The shortage of affordable housing, both rental and ownership, is perhaps the number one issue facing the city.  Opportunities are available, in working with B.C. Housing and the Provincial and Federal governments to building both non-market and market affordable housing units and many of these initiatives are underway.  It is important that the City also look at its regulatory system and the mechanisms at its disposal to encourage the retention of existing market affordable units.  Encouraging the addition of units in existing buildings also provides an alternative to purpose built buildings where the rents are generally considerably higher.

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When the historic Provincial Courthouse in Bastion Square became vacant I saw an opportunity to create a vital presence in the Square that would revitalize the Square and provide a hub for the visual and performing arts in the heart of downtown.  We are currently working with the Downtown Victoria Business Association, the Province and the Federal Government to turn this opportunity into a reality.

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More than 20 years ago I was a citizen representative on the Victoria Accord, a partnership agreement between the Province and the City of Victoria, to develop a master plan for the provincially opened properties behind the Legislature.  Recently, when the Province determined it was time to develop those lands I was fortunate to be on City Council and be able to speak directly to the intent of the Accord and the amenities that were embedded in the agreement.  One of those amenities was a branch library in James Bay.  At this time, I was also on the Greater Victoria Library Board, as chair of the Facilities Committee.  It was an incredibly fulfilling experience to be able to help shepherd this project through to completion

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