and the Township.  Close out the evening with a Council meeting.

Greater Victoria’s late-night bus service will resume in September.

Victoria Regional Transit commissioners decided yesterday to dip into a contingency fund to pay for the late-night service which sees buses running on three routes until 1:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

“It’s an important service and we’re happy to see it … coming back in September. It’s great timing because of the student population getting used to it right away,” Victoria Mayor Dan Fortin said following the decision.

Only Sooke Mayor Janet Evans voted against the move, saying late-night service is too expensive for the revenue it provides.  read more »