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As part of the Regional Housing Affordability and Prosperity Project (RHAP), the CommunitySocial Planning Council of Greater Victoria, in collaboration with the Urban DevelopmentInstitute 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 … Read more
We were delighted to convene our Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Victoria Event Centre on January 23, 2024, where we had the privilege of engaging in a discussion with Uytae Lee about various aspects of urban living. We began the evening with an entertaining round of Victoria trivia. Following this, we delved into Uytae’s … Read more
As the living wage rises once again to $25.40 per hour, families and individuals are grappling with the challenges of affording the escalating cost of living, surging food prices, and more. Our Family Day Factsheet 2023 showed that 21% of lone parent families are currently living in poverty. There has never been a more crucial … Read more
Facilitating Dialogue Around Affordability We’d like to say a special thank you to Coastal Community Credit Union (CCCU) for their support of our events dedicated to enhancing affordability across the region. We are grateful to be able to host events through our collaborative regional household affordability and prosperity (RHAP) project, in partnership with local municipalities. … Read more
We are delighted to introduce the new Executive Director of the Community Social Planning Council – Dr. Shelley Cook! Shelley brings over 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector and a deep commitment to social justice. With a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies from UBC Okanagan and a strong background in housing policy, research, and … Read more
We are thrilled and deeply honored to receive the Climate and Energy Action award from the Community Energy Association (CEA) for our groundbreaking E-Bike Incentive Pilot Program. This recognition would not have been possible without the unwavering support and collaboration of our outstanding partners and funders: the District of Saanich, The University of British Columbia, … Read more
We strongly believe in the power of collaboration and collective action to create lasting positive change within our community. That’s why we were thrilled to be part of the inspiring United Way Southern Vancouver Island Campaign Kickoff event. This event was a testament to the strength and unity of the community, coming together to support … Read more
It is with mixed emotions that we announce a planned change in our leadership team. After five years of dedicated service, Diana Gibson, our Executive Director, will be moving on to new opportunities for serving the community. Please join us in thanking her for her tremendous contribution. This decision comes after extensive planning and consultation. … Read more
Imagine a breathtaking island community where golden sunsets, towering trees, and thriving coastal waters allure residents and tourists alike. However, beneath this paradise, a pressing challenge looms over its transportation system, impeding progress on accessibility and environmental sustainability while jeopardizing the cherished natural vistas. During a recent trip to Cowichan Lake, I witnessed glaring transportation … Read more
Connecting Coastal Communities: The Need for Change Imagine an early summer morning on Malcolm Island, where the sun bathes the landscape in a warm glow, accompanied by a gentle breeze from the Queen Charlotte Strait. The awe-inspiring peaks of the Broughton Archipelago stretch across the horizon. While this picturesque community feels like a slice of … Read more
As Canada grapples with a nationwide housing crisis, the focus on affordability has reached a critical juncture. While federal and provincial governments often take the spotlight in addressing the challenge, it is crucial to recognize the pivotal role that local governments play in the creation of more affordable housing stock. Local governments possess an array … Read more
In recent years, a quiet revolution has been taking place on the streets of cities worldwide. E-Bikes have been rapidly gaining popularity as a clean, efficient, and practical mode of transportation. As the province of British Columbia seeks sustainable solutions to address its transportation, climate, and equity challenges, its investment in e-mobility is finally coming … Read more