City of Victoria
1 Centennial Square V8W 1N8 Victoria, BC, Canada

Want to help make Victoria more accessible? Apply to be on our new Accessibility Advisory Committee by Friday, Dec. 18. Learn more: http://ow.ly/egEs50CayD9

Read all about this year’s community-led projects who were awarded $50,000 through our Participatory Budgeting initiative. Projects to receive funding this year range from food sustainability to gardening, financial literacy, programs to build relationships between newcomers and Indigenous community groups, an app to make it easier for newcomers to access healthcare, and workshops to educate the community on how they can help combat racism by being stronger allies to visible minorities. Learn about the projects here: victoria.ca//resi/city-grants/participatory-budgeting.html

New artworks are up in downtown Victoria! Keep a look-out along Douglas Street and in our City parkades for new, local work showcased in our signage kiosks. Learn more: victoria.ca/kiosks

This year has been challenging for everyone. Please consider supporting those in need by donating to the Mustard Seed Food Bank. We are unable to safely facilitate our annual Food Drive due to COVID-19 and ask that donations be made directly to the food bank instead. Thank you for your understanding and support. Learn how to safely donate: https://mustardseed.ca/donate-to-the-mustard-seed/

Missed the last webinar on climate-friendly heat pumps for your home? Back by popular demand, Bring It Home 4 the Climate will be offering another webinar on Dec 10 at 1pm. For a limited time, you can also get DOUBLE the rebates when switching from your old oil or gas heating system to a heat pump. Learn more: bringithome4climate.ca/event/considering-a-heat-pump/

Check out this week's edition of What’s Up At Council? for a glance at what's coming up for discussion and decision making at City Council. Although you can't attend in person due to COVID-19, there are many ways to participate. Learn more: http://ow.ly/v2bf50CsTsi

If you have already requested a Victoria By-Election mail ballot, it’s in the mail and you will not be able to vote in person. You can return your completed mail ballot envelope to Crystal Garden during Advance Voting hours or to the City Hall Drop Box. If you incorrectly mark your ballot or your mail ballot is damaged, call City of Victoria Legislative Services at 250.361.0571 for a replacement ballot. You must return the spoiled mail ballot to receive a replacement ba...llot. If you need help completing your mail ballot, please call 250.361.0571. victoria.ca//information-for-vo/request-a-mail-ballot.html

Make plans for the future while staying close to home with our NEW Community Garden Start-Up Grant. This grant helps non-profits design and build community gardens in high population neighbourhoods without existing community gardens. Learn how to apply and read our updated guide on how to build a community garden in your neighbourhood: https://www.victoria.ca//community-garden-start-up-grants.

The preliminary results for the 2020 Municipal By-Election from all polls have been tabulated, including six voting places, advance voting opportunities and mail ballots: Councillor: Stephen ANDREW - elected... Total voter turnout in the City’s 2020 By-Election was 12,327, 17.5% of registered voters. For the unofficial final election summary reports, visit: http://ow.ly/XqPg50CJN4P

Did you know? We’ve made energy efficiency improvements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from City-owned buildings which has saved over $500,000 in utility costs since July 2018! Efforts to reduce corporate emissions have been successful, with an over 20 percent reduction in GHG emissions since 2007. Although municipal operations only account for approximately one percent of total community GHG emissions, the Climate Leadership Plan’s core planning principle is to lead and inspire action and the City has an important role to play in encouraging community participation in broader emissions reduction efforts. Learn more: http://ow.ly/ZDzI50CowAH

We’re starting leaf collection this week in Vic West, Burnside Gorge, North Park, Harris Green and downtown. If you’d like your leaves collected, please pile them loosely on the boulevard. We’ve had a few delays, so thanks for your patience while our crews get to every Victoria neighbourhood twice this fall. Drop off locations are also available. Learn more: victoria.ca/leafcollection

