Spring Ridge Common Video
Solution #10: Include young people in decision-making processes at the local and regional level
The lack of youth involvement in decision-making processes at the local and regional level is an issue that arose during various discussions. It should be recognized that voter turnout is not the only indicator of youth exercising of political agency. When considering youth poverty in the region, young people discussed economic opportunities in the City … Read more
Solution #9: Encourage positive inclusion of young people with various forms of education in the local economy
Around a quarter (25.8%) Youth between 15-24 with postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree live under LICO compared to 14.1% of young people between 25-34 years of age of the same circumstance. Both rates are above the rate of poverty in the region and fairly high for a demographic who have invested in a high level … Read more
Solution #8: Sustain programs and projects supporting populations marginalized by sex, gender, race and ability
The early stages of this project revealed that not only are young people facing high rates of low income in the CRD, but youth who are further marginalized due to visible minority status and gender face higher rates of low income. During the time of this project, the City of Victoria Youth Council reported back … Read more
Solution #7: Create a sustainable, local economy accessible to diverse populations
The question of how economic opportunities are created in the region arose in focus groups. As the provincial capital, the reliance on the service and tourism industries clearly provides a very particular workforce. Building a sustainable local economy that encourages young people to invest creating a livelihood in Victoria has challenged the region. The consultations … Read more
Solution #6: Provide quality and affordable childcare programs and spaces
The municipal and region continues to watch young families attempt to build a life in the community. With young people holding the highest rates or incidences of poverty in the region, it is no surprise that childcare arose as an important issue to young families. Access to quality and affordable childcare is consistently challenging those … Read more
Solution #5: Encourage multiple forms of accessible public transit
Accessible transit in the CRD is a continuing issue. While this debate includes many aspects ranging from affordability to types of transit, young people have emphasized that transportation is an important part of their daily lives. According the 2006 Census, around 10,600 young people between the ages of 15 and 34 declared they took public … Read more
Solution #4: Create accessible opportunities for eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable practices
Youth consulted in the project acknowledged the environment and the climate as an important part of building a sustainable community. As discussed in the other recommendations, young people suggested that poverty is interlinked with many topics in the community. Youth discussed how climate change and sustainability are broad and complex concepts that feel overwhelming. With … Read more
Solution #3: Support projects, events and arts that enhance community
The push to build community is a key area of interest for most local and municipal governments. Young people are highly interested in creating opportunities to enhance the arts and take pride in the area in which they live. Whether it is supporting local artists and musicians through art shows or free music events, it … Read more
Solution #2: Increase initiatives providing local foods
With employed single and unattached youth (15-29 years of age) experiencing low income at an alarming rate of 46.2%, food security is emerging as an important topic for young people in the region. Transition Victoria Food Group and the Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group (NRG) provide an opportunity for the community to invest in a local … Read more
Solution #1: Improve access to affordable housing
The Coalition to End Homelessness in Greater Victoria recently released a report entitled Hungry and Homeless in Greater Victoria: Fitting Pieces Together. The report explores the scarcity of affordable housing in the CRD. “Greater Victoria continues to be one of the most challenging rental markets in Canada. Rents are high, vacancies are low. There … Read more
Youth Fact Sheet
By the numbers
