Saanich launches financial plan draft
On Saturday, February 27, Saanich launched the draft for its 2020-2024 Financial Plan. Alongside this, the public can also access a new online budget education tool, enabling citizens to keep up to date and involved with the new plan, which includes the annual budgets for Saanich, Saanich Police, and the Greater Victoria Public Library system. Budget meetings are open to the public to share their feedback with the council, in person, or via email. The tool and other related resources are available at saanich.ca/budget until April 3.
Victoria approves new housing proposal
On Saturday, February 27, Victoria council approved a plan to build 580 new homes in Victoria. 369 of these will be in Vic West’s Dockside Green community, and the remaining 211 will be on Cook Street between Yates and Johnson. Some of these buildings are designated as below-market-cost housing with specific spaces for childcare. Three more projects have also been proposed and are open for public input—these projects will increase the number of homes in James Bay, Burnside-Gorge, and Fairfield.
Victoria community-building grants available
The City of Victoria has recently launched its My Great Neighbourhood program. The program avails $136,955 in non-repayable grants to support community-building initiatives. Funding is available to individuals and community groups, with some restrictions. Application deadline is April 15. Visit victoria.ca/neighbourhoodgrants for more details.
New Victoria music survey open
A public survey that assesses the economic and social impacts of Victoria’s music scene has been launched. The results will be used to develop the newest iteration of the Victoria Music Strategy, which aims to increase the presence of music in the public culture of Victoria. The survey is aimed at musicians, industry professionals, and music lovers; it can be found at bit.ly/victoria-music-survey until April 13.
Youth music production workshops upcoming
Submissions are open for youth aged 14-24 living in the Capital Regional District to be involved in a new series of workshops hosted by Victoria musician and songwriter—and member of The New Pornographers—Kathryn Calder. The program, called Opening Act, teaches youth how to compose and produce musical performances. The first round of the series will begin on May 23. Applications are due by March 30 at 11 pm. Visit victoria.ca/openingact for more information.
CESAR and CFS intervene in Ryerson University conflict
On Sunday, January 24, Ryerson University terminated its 1986 Operating Agreement with the Ryerson Students’ Union (RSU) following allegations of financial misconduct by members of the 2018-2019 RSU Executive. On Tuesday, March 2, the Continuing Education Students’ Association of Ryerson (CESAR) and the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) initiated legal proceedings to intervene in the conflict between the two parties.