Thanks to all who voted today in Victoria’s 2020 By-Election to elect one Councillor. Results will be available once the final vote is cast. Advance voting results will be first while results come in from the six voting places. Tune in: http://ow.ly/XqPg50CJN4P #yyj #VictoriaVotes #VicByElection2020

A new park has arrived to the South Jubilee neighbourhood! The 12,700 square foot parcel of land comprised of a Garry oak meadow at the corner of Leighton Road and Bank Street will be named Agamemnon and Eleni Kasapi Park in recognition of the family who preserved the property in its natural state for the benefit of the community. The property was purchased with funding from the Parks Acquisition Fund and the family has donated the proceeds from the sale to establish two... scholarships at the University of Victoria in the Faculty of Science. The park will be maintained with a few enhancements, such as a wood chip pathway, benches and signage, including information about the Indigenous history of the land. The property has environmental significance as Garry oak ecosystems are endangered, with less than five per cent remaining in Canada. Learn more: ow.ly/Jtvn50Coh5F

Advance Voting starts TOMORROW (Tuesday, December 1) from 9am-4pm at Crystal Garden for Victoria’s 2020 By-Election to elect one Councillor. First hour of parking is free under the Victoria Conference Centre. Bring parking stub for validation when voting. Two free 30 minute parking spaces are available for Advance Voting in front of Crystal Garden. First hour is also free at Broughton Street Parkade. ... Curbside Voting is for those with accessibility challenges during Advance Voting and General Voting Day. Signs will identify curbside voting parking spaces and a phone number to call for by-election staff to come out and assist you to vote from your vehicle. Read the Fact Sheet: ow.ly/lPbO50Cqxsw Learn more: victoria.ca/election

Want to learn more about the candidates running for the one position of Councillor in Victoria's 2020 By-Election on Dec 12? Check out the Candidate Profile Guide available here: http://ow.ly/2P8d50CqtEl

An All Candidates Debate for Victoria's 2020 By-Election will be held on Tuesday, December 1 from 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. on Zoom and Facebook Live. The online event is sponsored and organized by the Fernwood, North Park, Burnside Gorge, Vic West, Downtown, Oaklands, South Jubilee and Hillside Quadra Neighbourhood Associations, and will be hosted by CHEK News anchor Joe Perkins. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88371893990... Please follow this Facebook Event page for details: https://www.facebook.com/events/180626147021538/

We’re planting 500 new trees in 2020 as part of the United Nations Trees in Cities Challenge. You can join the challenge too and plant trees in your community. Choose your tree, plant your tree, enter it in the Tree Tracker, then celebrate your efforts for the environment and Victoria’s urban forest. Learn more: victoria.ca/treesincities #TreeAppreciationWeek

The Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) chargers are ready for use on Broad Street! Mayor Lisa Helps was at the corner of Yates and Broad Street today with members of the Victoria Electric Vehicle Club to officially open the EV chargers for public use. The EV chargers on Broad Street are the first on-street EV chargers in Victoria, with 13 Level 2 EV chargers already located in the City’s parkades. As part of the City of Victoria’s Climate Leadership Plan commitment to reduce community greenhouse emissions by 80% by 2050 compared to 2007 levels, building a reliable EV charging network and promoting the use of low/zero emissions vehicles is essential to reduce emissions from on-road transportation. Read more: ow.ly/Q8Zb50CnsMb

Planning is underway for the next phase of Victoria’s cycling network and there are many ways to provide input on full-length designs for the next phase of corridors. Visit our updated engagement platform to: Watch the virtual corridor tours Complete the short surveys Submit detailed feedback using map tools... engage.victoria.ca/aaa-cycling-network

If you haven’t already voted, there’s 2 hours left to vote in Victoria’s 2020 By-Election to elect one Councillor. Here’s what you need to know to vote: http://ow.ly/UmhB50CJxqW #VictoriaVotes #VicByElection2020

Craving a good film? Interested in strengthening the community fabric in our neighbourhoods? Register for My Great Neighbourhood Community Virtuals: The Great Disconnect Documentary and Discussion a FREE screening of The Great Disconnect followed by Q&A with Canadian director Tam Soliman and Victoria’s own Dr. Trevor Hancock. Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 12pm. RSVP: http://ow.ly/9SFM50CwMZa

