Holiday Wishes from Capital Daily readers to mayors and council

In the spirit of the season, we asked our readers if they had a special holiday wish for their communities that would make things better and brighter for everyone. We gathered your wishes through our email and sent your answers on to your regional mayors and councillors. Mayors and council members have been busy all year with the work of making our communities safe, enjoyable, and sustainable places to live. Many found the time to respond thoughtfully. But if you don’t see your wish answered here, watch this space. We will update this story with any further responses we get.

Happy holidays, and may all your wishes come true!

Saanich wishes

“I'd like us to provide more extreme weather shelter beds in neighbourhoods that are close to where unsheltered people are calling home, specifically in Saanich, not just Victoria. I live in Saanich.” - Audrey Gibson.

Thank you for your wish, Audrey. I agree, there’s more Saanich can do to provide shelter spaces for our unhoused residents. In addition to the year-round and emergency shelter beds available at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre in Saanich’s Burnside neighbourhood, we’re working with a non-profit partner to open additional shelter capacity on Saanich’s east side. We hope to have those spaces open for the winter weather. We’ll also be part of a regional approach to opening more shelter space, temporary and permanent homes. No one should be left out in the cold, and we’ll do more to ensure everyone has a warm place to go. - Mayor Dean Murdock

“I live near the corner of McBriar and Tuxedo. There are lots of car accidents because there is a stop sign at the intersection for Tuxedo but people blow through it because there aren’t those blocks painted on the road to remind people to stop. I worry that a person walking or biking will be next.” – Victoria Cooper

Thank you, Victoria, for sharing this concern with Saanich Council. I am happy to provide a response. When I receive concerns or suggestions from residents about road safety concerns, I take them seriously and normally ask transportation staff to review to see what can be done to address the concern. In this circumstance I have forwarded this suggestion to our Director of Engineering who Chairs the Administrative Traffic Committee so that staff can consider this suggestion. I will ensure there is a follow-up provided to you once I hear back or after the committee has considered the matter. Season's Greetings! – Councillor Colin Plant

“I live in Saanich (Gordon Head) and my wish is that all vulnerable, unhoused people will be nurtured this coming year with housing, support and respect.” – Anne Maffey

Thank you for your wish, Anne. No one should be left out in the cold, and we can do more to ensure everyone has a warm place to go. We’re working with a non-profit partner to open additional shelter capacity in addition to the year-round and emergency shelter beds available at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre. We hope to have those spaces open for the winter weather. We’ll also be part of a regional approach to opening more shelter space, temporary and permanent homes. - Mayor Dean Murdock

“I wish Saanich would require all wood stoves and fireplaces to have minimal soot, (ie: burn completely) so that the neighbourhoods are not smokey like during forest fire season.” – Jean Chandler

The Saanich Fire Prevention Bylaw no. 8807 contains regulations for solid fuel burning devices, including the type of fuel and the opacity of the smoke that can be emitted from them, contact the Saanich Fire Department non-emergency number at 250-475- 6111 with any questions; plus there is the Provincial Solid Fuel Burning Domestic Appliance Regulation. The impact of domestic wood burning stoves or fireplaces on air quality, will be considered in Saanich’s Climate Plan update that will be underway in 2025. – Councillor Judy Brownoff

“My wish is that Saanich provides both a temporary and immediate place for many more homeless people when the winter weather gets worse. And with that I’d hope that a permanent place in Saanich would be provided in the future.”- Leanne Harrison

Thank you for your wish, Leanne. I agree, there’s more that Saanich can do to support our most vulnerable residents. We will be part of a regional approach to opening more shelter space and temporary housing solutions in addition to the permanent housing options already open in Saanich and across the region. Right now, we’re working with a non-profit partner to open more shelter capacity to add to the year-round and emergency shelter beds available at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre. We hope to have those spaces open for the winter weather. No one should be left out in the cold, and we’ll do more to ensure everyone has a warm place to go. - Mayor Dean Murdock

