Jim Mayer 🇨🇦

timescolonist.comDoerkson pins growth hopes on getting forestry 'back to business' and LNG opportunityInterim B.C. Conservative leader Lorne Doerkson has also flagged the gas sector as a source of growth, as has NDP Leader David Eby.

This is silly. One of the big problems with BCs forestry industry is that our growing season is short, so we produce less sustainable yield per hectare than southern forests, and the US is taxing us at 35%. It's not going to supercharge the BC economy. www.timescolonist.com/2026-bc-vote...

Jim Mayer 🇨🇦 reposted

Oak Bay for All

@oakbayforall.bsky.social

With under 48 hours to go, we figured it's time for a news roundup for anyone still deciding who to vote for in Oak Bay's municipal election. 🧵 #yyj #yyjpoli #bcpoli

Jim Mayer 🇨🇦 reposted

Jimmy Thomson

@jameswsthomson.com

The fines should be ruinously expensive for drunk driving your $100k sports car at 120 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. Yet here, the cops brag that in total it'll come to "at least $2,400" and that the speed fines themselves only account for about $350 of that. www.castanet.net/news/Vernon/...

Great, detailed, answer from the City of Victoria (@victoria.ca) on the use of leading pedestrian intervals by people biking & rolling. #yyj

City of Victoria@victoria.ca

Thanks for the question. A Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) gives pedestrians a short head start (typically about five seconds) before vehicle traffic gets a green light. This helps pedestrians establish themselves in the intersection and improves their visibility to turning drivers. 1/4

1/ I just voted in the City of Victoria. Here's how. #yyj #yyjpoli

victoria.caElections and Referendums | City of Victoria

5/ Advance voting is open today (Tuesday), Wednesday, and Thursday. The general voting day is Saturday, October 17. You can find detailed information about how, where, and when to vote here: www.victoria.ca/city-governm...

6/ Oh! I forgot to say that I voted NO on amalgamation with Saanich. For anyone who cares why, I explained my reasoning here: bsky.app/profile/pent...

Jim Mayer 🇨🇦@pentastich.bsky.social

1/ I'm a hard NO on amalgamation with Saanich. I've got a few reasons. Reason one: there are 13 munis in the CRD, so why merge 2 of the 3 that are already big enough to make sense?

1/ I just voted in the City of Victoria. Here's how. #yyj #yyjpoli

livablecrd.ca2026 Candidate ScorecardWhere Capital Regional District municipal candidates stand on transit, housing, climate, and arts in the 2026 election. Search or filter by municipality.

3/ …their answers to the Livable CRD survey helpful (I didn't pay much attention to the ratings). That survey's mix of multiple choice and long form questions was good, as it both pinned people down and gave them a way to show their thinking. The… livablecrd.ca/scorecard/?m...

4/ …other resource I found helpful was the Victoria Labour Council. They don't list survey questions, but their criteria aligned pretty well with mine (though I prefer Krista Loughton for CRD director… we need her expertise on how to get people off the streets there—it's a regional issue).

1/ I just voted in the City of Victoria. Here's how. #yyj #yyjpoli

@gaiagardener.bsky.social

2/ Of all the candidates running, I'm confident that these understand the issues of housing, city livability, transportation, and homelessness the best. I've had multiple conversations, sometimes over six or seven years, with many of them. In addition, I found…

Jim Mayer 🇨🇦 reposted

Gaia Gardener

Agreed! I came across one of their posters today.. what a load of hot garbage. And their list of 'endorsements' from their own made-up organizations, like "Our Fernwood" "Our James Bay" why tf are they so possessive? 🤮 #yyjpoli

Jim Mayer 🇨🇦@pentastich.bsky.social

It bothers me when movements coopt important institutions that do good work to advance other political agendas. It bothers me even more when they make up "facts" to do it. Everyone voting in the City of Victoria should read this CTV news article. #yyj #yyjpoli

ctvnews.caVictoria fire chief flags concerns with union’s civic election campaignThe chief of the Victoria Fire Department is dispelling apparent “myths or rumours” from a civic election campaign, which he worries could mislead voters about public safety.

BARO@baro.bsky.social

So my local fire fighters have a hard right culture warrior type as their spokesperson, and they've decided to violate a bunch of basic public servant rules and spread lies so bad the fire chief is getting involved, all to support a slate of right wing candidates. www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/va...

Jim Mayer 🇨🇦 reposted

I’m honoured, and proud, to have the support of IATSE Local 168 for my re-election to Victoria City Council. IATSE 168 represents Craftspeople, Technicians, Projectionists, and Front of House personnel in the theatre and entertainment industry for Vancouver Island. #yyj #yyjpoli

Dave Thompson 🇨🇦@davethompsonvic.bsky.social

I’m honoured to have the BCGEU’s endorsement for re-election to Victoria City Council. I've always supported workers and always will. #yyj More endorsements at davethompsonvictoria.ca/endorsements/

Some photos from a walk earlier this evening. Victoria is a beautiful place! #yyj

Jim Mayer 🇨🇦 reposted

I’m honoured to be endorsed by the Victoria Labour Council for re-election to Victoria City Council and the CRD Board. I've always supported workers and always will. #yyj

boomin-in-victoria.caThe Parkades are Full!Here's a new parlour game. One player goes online and told to find a letter to the editor or a Facebook post complaining about downtown Vict...

