Sept 23 - Victoria gets 'B' grade for quality of life

Good morning !

The Canadian women’s rugby team is heading to the World Cup final, including two star Victoria players. That’s our second story for today.

Up first, we look at Victoria’s report card for 2024. The city’s grades aren’t too bad for culture and activities, but housing and health could use some serious improvements.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌤️ 23 / 12

Tomorrow: 🌤️ 23 / 11

Day after: ⛅ 18 / 11

7-day forecast

NEWS

New Vital Signs report gives Greater Victoria a ‘B’ for quality of life

Greater Victoria’s annual pulse check was released last week, and the findings suggest while the city is doing well in some areas, others need to be revived. 

The Victoria Foundation has been releasing its annual Vital Signs report, which gathers data from thousands of Greater Victoria residents, since 2006. 

This year, 5,820 people responded to the survey, answering questions about all aspects of life in Greater Victoria from health and safety to arts and recreation. Once the data was collected, the report assigned letter grades to 12 categories. The latest report—the 20th edition—focuses on 2024 stats. Overall, Victoria received a B grade for quality of life.

The data found that Greater Victoria excels in community, culture, and activities but struggles with affordability and services. The city received a D for housing and a C+ for safety, economy, youth opportunities, transportation, standard of living, and health. Cost of living was voted the top issue for the region, with 70% selecting it.

Health was the lone category to drop a grade; only 20% of respondents said they could access healthcare in a timely manner.

Sports and recreation received the highest grade, a B+, with arts and culture, environmental sustainability, and learning receiving a B grade. Victoria’s natural environment was voted its best attribute, with 66% of respondents citing it. 

Grades: 
Housing: D in 2024 (D- in 2023)
Standard of living: C+ in 2024 (C+ in 2023)
Safety: C+ in 2024 (C+ in 2023)
Learning: B in 2024 (B in 2023)
Health and wellness: C+ in 2024 (B- in 2023)
Arts and culture: B in 2024 (B in 2023)
Transportation: C+ in 2024 (C+ in 2023)
Sport and recreation: B+ in 2024 (B+ in 2023)
Environmental sustainability: B in 2024 (B in 2023)
Getting started (opportunities for youth): C+ in 2024 (C in 2023)
Economy: C+ in 2024 (C+ in 2023)
Belonging and engagement: B- in 2024 (B- in 2023)

Of the 5,800+ respondents, 30% were aged 65+ and 25% were aged 31-44 (other age groups made up 45% equally). The top three areas where respondents lived were Victoria (44%), Saanich (22%), and Langford (8%). Half of the respondents have lived in the city for 20+ years; 70% of all respondents said they expect to continue living here for at least another decade.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Updated draft of the Quadra McKenzie Plan: Open House #3. 4:30-8pm tonight at Saanich Municipal Hall.

Area closure in Elk/Beaver Lake Park while filming takes place in Governor General fields and parking area, today through Friday. [CRD]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

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NEWS

Victoria’s Sophie De Goede up for player award as Canada heads to Women’s Rugby World Cup final

Reaching the World Cup final is huge for Canada, which had to put out a crowdfunding call to raise $1M to finance the European trip.

Despite its amateur status, the Canadian squad is ranked No. 2 in the world, and the Canucks will be up against No. 1-ranked England, which has been a professional squad since 2019.

The host English side has been decidedly better in head-to-head competition over the years. The Red Roses have taken the last 13 straight games from Canada and 33 of 37 overall. 

The Canadian squad is making its second World Cup final appearance—in 2014 Canada lost 21-9 to England in France—and will play in potentially hostile territory. 

Twickenham's 82K-seat Allianz Stadium in London is sold out for Saturday’s match, which will start mid-afternoon in the UK, 7:30am here in Victoria. 

Victoria’s Sophie de Goede leads the Canadians, and she’s up for Women’s World Rugby Player of the Year.

Coming off knee surgery that took place 15 months ago, De Goede has been a sparkplug for Canada. The 26-year-old forward has scored 55 points and leads the tournament in several categories, including carries and lineout takes. 

Earlier in the tournament, De Goede became the all-time leading scorer in Canadian women’s rugby, with 262 total points. 

The sport runs in De Goede’s bloodlines: her father, Hans, was Canada’s captain at the first Men’s Rugby World Cup in 1987 and her mother, Stephanie White, captained the women’s national team at the first World Cup for women four years later. Her brother, Thyssen, also played for Canada.