“Saanich has been very negligent in providing amenities for its many thousands of residents that have dogs. I wish they would get their act together and build a dog park similar in size to Central Saanich’s Cy Hampson dog park. Many of us cannot drive that far and shame on Saanich relying on other municipalities to provide such facilities for people who live in Saanich.” - Audrey Barnes

Hello Audrey and thank you for your wish! I love dogs and enjoy walking my 2 dogs through various Saanich and CRD Parks. Saanich Parks is committed to ensuring our parks are available for everyone and I am excited about the changes that are evolving as a result of our PPP Strategy. Yes, we will have spaces where dogs can run free and places where residents can be assured they will not encounter an off leash dog. I know my dogs would vote for the first option, however in keeping them on Santa’s good list, we will continue to do our best to ensure there is a place for everyone to play in the park. – Councillor Mena Westhaver

“I wish for affordable housing that prioritizes healthcare workers and unhoused women.”

The Spirit of the Season may prompt one of the wonderful Not-For -Profit Housing organizations in our community to identify these two worthy groups to focus on with their next proposal. – Councillor Susan Brice

“I’d like to see Saanich use native plants instead of seeding grass when doing projects like the upgrades along Shelbourne St. I’m happy with the trees they have planted however, the boulevards have been sprayed to grow grass and a lot of weeds have already sprung up. There are many examples of places around the world that use vegetation that attract pollinators. It’s time we support our natural environment and decrease the urban wasteland that we have created.” - Joanne Glen

Thank you very much for your question and I wholeheartedly agree. We are in global biodiversity and pollinator decline. As a Restoration Ecologist my views on native plants and biodiversity is what I advocate for a Sustainable Saanich. Retaining biodiversity and native biodiversity is paramount for pollinator conservation, we have 500 native species of bees in BC and they are 4x more attracted to native species that regular nursery stock for food and forage. 30% of the foods most prevalent in the human diet and 75% of flowering plants rely on insect pollination. We must BEE the Change we wish to see in the world. – Councillor Nathalie Chambers

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Oak Bay wishes

“I live in Oak Bay. My Christmas wish is that the municipality would make clear guidelines for blasting. The guidelines would restrict blasting to a bare minimum encouraging house construction to be based on the existing topography.” - Susan MacRae

What a wonderful wish – peace for everyone! While blasting (or other rock removal) is necessary in some cases, the impacts can be significant on neighbours. Knowing this, Council started reviewing our blasting regulations in 2024 and will be getting a report back early in the New Year – thanks to all who provided feedback through our online survey atwww.connect.oakbay.ca, our portal for public input for a range of issues.

“I wish Oak Bay Council would remember they are to represent the taxpayers and residents of Oak Bay who elected them. You are accountable only to those who elected you. Be more transparent, open and less dismissive of your residents.” - Laura Ruzzier.

The great thing about being on Council in a small town is that we can never forget our responsibilities – not only do we pay all the same taxes and fees as everyone else, but we are always talking to people as we meet them in the Village, recreation centres, parks, and elsewhere. Just remember that everyone has the opportunity to talk to Council at each meeting, we have town hall style sessions for general interest items, the Mayor’s office is always open to book a meeting, and of course you can email comments or questions to obcouncil@oakbay.ca. A fun fact on transparency: by law, all discussions of Council are held in public and all the information Council receives related to decisions, the public can see at the same time. If you want to be notified of what Council will be discussing each week, you can subscribe to email notifications atwww.oakbay.civicweb.net.- Mayor Kevin Murdock

“My wish for this holiday season is that the municipality of Oak Bay remove the cast of a whale rib from the park at the corner of Foul Bay Rd and Oak Bay Avenue. They could replace it with some of the fabulous art they’ve placed elsewhere over the past few years (remember the lovely gambolling otters that used to be on Beach Drive?) or maybe the giant acorns (“Sleeping Giants”) from Municipal Hall or maybe one of the next Arts Alive sculptures.  But please, oh please, may this Christmas wish be realised, to have “Rebirth” moved somewhere else so we no longer have to look at a dead cetacean’s ribs each time we enter the municipality.”  -  Kristina Stewart

