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| The story of downtown Victoria is an interesting one. It was 2006 when the Downtown Plan was reviewed and many citizens engaged in determining the future direction of our beautiful regional core. In 2006 the world was ever-changing, oil prices were increasing, the downtown office share was changing, and the median housing price continued to rise. The baby-boom generation was preparing to retire and many people were choosing to move to Victoria. Low interest rates contributed to one of the biggest residential construction booms in recent memory and record numbers of new buildings were under construction. |
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| Sustainability was on everyone's radar as the innovative new Dockside Green development drew international attention. However, even with the creation of new housing, affordability was becoming more of a problem, even for middle-income households. Social concerns like homelessness, addiction and mental illness were readily visible on the streets. Residents and businesses were concerned and wanted to know what they could do to address these issues. Partnerships and collaboration among of the core's diverse service providers were forged to address these issues. |  |
| That was then. This is 2026. Today, downtown Victoria is the regional leader in developing innovative locally grown solutions to many of the problems we identified. Victoria's commitment to the Regional Growth Strategy is supported by other communities that support downtown as the region's heart. Today in 2026 the old heritage buildings mix seamlessly with the new in innovative and aesthetically pleasing ways. It is still easy to see what most people think of as 'essential' Victoria. We have retained the heritage values in a contemporary city core. Old Town, the harbour area and Chinatown are instantly recognizable and there are other areas, such as the Humboldt Valley and north end that have emerged. |
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| We kept what was important — public views of the harbour, Olympic Mountains, and distant Sooke Hills, the heritage character areas, the alleys and walking routes. The downtown still feels comfortable and human scaled. Infill developments at a variety of densities compliment the existing scale, use and the much loved heritage buildings of downtown. Downtown is a successful model for nuanced mixed-use revitalization. |  |
| Greenery abounds in the downtown, and serves to integrate the built form into the urban landscape of the city core and the natural environment of the Inner Harbour. New buildings tend to incorporate green features such as roofs and landscaped terraces. Every street has a canopy of trees that shades the pavement and attenuates stormwater run-off. The run-off going into the harbour is cleaner, and the harbour sends fresh sea breezes into squares and along pedestrian paths that mix with the scent of hanging baskets in the summer. Local businesses are successful in the regional, national and international market places. We have a synergy in our downtown that others are trying to duplicate - a balance of retail, office, service and residential use. |
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| Reinforcing our image of downtown, Victoria is known for its attractive investment climate, innovations in technology and business, unique shops, green approach to development and a wide range of cultural experiences and recreation activities. Downtown is for everyone—there are seniors' centers, daycares, social service agencies and affordable housing. Along side those uses are offices, shops, institutions, restaurants and more. |
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| Downtown is part of a larger regional community that demonstrates care and compassion. This is highlighted by the regional approach we developed for human services. People who live in the region have lots of choices about getting to, from and around downtown. Many ride the integrated multi-modal transit system or walk or bike to get to work. Downtown is often compared to European cities because of the number of cyclists on the roads and diversity of transportation choices. Visitors continue to stream into Victoria by air, water, train, bus, car and bicycle. Like residents, they soon discover that a car is not required to explore and enjoy the city's offerings. |
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| Visitors and locals alike are inspired by our network of cultural attractions and experiences. Our festivals are renowned for celebrating our culture and heritage as well as the finest in arts from our region, our province, our country and around the world. Our downtown arts institutions/ organizations are internationally recognized for the quality of the work they produce. |  |
| Walking through downtown is an adventure with the potential for a surprise around every corner. This could be an interesting building, a theatre/dance/art exhibit opening, public art, a street performer or a glimpse of the water. People here know what fun is about and this is reflected in regular celebrations of our successes. Downtown remains a walkable series of different areas with distinct character connected by diverse transportation modes. No matter what your level of ability, it is easy to get around. There are benches to have a rest on; trees to provide shade; views of the water that come as a surprise around corners; and most importantly lots of people on the streets. Lifestyle and balance are important to the people who live and work in Victoria. Around every corner, you will find something to stimulate your mind, body and spirit. |
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| Many people from all sectors (public, private, not for profit) walk to work enjoying an active lifestyle, working hard and taking their recreation seriously! The focal point of downtown is the network of waterfront paths with access to bike trails. From the Inner Harbour you can kayak, canoe, take a little ferry or gear up for a wilderness adventure. Looking back at 2006 when our tag line for tourism was "Victoria: Full of Life", it appears that we've more than lived up to the expectation. Downtown is the vibrant, healthy heart of the region where all of the activities of living come together to create a really special place. |
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