De Goede, 26, plays forward and is not the only Victorian on Team Canada. Castaway Wanderers teammate Caroline Crossley is also a starter.

TSN has the game, with its broadcast starting at 7am PST.

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⭐️ Capital Picks

🕎 Shanah Tovah: Rosh Hashanah began at sunset last night and will end at dusk tomorrow.

⚖️ Truth and Reconciliation Day is a week from today. 

🦗 Praying mantis up close: The insect was seen in Parksville, the most northern point of its range. [Facebook photo]

🥪 Meat & Bread making a comeback downtown. [Vibrant Victoria]

🗞️ In Other News

BC attracts 1,400+ applications from US health-care workers
From May to August, BC received applications from 365 doctors, 800 nurses, 152 nurse practitioners, and 112 other health professionals in the US, according to Health Minister Josie Osborne. Island Health received 292 applications overall—the second-highest number after Vancouver Coastal Health Authority. The province says 140 workers have been hired so far. [BC Gov]

2 Victoria eateries make best new restaurant shortlist
Many eateries covet a spot on Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants list, which celebrates the best newcomers across the country and encourages people to travel to the top spots. The two Victoria restaurants cracked the top 31, with the final list slated to be released in November. Janevca opened its doors last October at the former Old English Inn in Esquimalt, and Rabbit Rabbit opened in December near Chinatown. [Victoria News]

Job fair on Friday at John Horgan campus in Langford
More than 30 of the area’s top employers from the health-care, public service, trade, education and non-profit sectors will be looking for candidates to fill paid and volunteer positions. Representatives from BC Ambulance, BC Ferries, and the Royal Canadian Navy will be on hand for the WorkBC event, to be held at Royal Roads University’s new Langford campus. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, roughly half of all attendees at in-person career fairs receive interviews, and almost one-quarter receive job offers. [Royal Roads]

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🗓️ Things To Do

🐙 Making Waves: Under the Sea in Victoria: Watch a film about our local orca pods and see wild ocean art at Cedar Hill Rec Centre. Through Oct. 5. 5:30-8:30pm. [Info]

🎨 Clay & Canvas: Six local artists showcase their paintings and pottery in this collaborative exhibition celebrating West Coast life at ArtSea Gallery today. 10am-4pm daily. [Info]

🏃 South Island Sole: Join a welcoming community of BIPOC and ally runners for an inclusive 5-km run starting at Dallas/Cook (Beacon Hill sign) tonight. 6:30pm. [Info]

🎷 Tuesday Night Jazz at the Church: Experience intimate jazz performances by The Damian Graham Trio at James Bay United Church tonight. 7pm. [Info]

🎤 Firebird Variety Open Mic: Take the stage or watch performances featuring comedy, music, and magic at Phoenix Bar tonight. 7pm. [Info] 

🐶🍸️ BC SPCA Offleashed Gala Victoria: The black-tie optional event will have a cocktail reception, three-course meal, and dancing to raise money for the BC SPCA at Fairmont Empress Hotel. Oct. 4. 5:30pm.  [Info] 

📖 🥟 Stories & Dumplings: Hear from author Mei-Li Lee as she shares her book Potlatch Blanket for a China Man at Lee’s Restaurant. Oct. 4. 6-8:30pm. [Info]  

🕯️ 3rd Annual Night Light Walk: Raise awareness and funds for intimate partner violence and prevention programs by joining this 3-km walk at Esquimalt Gorge Park. Oct. 21. 6pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Sunday’s headlines: Langford says Pacific FC owes money; Weekly roundup; Victoria’s safety plan starting to take shape. [Sept. 21]

Overcoming Overcrowding: SDD62 proposes prefab classrooms across from Royal Bay Secondary. [Times Colonist]

Tour de Rock gets underway in Port Alice; wraps in Victoria Oct. 3. [CHEK]

UBCM: Public disorder and lack of housing head issues list municipal convention hits Victoria. [CTV / CP]

Toyota recalls 70K vehicles in Canada. [Display problem]

Wolf warning issued for Tofino’s Long Beach. [Environment Canada]

1979: Joe Clark and funny Canadian politics. [Belfry Theatre]

Sunset magic at Ogden Point. [James MacDonald / Instagram]

That’s it!

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