News & Media

Executive Director Update

March 8, 2023

The critical role of social planning in creating sustainable and vibrant communities cannot be overstated. As such, I am pleased to share important updates from the Community Social Planning Council (CSPC) regarding our efforts towards achieving more just and equitable communities in Greater Victoria. Our recent activities include addressing issues related to homelessness, gender equity, … Read more

Achieving Gender Equity and Closing the Gender Pay Gap in the CRD

March 8, 2023

Women in the Capital Regional District (CRD) continue to earn less than men. The gap is even larger for visible minority women and women with diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Women annually earn between 30 and 85 cents for each dollar a white man earns. The gender pay gap is a widely recognized indicator of … Read more

Women’s Day 2023 – The Gender Wage Gap in the CRD

March 1, 2023

Women in the Capital Regional District continue to earn less than men. The gap is larger for visible minority women and women with diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Women annually earn between 30 and 85 cents for each dollar a white man earns. For those who aren’t familiar, the gender pay gap refers to the … Read more

Struggling to Make Ends Meet: What It Means for Families of the CRD

February 21, 2023

This year’s Family Day Factsheet highlights inflation pressures, cost of living, and housing as top issues. Family Day is a day that allows us to be together, celebrate one another and embrace all that is good about those who enrich our lives. But, did you know that 1 in 15 families living in the Greater … Read more

Family Day Factsheet: No Family Left Behind 2023

February 17, 2023

As part of the Happiness and Wellbeing Lab project, the United Way South Vancouver Island and Community Council release an annual family day fact sheet. The fact sheet brings awareness that even though we may all be in the same storm, we are not all in the same boat. As we celebrate this BC Family … Read more

They Paved Paradise: Transforming Minimum Parking Requirements Event

January 31, 2023

Did you know it’s estimated that creating one required parking spot can add an additional 10 to 15 percent to overall development costs? As our housing unaffordability and cost of living crisis continue to put communities under pressure, policy makers and advocates are looking at a new solution: transforming our minimum parking requirements (MPRs). This … Read more

Want to give back this holiday season?

December 13, 2022

As the living wage soars, 1 in 11 families in Greater Victoria are considered low-income. Even more alarming is the fact that over 14% of local children are living in poverty, according to a recent study by the CSPC. We believe that an equitable, sustainable, and affordable Greater Victoria is in reach, but is only … Read more

Affordability Targets Needed as David Eby Releases Housing Plan

November 23, 2022

Community Council report spotlights the need for affordability targets as David Eby announces B.C. affordable housing plan GREATER VICTORIA: The Community social planning Council is pleased to see action provincially on housing. The announcement of the move towards setting housing targets is welcome but there has been no mention of how affordability will be part … Read more

Greater Victoria Living Wage Report 2022

November 17, 2022

The Living Wage is the hourly wage that two working parents with two young children must each earn to meet their basic expenses (including rent, child-care, medical needs, food, and transportation), once government taxes, credits, deductions and subsidies have been taken into account. The Living Wage for our region is calculated annually by the Community … Read more

Living Wage Report 2022 Event

November 1, 2022

The Living Wage is the hourly wage that two working parents with two young children must each earn to meet their basic expenses (including rent, child-care, medical needs, food, and transportation), once government taxes, credits, deductions and subsidies have been taken into account. The Living Wage for our region is calculated annually by the Community … Read more

Making Affordable Housing Happen: Non-profit Solutions for Cities

October 25, 2022

What is affordable? What can municipalities and the non-profit sector do to help achieve affordability? Housing affordability has been out of reach for many people living in our communities for a substantial period of time. A change to the status quo is necessary in order to develop a healthy economy where housing serves as a … Read more

Recording: Policy + Protection Event

October 3, 2022

WATCH THE RECORDING HERE In a push to increase housing supply, tenant displacement, increased rental costs, and decreased access are often unintended consequences. However, local governments can implement policies that help to minimize these negative effects. This event was part of the CSPC’s continuing dialogue on Housing Affordability and was co-hosted by Livable Victoria. The … Read more

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