The District does distract from the sculpture in the park each Christmas by installing a collection of carolling Peanuts characters (these were stolen a couple years ago but thankfully returned). Apparently, that approach hasn’t worked to the writer’s satisfaction. We will have to pass this Christmas wish on to the elves who work with Oak Bay Parks, Recreation, and Culture. There is a lot of public art throughout the community, both temporary and permanent, so please stroll through our neighbourhoods to view them this coming year. It’s okay if you love some and dislike others, that’s part of the role of art. -Mayor Kevin Murdoch

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Langford wishes

​​“I wish our region offered a library of things. Anything that people use infrequently is a good candidate to be a library item. There is a Tool Library in Victoria; I would love to see one in the Westshore, but also more: How about camping supplies, like tents and flashlights? How about all those single-task kitchen appliances that only get used a handful of times a year, like ice cream or fondue makers? Wouldn't it be wonderful to have these things be communally owned, loaned out for free, and used carefully—like a library book?” - Libris Simas Ferraz

The wish for a seldom-used-small-appliance lending library would be a fantastic idea as it promotes sustainability by reducing waste and the need for individuals to purchase rarely-used items! It fosters a sense of community by encouraging resource sharing and making items more accessible for everyone. - Councillor Mark Morely (Langford)

“I wish we could synchronize the lights over the bridge better, so it doesn't cause back-ups.” - Eileen McEvoy

Thanks so much for this feedback! All infrastructure over the highway, including the bridge and lights, are the responsibility of the provincial Ministry of Transportation and Transit.  We work together to serve the community so I will be sure to pass this along.    - Councillor Kimberly Guiry (Langford)

“I wish for more money to be put into supporting artists. Partner with Colwood to support the Goldfinches Gallery of Arts and Culture Colwood Society. Half the members are Langford residents.” G. Mill (Langford)

Hello and thank you for the wish. Although I was heavily involved in sports growing up and well into adulthood, the arts is where I met my wife and our daughter is equally involved in both sports and the arts. Langford is a member of the Westshore Performing Arts Committee and the City is beginning the first ever Langford Arts and Culture Master Plan to identify the needs and capacities of the arts and culture community.

- Mayor Scott Goodmanson  (Langford)

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Victoria wishes

Only two Victoria councillors have responded so far; we will update with more councillors' responses as (and if) they come in.

“My kids love swimming at the newly expanded Banfield dock, but as I have a chronic illness and it limits my ability to walk very far, I would love it if Esquimalt and Victoria could work together to build a swimming and boat launch dock at Arm Street Park. It is a forgotten little gem that is close to our home, and I love spending time there.” - Kimberly Lemmon

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of shiny new swimming docks, and immediately want to move onto the next project! I’m grateful to Kimberly who wrote in about water-based recreation locations. Chronic illness and accessibility must continue to be considered, not just on the design of a singular new feature, but for holistic neighbourhood design. This is the value of personal stories and hearing from residents: the new insights and perspectives I get to learn from every day.” -Councilor Susan Kim

“My wish this Christmas is to grant leniency in parking for seniors in Victoria. In my personal case, I’m speaking specifically about the seniors’ centre in James Bay on Menzies called New Horizons. This centre is vital to the senior community. They offer many different services, food and connection for us (the aging population.  Some members have to rely on other transportation so parking is not an issue for them; however, those of us lucky enough to still be able to drive and walk a bit,  parking close is a necessity.” - Tina Van der Lee  

Thank you, Tina, for your wish, a wish shared by many. Over a decade ago I was surprised when I tried to park on Michigan for a meeting at New Horizons and saw lower parking time limits - which also appeared on a few other streets near 5-corners. When I think of such problems, I am reminded of the James Bay women who were part of the Raging Grannies group which ‘convinced’ Prime Minister Mulroney to change policy regarding seniors’ pensions. Has the time come for James Bay Raging Grannies to rise again? - Marg Gardiner

