Douglas Weekly – December 11

Victoria BC named Most Livable City by Globe and Mail

IN THE KNOW: 

Globe and Mail Study Names Victoria Canada’s Most Livable City

The Globe and Mail recently released the results of their “Most Livable Cities” study, which this year ranked 439 Canadian cities based on 43 variables, including safety, climate, community vibrancy, transportation, education, housing affordability and healthcare access. 

Victoria fell short in a number of categories. It placed 99th in healthcare access, and didn’t make the top-100 safety and robust economy rankings. Unsurprisingly, the city also didn’t make the housing affordability rankings. The average primary real estate value here is $862,357, and the online housing marketplace rentals.ca found that, as of November this year, Victoria was the 11th most expensive city to rent a one-bedroom apartment in Canada. 

However, B.C.’s capital shone in a number of categories. It ranked third in education, second in community vibrancy and first in climate, transportation and access to amenities. And it’s clear why. Victoria is close to Camosun, Royal Roads and the University of Victoria. According to 2021 census data, just under 60 per cent of residents have a postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. Fernwood, North Park and James Bay neighbourhoods highlight the city’s vibrancy. Climate-wise, Victoria is one of the mildest cities in Canada. And it’s 31 per cent more walkable, on average, than the other cities in the study. 

Ultimately, the positives outweigh its negatives, as Victoria snagged the ranking’s overall top-spot — this year’s most livable city.

Explore the full Globe and Mail rankings here and their methodology here.

FROM THE CURRENT ISSUE OF DOUGLAS:

VIATEC celebrates top tech companies at annual awards

VIATEC’s 2023 Community Awards, held November 30 at the Victoria Conference Centre, brought its usual blend of party and business to an entertaining evening set to a masquerade theme.

The annual awards ceremony brings the tech community together “to spotlight and celebrate some of the year’s most notable companies and individuals within Victoria’s $4 billion tech sector.” Any Victoria tech company was welcome to nominate a person or company in the categories provided.

Winners were chosen by either the judge’s panel or audience polling at the event itself.

Check out the award recipients here.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

Coming up:  

December 11: Island Women in Science and Technology General Meeting

December 12: Downtown Victoria Business Association Community Meet and Greet

December 13: Embracing Virtual Networking Webinar

December 14: Victoria Newcomers Virtual Networking Night

January 11: Food Business Planning Workshop

January 21-24: Impact Sustainability Travel and Tourism Summit 

January 25: Business and Technology Career Fair

February 1: Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Membership 101

March 6-7: Tourism Industry Conference

March 6-8: South Island Prosperity Partnership Rising Economy Conference  

March 21: Saanich Peninsula March Mixer

April 18: Saanich Peninsula April Mixer

June 11-13: Local Government Management Association Conference