Latest News - English

You're Invited: Small Business Information Session | February 06 2023
Looking to get connected with business resources in Victoria? Hosted by the City of Victoria's Business Hub, this event will help you develop your business in Victoria. Whether you’re in the business planning stage or have already launched your business, this session will connect you with many community partners with great information on resources, loans, mentorship and more. The morning will start with a welcome from City Economic Development staff, followed by a brief presentation session from partners.  You’ll have the opportunity to network, ask questions and get the information and resources you need on your path from start-up to business success. There is no charge for this session, but pre-registration is recommended. When: Tuesday, March 7, 9 a.m.- noon Where: City Hall, Antechamber, 1 Centennial Square Free registration: Please register here for your free ticket: Eventbrite Registration Learn more about the Business Hub.
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Apply to be Victoria's next Poet Laureate or Youth Poet Laureate | January 31 2023
Poet Laureate The “people’s poet” is a position that was established by City Council in December 2006 to honour, celebrate and reflect the life of the city through poetry.  The City of Victoria Poet Laureate acts as a champion for poetry, language and the arts, through public readings and civic engagements. Victoria’s Poet Laureate reflects the life of the city through a variety of civic functions, participates in public poetry events, and develops special projects which may include opportunities to collaborate and work alongside the Youth Poet Laureate.  The inaugural poet laureate Carla Funk, and subsequent poet laureates Linda Rogers, Janet Marie Rogers, Yvonne Blomer, and John Barton have each brought their unique voice to the creative expression of Victoria’s identity.   Who can apply:  The City of Victoria is seeking nominations for the position of Victoria’s Poet Laureate from mid-career poets who currently reside in the Capital Region.  Applicants must have an established body of work (written or spoken word).  Term: This two-year term will run from from April 2023 to April 2025. Honorarium: The Poet Laureate will be given a $5,500 honorarium per year and up to $2,000 per year for project funding. Youth Poet Laureate Drawing on the expertise of a new generation of Victoria poets, the City of Victoria Youth Poet Laureate position seeks to give the community access to strong youth voices. The Youth Poet Laureate will present original work to the City of Victoria Council, produce new work and organizecommunity youth poetry events. Created by the Victoria Youth Council in 2013, this position was the first of its kind in Canada. Reaching vulnerable youth populations and encouraging peer to peer education and inspiration, the Youth Poet Laureate will pave the way for many emerging poets and writers to engage creatively on a civic level. Who can apply: Youth ages 14-24 are encouraged to apply and must live in the Capital Regional District, including the Gulf Islands. Term: This two-year term will run from from April 2023 to April 2025.  Honorarium:  The Youth Poet Laureate will be given a $2,000 honorarium per year and up to $2,000 per year for project funding. Deadline for both applications:   Submissions must be emailed to culture@victoria.ca by 4 p.m. PST on February 13, 2023. Learn more and apply.
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UPDATE: Ring in the Year of the Rabbit | January 27 2023
It’s the Year of the Rabbit and there are a variety of ways to celebrate in Canada’s oldest Chinatown!   Lion Dance Parade The Lion Dance Parade is back this year and will make its way through Chinatown on Sunday, January 29 from noon-3:30 p.m., visiting merchants who hang offerings of red envelopes and lettuce for the hungry lions. The event will also include Kung Fu demonstrations.    Learn more: News & Events | Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club (hungfut.ca) The Lion Dance Parade will start in the 500-block of Fisgard Street and the Lions will take two slightly different routes as they make their way through Chinatown. One Lion will travel on Fisgard Street, Douglas Street, Herald Street and Store Street before returning to the 500-block of Fisgard Street. The other Lion will travel on Fisgard Street, Government Street, Pandora Avenue and into Fan Tan Alley before returning to the 500-block of Fisgard Street. Road Closure: The 500-block of Fisgard Street will be closed to all vehicle traffic from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and other downtown intersections will be closed as the participants move along the parade route. Please expect some traffic delays to accommodate the event. Learn more. Decorate Celebrate by decorating windows and doorways, wearing red and visiting local shops and restaurants. Historic Walking Tour of Chinatown You can also enjoy the Historic Walking Tour of Chinatown using the City’s VicMap: Mysterious Chinatown Heritage Walking Tour (arcgis.com) Chinese Canadian Museum The Chinese Canadian Museum is also hosting a series of events in Victoria to celebrate the New Year: Year of the Rabbit Celebrations - Vancouver & Victoria - Canadian Chinese Museum 華裔博物館 (chinesecanadianmuseum.ca) About the Year of the Rabbit The rabbit is gentle, quiet, tame, tender, kind and very clever. The rabbit is good at adapting to its environment by moving very quickly, allowing it to protect itself during times of challenge. The Year of the Rabbit embodies yin, the passive principle of the universe, which manifests in relaxation, fluidity, quietness and reflection. In 2023, there will be opportunities for contemplation, rest and nurturing of body and soul, in an attempt to provide balance under the basic concept of yin and yang.
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UPDATE #2: Gas Leak Contained in 2500 Block of Avebury Ave | January 23 2023
3:05 p.m. UPDATE Traffic is now moving in the area. Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre has re-opened. Please follow @bchydro for updates on power outages.    1:35 p.m. UPDATE The Victoria Fire Department is responding to a gas leak in the 2500 block of Avebury Avenue, which has been contained. Some residents remain evacuated. Power and gas have been shut off. Please expect traffic delays and avoid the area. Follow @vicpdcanada and @bchydro for updates. Note: The Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre remains temporarily closed.    12:40 p.m. Monday, January 23, 2023 The Victoria Fire Department and Victoria Police Department are on the scene in the 2500 block of Avebury Avenue due to reports of a gas leak. Traffic will be impacted as some streets will be closed in the area. Please monitor @vicpdcanada and @bchydro on Twitter for updates. Note: The Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre is temporarily closed.    
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City Increases Grant Funding for Neighbourhood Projects | January 20 2023
Up to 36 community projects will come to life thanks to more than $106,000 in matching funding from the 2022 City of Victoria’s My Great Neighbourhood Grants. To support residents with the current cost of project supplies, this week Council voted to increase the maximum amount available for future applicants.   Starting in 2023, the City will provide up to $7,500 for placemaking and resiliency projects and up to $1,500 for activities, matching equivalent contributions (including volunteer time and in-kind donations) from applicants. There will also be additional support available to cover traffic control costs when needed.    My Great Neighbourhood Grants are designed to create inviting, vibrant places for people to gather, increase resiliency in neighbourhoods and support community development activities. This past year the City funded 13 community activities, 12 placemaking projects and 11 community resiliency projects. Many projects focused on enhancing public green space and food systems, hosting community gatherings and community art or murals.  Intake for the 2023 program will open in April. My Great Neighbourhood Grants are available to residents and community groups in the City of Victoria. Any not-for-profit organization, school or informal group of residents can apply, although a sponsor is required for those without not-for-profit status. City staff are available to help residents through the application process.    For more information, visit victoria.ca/neighbourhoodgrants.  Attachment: List of My Great Neighbourhood Grants 2022. [PDF - 100 KB]
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