“My Christmas wish for Victoria Council to ban gas-generated leaf blowers.  Enough talk.  Time for action.  Some of the old machines surely exceed allowed limits and, in Fairfield, they occupy the soundscape for at least several hours each day (no exaggeration). So much of this noise is unnecessary.  It's not uncommon to see a worker with headphones on and coffee in hand, spending an hour just blowing dust and a few rogue leaves around a parking lot or unused pathways on the side of a building. Battery-operated blowers may not be as powerful as gas-operated blowers.  But these considerably quieter machines, coupled with rakes, will do the job.”  Judy Baldwin  

City staff are working on this issue, starting with the transitioning of the City’s gas-powered equipment (blowers and other tools) to electric.  In 2025 we expect a report back from staff which should include an approach to broadening the transition throughout the city. Also in the works is a reworking of the City Noise Bylaw.  I haven’t seen the draft reports yet - stay tuned. - Marg Gardiner

“I live in Vic West, in Victoria. My wish is that the city would provide more parking for the throngs of people who visit Banfield Park now that they have put the wharf in. Parking has become a major issue for residents.” - Pat Pearce

Thank you, Pat, for your wish . . . you are not alone. While the swimming facility was well received, with the new wharf came two types of complaints: 1) not enough parking, and 2) too many cars taking up local resident street parking.  Indeed a challenge!  I’m not sure what the solution is, but I will make an enquiry of staff to see if a search for a solution is underway.  Thanks for the prompt. - Marg Gardiner

“My wish is that the Victoria mayor and councilors listen to their constituents. No one I’ve spoken to wants the huge sequoia tree taken down, a piddle pool at Centennial Square, the art piece fountain removed or a park where Romeo’s was on Fisgard.” - Sheril Matthews.

Thank you, Sheril, for mentioning Centennial Square and the need to listen to Victoria residents and businesses.  I had suggested at Council that the Referendum for Crystal Pool also contain a question about support (or not) for the Centennial Square project.  -  Marg Gardiner

“In Victoria, Arthur Erickson designed our beautiful Inner Harbour Causeway, as well as the Laurel point inn and the Songhees housing development. And other projects. He’s a world-class architect, and his ideas are comprehensive and always include nature. I would like for copies of Arthur Erickson’s city planning study to be given to Victoria’s planning Department for Christmas” - Marne St Claire.

Thank you. Marne, for this suggestion. While I knew of Arthur Erickson’s work on the Laurel Point Inn, I had not been aware of a study of the Inner Harbour causeway area.  Do you have it, or the date?  I would like to follow up. - Marg Gardiner

“My Christmas wish for Victoria is to save/refurbish/repurpose the beautiful Bank Street School.  Maybe team up the city with the School District to provide funds to bring it up to safety standards and use it for the extra classrooms needed for the Sundance School expansion, as a Community Center, or for other purposes.  Beautiful big classrooms, with high ceilings, and soaring windows!  It’s a cool historical building, with chunky dental detailing and a steep slate roof.” – Lorinda Atkinson.

Thank you, Lorinda, for your wish. The school district has control over the type of facility it wants for the Bank site school. The Province is expected to provide most of the funding as education is a provincial responsibility.  The school district’s plans for the Bank site school include more grades and a tripling of students. - Marg Gardiner    

View Royal wishes

“My wish is for more continuous cycling infrastructure throughout the capital region and between communities. These gaps are in very busy car centric places, like large intersections that leave cyclists vulnerable and exposed to dangers. Fixing these gaps in cycling routes will mean that more cyclists will use the system, thereby reducing vehicle traffic. It also means less interface between cyclists and motorists, which is better for everyone.”  - Anne Remnant

Dear Anne, We are actively working on improving bike lanes and working with our neighbour municipalities to do just that. For Council, safety is a significant concern.  It will take time to balance priorities, expense and we must do it in concert with significant traffic with more folks transiting View Royal due to the growth in all our communities on the West Shore.  Council supports active transportation. - Mayor Sid Tobias (View Royal)

Westshore wishes

See the full list of Westshore council responses at The Westshore: https://www.thewestshore.ca/p/your-holiday-wishes-answered

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