One of the common complaints about downtown Victoria is that the parkades are full. I've been collecting data on that since July 24. Here's what I found! #yyj #parking www.boomin-in-victoria.ca/2026/10/the-...

As a teaser, here's a graph from the blog. This one shows the typical (median) percent full level for each parkade on weekdays.

I've added an "Updates" section to the post, and have been incorporating some things there that came up in a Reddit conversation.

dlvr.itVictoria streets would be ‘far worse off’ without safety plan, official saysPeter Rantucci says there has been a marked reduction in the number of structures on the street and in parks and the number of people living rough.

This makes a lot of sense to me. I don't know Mr. Rantucci, but I've had multiple interactions with Ms. Webb over the years, and trust her opinion. She's smart and capable. #yyj

Times Colonist@timescolonist.bsky.social

Jim Mayer 🇨🇦 reposted

I've seen sign vandalism. I've seen requests for additions to my re-election platform. Which is this, Victoria? #yyj #yyjpoli

We've recruited only the best people… only the best… #bcpoli

Justin McElroy 🇨🇦@jmcelroy.bsky.social

B.C. Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson just announced that Joachim Agou, their candidate in Victoria-Beacon Hill, is no longer part of their team due to incendiary tweets from last year advocating violence against protesters and implying that Pakistani immigrants make London look like a shithole

Councillor Gardiner deserves credit for penning the WORST member motion I have ever seen. Pure political trash, and completely nonsensical if you can stand to read the details. Bad governance at its very worst. Complete rejection is the best thing council could have done. #yyj

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj.bsky.social

Gardiner's Council Member Motion "regarding greater transparency from Council on their election endorsements and affiliations" doesn't get seconded so it gets drops.

Jim Mayer 🇨🇦 reposted

A great local business - The Zero Waste Emporium. Come down and say Hi to Michael! Check out their discounts and urban livability policies. 1278 Douglas #yyj #urbanism

theglobeandmail.comThe elephant in the roomAlberta separatists have gone to D.C. offering fresh water and oil in exchange for American support – and Republican operatives have provided tactical assistance inside the province

Ugh. www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/39c067e...

Jim Mayer 🇨🇦 reposted

Don Dickinson

@dondickinson.bsky.social

It's beyond pathetic. Post this news story on social media: "A cyclist or pedestrian has been hit by a driver every day in 2026" ... and the comments are rife with "cyclists never obey the laws" "pedestrians don't pay attention" etc. Mention a cyclist hitting a pedestrian... cyclist crucifixion #yyj

Jim Mayer 🇨🇦 reposted

Lesli Boldt

@lesliboldt.bsky.social

Victoria fire chief flags concerns with union’s civic election campaign www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/va...

Jim Mayer 🇨🇦 reposted

Sarah Starkweather for Oak Bay

19 Sept

Recycling! We are keeping signs out of the landfill, saving some money, and reusing my old 2022 election signs. Before and after photos - gotta cover up that old 2022 date! Watch for these to start appearing tomorrow morning! #yyj

Jim Mayer 🇨🇦 reposted

@starkweatherforob.bsky.social

Replying to @starkweatherforob.bsky.social

In terms of total emissions reductions: - Oak Bay had a 17% reduction between 2007 and 2022. - Saanich: 17% reduction from 2007 to 2023. - Victoria: 28% reduction from 2007 to 2023. So it looks like we’re doing ok, I guess? Lagging behind Victoria, but respectable.

1/2 Good grief. Stephen Andrew has discovered how to create and post AI images on Facebook. I suspect that he and I are both boomers and I'm embarrassed. He should know better. #yyjpoli

2/2 By the way, here is my attempt at an AI generated slop caricature of Stephen Andrew. It was created, not by me, but by the work of countless unpaid artists with actual drawing talent. My contribution was a short query and adding the words "AI Generated Slop".

cbc.caNew closure, detours, coming along the Galloping Goose Trail in Victoria | CBC NewsGalloping Goose trail users will be following new detours in Victoria until at least the spring of 2027. Beginning Sept. 23, the closure along Viaduct Park will be extended to Dupplin Road, causing a ...

1/ The new Galloping Goose detour by Viaduct park started today. It even made the CBC! The construction feel endless, but I'm looking forward to people walking there getting their open, separated, pathway. #yyjbike #yyj www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...

2/ One interesting thing is that people walking and people biking and rolling get different detours. I suspect it's because there's no sidewalk on Dupplin Road. I haven't tried the walking detour, but I found the cycling one simpler, if a bit longer, than the previous one. www.crd.ca/media/file/g...

crd.caRegional Trestles Renewal, Trails Widening and Lighting Project,The Capital Regional District (CRD) is upgrading popular sections of the Galloping Goose and Lochside Regional Trails to improve safety, accessibility and comfort for people walking, wheeling and cycl...

3/ The official project page is here: www.crd.ca/projects/cur...