Did you know? Buildings make up half of Victoria’s greenhouse gas emissions through the burning of fossil fuels such as oil and gas for heating. Upgrading your home heating system from oil to a heat pump is one of the most impactful climate actions you can take for your home. For a limited time, you can double the rebates on select home energy improvements including replacing your oil or gas home heating system with a climate-friendly heat pump when you register for a promo code by December 31 and complete upgrades by March 31, 2021. Take advantage of these additional savings before it’s too late! Learn more and get started today at betterhomesbc.ca/double-the-rebate. Additionally, you can visit https://bringithome4climate.ca/ for heat pump resources and support when applying for incentives.

If more than ghosts and ghouls are sending a chill down your spine this season, it may be time to upgrade your home heating system to a heat pump(kin)! Rebates ...just got scary good, with the CleanBC double the rebate offer! Get free support, expert advice and more by registering at www.bringithome4climate.ca today! See more

Have a few extra leaves after this windy day? Don’t forget City leaf collection is available to help keep storm sewers clear, maintain clean streets and boulevards, and produce quality mulch for parks. You have three options for residential leaf collection this year: Leaf drop-off service Neighbourhood leaf collection Call for pick-up service... For more information including collection dates, visit: victoria.ca/leafcollection

Victoria has ranked 5th in the world’s 25 best urban spots for opportunities in 2021. The Monocle’s 2021 Small Cities Index points to compact civic spots that offer rich culture, varied careers and progressive planning alongside plenty of room to breathe. Read the article here: monocle.com/magazi/the-forecast//bright-lights-small-city/

Check out the latest project from Poet Laureate, John Barton New Works: A Cornucopia of Local Writers. Watch the video to hear four local writers reading from their newly published works. Learn more here: victoria.ca/cornucopiaofwriters

Looking for ways to make your home warmer and cozier this winter? Read more about this couple’s home energy improvement story from Bring It Home 4 the Climate. For a limited time get DOUBLE THE REBATES for a heat pump (up to $10,000), insulation (up to $5700), and up to $200 for every new window or door. For the full list of offers, visit: https://betterhomesbc.ca/rebates/double-the-rebate

Victoria's 2020 By-Election was officially declared this afternoon. Learn about the 11 candidates running for the one vacant Councillor seat on City Council in our Candidate Profile Guide at www.victoria.ca/election There are many ways to vote in the upcoming by-election. Here's what you need to know: https://youtu.be/ImEH3rrEiH8 #yyj #VictoriaVotes #VicByElection2020

Nomination period for prospective candidates in Victoria’s 2020 By-Election is now OPEN and will close at 4pm on Friday, Nov. 6. Voters in Victoria will vote to elect one Councillor on General Voting Day on Saturday, Dec. 12. http://ow.ly/quwA30rhbTc

Have your say! Vote for the 2020 Participatory Budgeting projects you think should be funded. To learn more about this year’s community-led projects and to vote, visit: https://engage.victoria.ca #pbvic

Looking for inspiration to make your neighbourhood even better? Join us online for our Trees in the City Panel on Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 12-1pm. Our Urban Forest staff and community partner organizations will host this lunch and learn exploring the importance and impact of the urban forest and how you can get involved. Register: http://ow.ly/TJka50CklaF

Thanks John and Connection Skills! . . Food and Toy Banks are Essential Services and this season they need ou...r help more than ever. Please consider supporting this amazing endeavour by (safely) dropping off your food and/or toy donations to the following locations: Kick Off November 28th 1-6pm: The Bay Centre Lower Guest Services 5-7:30pm Westshore Town Centre in the #Cineplex parking lot Our Food/Toy Drive campaign is supporting the following charities: Rainbow Kitchen Goldstream Food Bank The Mustard Seed Street Church The Salvation Army Victoria Citadel ____________________________________________________________________ Christmas Lighting Competition Kick off date: Dec 1 We are having a city-wide Christmas Light-Up competition with FIVE 1st Place Prize packs valued at over $1000! So get your lights out and channel your inner Elf to make your house/business #LightUp in style! Wanna show off your sparkle and shine? Simply email us a photo and your address to be included on the #lightuptheCity map: [email protected]! #lightitup #yyj #yyjevents #ChristmasisComing #joy #kids #family #community

