The foundation of Canada is rooted in settler colonialism, where European settlers, with the support of religious and political institutions, systematically appropriated land from Indigenous peoples. Over time, this led to the displacement and significant harms to the Indigenous population and their territory.
Victoria has long navigated a dual identity: as a colonial English city and as a progressive urban centre that champions ecological urbanism by integrating ecological principles into city planning, promoting social inclusivity and environmental sensitivity. Often referred to as the "Hawaii of Canada," our island community grapples with its distinct climate, history of Indigenous agro-ecological land management, and the legacies of colonialism without a sense of irony.
The draft official community plan update, titled Victoria 2050, has been released and will be discussed by city council. This draft serves as a design framework focused on climate justice, addressing the housing and climate crises by advocating for reduced greenhouse gas emissions and decreased car dependency. It proposes zoning for four- to six-storey buildings on residential lots, complete with public and semi-private gardens. The imagery presented draws heavily from Vancouver's condo developments, featuring interior courtyards and pedestrian pathways.
However, the proposal raises concerns regarding the compatibility of plantable space with existing policies, particularly the Urban Forest Management Plan and the Tree Protection Bylaw, which is based on different measures. The effectiveness of "linear parks" in providing adequate space for large tree species is also uncertain, especially given the access needs for residents and service vehicles.
Every resident, landowner, and member of the City of Victoria will be affected by the acceptance of this document. This is a critical moment for community input and review. The plan aims to transform the "residential fabric" by unlocking buildable land across all 12 neighborhoods, and has the potential to benefit those same entities that historically contributed to the exploitation of Indigenous peoples and their territory – regardless of the justice it claims to bring.
Carolynne Rykhlo
Victoria
