Empower Victoria Together
We are a network of citizens fed up with the majority of council forcing their vision on the city. This has occurred in a number of ways these past 3 years:
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a parks sequencing document that approved the re-design of Centennial Square for instance; without consulting with citizens;
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the continual construction of bike lanes without any meaningful consultation with affected parties; and
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the worst transgression of all - the approval of an Official Community Plan that less than 2% of the populace is even aware of.
Clearly this council learned nothing from the governance report prepared by the last council that indicated people wanted to be consulted and listened to; not consulted and ignored.
We will advocate for and support people interested in running for council that will actually consult and listen to people.
What's in the OCP?
On the evening of Oct 2, 2025 the following Councillors approved the draft Official Community Plan: Dave Thompson, Krista Loughton, Susan Kim, Marianne Alto and Jeremy Caradonna . Councillor Matt Dell was curiously absent for this important event; reputedly to attend a music concert, but there is little doubt he would have voted in favour as well.
Here are some examples of what you will find in the OCP that could affect your quality of life, the value of your property, the look of Victoria as a tourism destination and your rental space:
Linear Parks and Street Plazas to Replace Actual Parks and Green Space
If you live on any of the streets with light green lines or in the brown shaded areas, be aware your street could become a "Linear Parkway" or a "Street plaza". This means that there could be street closures or at best "balanced vehicle access". This is because, as the city says, "opportunities to realize new, large park space will be limited in the coming decades and the demand for public park spaces will grow as denser forms of housing are added". If you are concerned consider sending an e-mail to: councillors@victoria.ca
Affordable?
Victoria City Councillor Dave Thompson argues that zoning for a much denser city full of 4 to 18 storey apartments and condos will reduce prices and create affordable housing. Do you believe this? Where has it happened that a new build is cheaper than the one it replaced? Dave proudly announced in the Times Colonist that council approved 7000 units over the last 2 years. Have prices come down? Do you believe this will solve the affordability problem?
The Priority of Heritage in the Draft OCP
Heritage protections that were in the previous Official Community plan are gone and the only heritage protection referred to in this draft is for areas in downtown and Vic West. Rockland, Fairfield, Fernwood and Gonzales have considerable heritage buildings. Council is willfully wanting to erase heritage to put up new 4 and 6 story condos. They say we will look like London but how can that be when Victoria history and uniqueness will be gone; to be replaced with new buildings devoid of style or charm?
London or Langford?
All existing neighbourhood plans in the city will be eliminated. Historic houses and affordable old buildings will go by the wayside for new development. Councillor Jeremy Caradonna says Victoria will likely look more like a miniature London or Paris than a miniature Vancouver or Manhattan. Do you believe this to be true when the plan allows everything that is historic and unique to be replaced with new buildings?
Beware Renters
Victoria Councillor Jeremy Caradonna wants you to support his and council's Official Community Plan (OCP). This plan will accelerate the destruction of affordable old housing and apartment buildings to be replaced with 4 and 6 story condos that will be allowed to be built on every lot in the city-- and up to 18 stories on major roads such as Fort. But don't worry, he says. Displaced tenants would have the right of first refusal to return to a new building, once built, at 20% below market rates. Do you think council is protecting renters enough in the draft OCP?
No Parking you Say?
Parking is mentioned 30 times in the OCP but there is NO requirement for minimum parking spots for new buildings. It is a well known fact that city engineers are making it difficult for cars to get around. And have prioritized bike routes over common sense - look at Richardson Street and Vancouver Street. it is a stated goal of council to force people out of their cars and take alternative methods. When did it become appropriate for the govt to micro manage people's lives? If you don't agree send an e-mail to councillors@victoria.ca to register your concern
"Zoning by Right" in the Official Community Plan
All neighbourhood plans have been eliminated. The OCP is THE neighbourhood plan for the city. This means every single lot can have a minimum 4 story building on it by right if it meets basic zoning requirements. There is no recourse for neighbours to have it modified or refused. Also, there are no requirements for parking minimums or plantable green space. Access to sunlight for neighbouring buildings is a suggestion; not a requirement. Buildings can be as little as 1.5 metres away from your property line on either side of your house.
New builds will NOT be affordable! Affordable housing (typically found in older buildings on main roads) will be the first to go. Result: more renovictions and demovictions.
Tenants - demand better renter protection!! The proposed OCP only provides you compensation of (i) 2-6 months’ rent (and the 6 months comes only after 20+ years of tenancy) and (ii) a right to return to the new building at 20% below market rents. Better renter protection is possible. City of Burnaby requires (i) developers to cover the difference between current rent and the new rents when they relocate and (ii) a right to a unit in the new building at your old rent.
Our Mission for Change
Who We Are
We come from all neighbourhoods in Victoria and represent homeowners and renters alike. We have watched Victoria deteriorate under successive mayors and council and are hoping to stop the decline. Your input and comments are welcome. Please contact us if you would like to get involved. Our e-mail is info@sustainablevictorianetwork.ca
Why Choose Us
The Sustainable Victoria Network is committed to safeguarding the future of Victoria by opposing excessive upzoning that threatens the city's well-being. Our platform empowers Victoria's residents to make their voices heard and protect the city's future. Together, we aim to secure a vibrant and sustainable Victoria for generations to come.
Thank you for your interest in staying connected with us! We may send you periodic updates about our initiatives and events. Rest assured, your email address will remain confidential and will not be shared with any other organization. We appreciate your support and look forward to keeping you informed!