Advance Voting starts Tuesday, Dec. 1 from 9am-4pm at Crystal Garden for Victoria’s 2020 By-Election to elect one Councillor. First hour parking is free under the Victoria Conference Centre. Bring parking stub for validation when voting. Two free 30 minute parking spaces are available for Advance Voting in front of Crystal Garden. First hour is also free at Broughton St Parkade. ... Curbside Voting is for those with accessibility challenges during Advance Voting and General Voting Day. Signs will identify curbside voting parking spaces and phone number to call for by-election staff to come out and assist you to vote from your vehicle. Read the Fact Sheet: ow.ly/lPbO50Cqxsw Learn more: victoria.ca/election

Did you know that fixing air leaks and upgrading insulation are some of the most cost effective ways of keeping your home warmer and lowering energy bills? Check out the available resources available through Bring It Home 4 the Climate here: bringithome4climate.ca/resource-library/

Through the 2020 Participatory Budgeting Initiative, we received a wide variety of community-led project proposals geared at helping new immigrants and refugees to Victoria. The projects that receive the most votes will be awarded funds in support of their initiatives. Cast your vote by Nov 6: https://engage.victoria.ca #pbvic

Business licences are now available online! Apply for a new or a renewed business licence with our quick and convenient E-apply online service. For more information visit: victoria.ca/businesslicences

It isn’t too late to put your garden to bed. We’re offering free leaf mulch, available for pick-up in neighbourhoods. Please maintain physical distancing and bring your own shovels and containers. Locations: South Jubilee (Bank Street School) Oct 22/23 Oaklands (1-2827 Belmont Ave) Oct 23 North Park (940 Caledonia Ave) Oct 25, 9am-1pm... Learn more about the City's leaf mulch collection program (bottom of page): victoria.ca/leafcollection South Jubilee Neighbourhood Association | Oaklands Community Association | North Park Neighbourhood Association

Are you a poet between 14 to 24 years of age residing in the Capital Region? Apply to be the 2021 City of Victoria Youth Poet Laureate! The Youth Poet Laureate will reach out to vulnerable youth populations, develop a community youth poetry event and encourage peer-to-peer education through new works. Want to learn more? Join us for an information session on October 20 at 6pm. victoria.ca/youthpoetlaureate

It’s Waste Reduction Week across Canada and today is #FoodWasteFriday. Canadian households throw away an average of $1100 of edible food every year. As a partner of Love Food Hate Waste Canada we are committed to helping you prevent food waste while saving money. Check out their website food saving tips, tricks, and recipes or share your food saving tips with the community in the comments below https://lovefoodhatewaste.ca/

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Applications for the City’s new one-time Emergency Social Services Grant will be accepted up to 4:30pm on Tuesday, Dec. 1. Learn more: http://ow.ly/qHiC50CwE5P

Get involved in caring for and enjoying food trees in your community! There are three community orchards with fruit and nut trees amongst 18 community gardens in Victoria. Find them on our map: http://vicmap.victoria.ca/CommunityGardens/ Learn about the Urban Food Tree Stewardship program to plant and maintain up to five fruit and nut trees in a local green space: http://ow.ly/Iycz50Ckbar ... Learn about the My Great Neighbourhood Grant and Trees in Cities opportunity to get up to $1,000 to cover the cost of 10 trees in your neighbourhood: http://ow.ly/iSYW50Ckbaq #TreeAppreciationWeek