Jim Mayer 🇨🇦 reposted

Carolina Ibarra

@lacaroibarra.bsky.social

21 Sept

The $1 million earmarked by the City of Victoria will go towards upgrades to deteriorating affordable housing. @pacificahousing.bsky.social is one recipient and the grant will help upgrade failing windows and sliding doors in a deeply subsidized townhouse complex where many single mothers reside.

CHEK News@cheknews.ca

The City of Victoria has earmarked nearly $1 million to support non-market housing projects that are geared towards low-income residents. https://cheknews.ca/victoria-earmarks-nearly-1m-to-support-non-market-housing-buildings-1348807/

cheknews.caVictoria earmarks nearly $1M to support non-market housing buildingsThe City of Victoria has earmarked nearly $1 million to support non-market housing projects that are geared towards low-income residents.

cbc.ca'Never giving up': Alberta separatist leaders say referendum vote won't end their fight | CBC NewsPremier Danielle Smith and her government expect next month's separation referendum to be the last word on the subject — but those fighting for an independent Alberta say no matter the outcome, the fi...

18 Sept

Somehow this makes me very, very, nervous. I've seen too much from groups that are happy to use democratic tools and institutions, but don't respect those institutions, or the opinions and rights of people who disagree. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...

16 Sept

Photos from tonight's walk in Vic West. It was a beautiful evening. Fujifilm X-Pro3 and a cheap, crappy, and fun TTArtisan 50mm F1.2 lens. #yyj

Sarah Starkweather for Oak Bay

17 Sept

TBF, I said "crappy", but the lens is a great value for the price. It's a bit soft wide open, but the low contrast is easy to fix, and many photos end up looking delightfully retro. I also love modern, super sharp, lenses that let me take tack sharp images like Ansel Adams, but this one is fun, too!

Jim Mayer 🇨🇦 reposted

@starkweatherforob.bsky.social

I’m running for Council for lots of reasons. Here’s are my top three.

This and the one after are really good questions from Counselor Coleman. I often disagree with him, but he thinks things through, and I wish he was running for reelection. He's not an ideologue, he doesn't play populist games, and I don't need to always agree with people who act in good faith. #yyj

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj.bsky.social

Coleman: If we had an application come forward with the same FSR and the same setback, but without the plaza, what would the height be lowered to? Staff: Realm of ~8 storeys.

This gets lost in the pearl clutching around the Broughton street project that would replace a deteriorating PRIVATELY OWNED parkade with rental homes, street level retail, and a public plaza. Thank you @jeremycaradonnayyj.bsky.social and @susankimyyj.bsky.social for asking good questions! #yyj

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj.bsky.social

Caradonna: If the proposal is declined, does the proponent still have the right to demolish? Staff: Yes, and right for proposals to exist under current zoning.

Also lost in the shuffle is the economic impact of 500 more people living downtown, and the fact that 65 of the new homes would be 2 bedroom, and 24 three bedroom. 52 of the units are adaptable. These aren't micro-apartments.

And… many thanks to Mayor Alto, and counselors Caradonna, Coleman, Dell, Kill, Loughton, and Thompson for moving this forward. No project ever makes everybody happy. One essential feature of good governance is asking good questions and balancing competing goals. bsky.app/profile/susa...

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj.bsky.social

Motion carried with Gardiner and Hammond opposed.

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj.bsky.social

Caradonna: If the proposal is declined, does the proponent still have the right to demolish? Staff: Yes, and right for proposals to exist under current zoning.

Here's a picture of the site. Today, the parkade is 1.5m from the church. In the proposal the courtyard will frame the church. And it's not like a 12 storey building will be hugely out of scale. This proposal is way better from a heritage persoective than what's there today.

Here's a street view picture of the church and the parkade, and a rendering of the proposal It's ridiculous that people would criticize this project on heritage grounds when it's such a massive improvement on what's there today.

ctvnews.ca‘The answer was overwhelmingly ‘yes’: Canadian packaging industry teams up in tariff fightA B.C. packaging company says the trade war with the United States is creating an unexpected opportunity for Canadian manufacturers and prompting rival companies to collaborate rather than compete.

1/ Interesting article on the Canadian packaging industry's response to the trade war. I wonder if there's an opportunity for some federal infrastructure dollars with a sustainability twist (think hemp). @wgreaves.bsky.social #CanadaStrong #cdnpoli #bcpoli www.ctvnews.ca/world/trumps...

hemppaperco.comThe True Cost of Tree Paper vs Hemp PaperA comprehensive comparison of tree paper and hemp paper: growth cycles, environmental impact, strength, cost, and why hemp is the superior paper fiber.

3/ …hemp paper. The claim is that hemp paper today is more expensive, but mostly because of infrastructure & supply chain issues. I've heard the same for hemp vs. cotton. As Canada continues to diversify its economy, we should… hemppaperco.com/blog/tree-pa...

4/ …consider jump starting an industrial hemp capability. Hemp production is far more sustainable than timber or cotton (which doesn't grow here). I would happily buy "Product of Canada" hemp jeans, shipped in Canadian hemp packaging, from Big Bill instead of their "Made in Canada" cotton ones!