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Greater Victoria Living Wage Report 2024

The Community Social Planning Council of Greater Victoria (CSPC), in partnership with United Way Southern Vancouver Island, BC Living Wage, and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, has released the 2024 Living Wage for Greater Victoria. This figure represents the hourly wage required for two working parents with two young children to meet their basic expenses, including housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. It is calculated after accounting for government taxes, credits, deductions, and subsidies, based on a 35-hour work week.

In 2024, the Living Wage for Greater Victoria has risen to $26.78 per hour, marking a 5.4% increase from 2023, or an additional $1.38 per hour. Since 2022, the wage has increased by 10.3% ($2.49), driven largely by the rising costs of housing, food, and other essential living expenses.

Dive into the report for more information.

Report

Driving Change: Collaborative Strategies for Climate-Equitable Transportation in the ACES Project

Take a comprehensive look at how the Community Social Planning Council, in collaboration with the Vancouver Foundation, UVic, Royal Roads, and several other regional organizations, developed the Transportation ACES (Access, Climate, and Economic Security) project. A regionally focused framework which brought together individuals and organizations with expertise in climate, transportation, and equity, to develop ideas on how to ensure that climate action in transportation addresses both equity and a just transition.

TACES Presentation
TACES Audio Presentation

E-mobility ACES – Access, Climate and Economic Security

Dive into the latest insights from the report on e-mobility policy tools and strategies for local governments! This comprehensive study explores how provinces and municipalities can boost e-mobility adoption while focusing on climate action and economic equity.

Discover policy options and considerations shaped by community engagement, paving the way for a greener, more inclusive future.

Read The Report

Tenant Assistance Policy (TAP) Regional Collaboration Study: Project Report

Empowering Communities: The TAP Regional Collaboration Study

The initiation of the Tenant Assistance Policy (TAP) Regional Collaboration Study marks a significant effort towards enhancing support for tenants amidst redevelopment challenges. This collaborative project, driven by insights from communities in Victoria, Saanich, Colwood, Langford, Esquimalt, and Oak Bay under the Regional Household Affordability and Prosperity Project (RHAP), aims to streamline and strengthen TAP while addressing critical service gaps.

In partnership with the Community Social Planning Council (CSPC), RHAP fosters cooperation among municipalities to exchange best practices in housing affordability. Through ongoing research on housing and homelessness, this initiative seeks to raise awareness and drive positive change in local communities.

Explore how the TAP Regional Collaboration Study is shaping the future of tenant support and housing policy.

Read The Report

Driving Change: BC Rent Bank’s Impact Report

As the BC Rent Bank program marks its fifth year since inception in 2019, it celebrates a remarkable evolution from a localized initiative to a seamlessly integrated provincial network of support. This past year has been pivotal, showcasing the program’s ability to expand its scope and offer diverse forms of assistance crucial for enhancing renters’ long-term resilience.

Discover the comprehensive insights and transformative outcomes achieved over the last 12 months in the BC Rent Bank 2023-24 Impact Report.

Read the Report

BC Rent Bank Q1 Report (April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024)

There is always a sense of accomplishment when significant projects are completed, and the BC Rent Bank program’s recent branding overhaul and website launch are perfect examples. The program is excited about its new look and hopes that the updated website offers a more user-friendly experience. Additionally, the introduction of a demographic survey and automated surveys represents a meaningful advancement in data collection.

Recent trends indicate a rising demand for rent bank services year over year. Over the past year, the approval rate among rent banks increased by 27%, marking a 3% rise from the previous year, while the dollar value of loans continues to grow. Impressively, the repayment rate has remained consistent over the past two years. With the promising indicators from Q1, the program is poised for an unprecedented year in supporting renters.

Read the Q1 Report

The Power of Partnerships in Transforming Regional Childcare

As part of the Regional Housing Affordability and Prosperity Project (RHAP), the Community
Social Planning Council of Greater Victoria, in collaboration with the Urban Development
Institute and RHAP municipalities (Victoria, Colwood, Langford, Esquimalt, and Saanich),
organized an event focused on informing and incentivizing the development of affordable, high-quality,
and inclusive childcare through the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund.

Check out the Event Backgrounder