On Saturday, Nov. 28, the Beacon Hill Loop that connects Circle Drive to the highest point in the park will reopen to vehicles. Some of the other temporary closures will remain so there’s more room to stay active as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. The accessible parking areas that were added in the spring will remain in place. Road access remains open to emergency and service vehicles only on Arbutus Way, Bridge Way and Chestnut Row. Parking lots remain open at Heywood Road, Circle Drive and Nursery Road, and street parking remains available along Douglas Street, Cook Street and Dallas Road. More information: victoria.ca/beaconhillpark

City Council has allocated up to $100,000 from the federal-provincial restart funding to offer the Emergency Social Services Provision Grant, a one-time grant program to deliver mobile hygiene and other social services to people sheltering outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more and apply by 4pm on Wednesday, Nov. 25: victoria.ca/covid19response

It’s going to be a great Halloween I can feel it in my bones! Here are some tips for celebrating this year: Try including a non-medical mask or face coverin...g as part of your costume Carry hand sanitizer with you or make it part of your costume to use while trick-or-treating Trick-or-treat in small groups stick to six! If handing out treats, consider having an outdoor set up and sanitize doorbells and other surfaces throughout the evening Avoid wearing a costume mask over a non-medical mask or face covering Skip the parties where there will be more people, in indoor spaces As long as we’re all working together to prevent the spread, we can enjoy this spooky and fun time of year! For more, visit: http://ow.ly/ZC6w50C09fu See more

Today is the day to Drop, Cover, and Hold On" for two minutes during the Great ShakeOut BC Earthquake Drill at 10:15am. This year, ShakeOut will look a little different if you are working from home, but wherever you are, you can register to participate and learn more at www.ShakeOutBC.ca. For information on emergency preparedness for earthquakes and other emergencies, check out www.PrepareYourself.ca.

Trees are essential to pollinators, and pollinators are essential to about a third of the food we eat. Pollinators include bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, wasps and hummingbirds. Did you know? Over 450 species of bees are native to B.C. and 90 per cent of native bee species in our region are solitary nesters, which means they find homes in holes in wood, hollow twigs, and in the ground. Learn more about pollinator and allergy-aware gardening, visit: victoria.ca/pollinators #TreeAppreciationWeek

Check out the spread (p. A14-15) of TODAY’S issue of Victoria News for what you need to know to vote in Victoria’s 2020 By-Election: http://ow.ly/8sti50CvWwj

Reminder: Last chance to have your say on route options and corridor designs for the next phase of the cycling network. Consultation on full-length design concepts closes on November 30. Visit the engagement platform to: Watch the virtual corridor tours Complete the short survey Submit detailed feedback using new map tools... https://engage.victoria.ca/aaa-cycling-network

Share your feedback on the proposed three-year 40km/hr default speed limit pilot project and help improve road safety in your neighbourhood. We are working with municipalities across the Capital Region and looking for input from local residents, regional stakeholder groups and agency partners on the pilot project. Learn more and share your feedback: engage.victoria.ca/40kmpilotproject

There are many ways to vote in Victoria’s 2020 By-Election. Request a mail ballot online, advance voting starts Tuesday, Dec. 1, curbside voting is available for those with accessibility challenges and General Voting Day is Saturday, December 12. victoria.ca/election

DYK? Each fall, we collect approximately 7,000 tonnes of leaves from over 40,000 trees in Victoria. Neighbourhood leaf collection begins next week for James Bay, Fairfield, Rockland, Gonzales and South Jubilee. If you want to have your leaves picked up, please pile your leaves on the boulevard in advance of the collection start date. Bags are not required for leaf collection.

It’s a blustery one out there. Here are a few small maintenance ideas to help prevent flooding on your street: Keep leaves and debris out of storm drains If a drain appears blocked, try to safely clear a channel for the runoff Avoid piling yard waste in a location where it could wash into city drains If the drain cannot be cleared, or if the cause of the blockage is uncertain, call our Public Works department at (250) 361-0400... Tips to help prevent flooding on your street: victoria.ca//reside/water-sewer-stormwater/stormwater.html