
Jerry Garcia: Candidate for Victoria Council
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Young British Columbians should be able to build a good life in the communities they call home. I will use municipal and regional tools where they can make a direct difference, while working with the Province, educational institutions, employers and community organizations on the issues that require shared action.
1. Make housing more attainable. I will push for faster, more predictable approvals and a greater supply of purpose-built rental, student, entry-level and middle-sized housing. I will focus on getting approved homes built and occupied, while protecting construction quality and ensuring growth is supported by transportation, parks and community amenities.
2. Create stronger pathways to good careers. I will support local businesses and work to attract employers in technology, clean energy, healthcare, construction, tourism and the creative economy. I will also encourage partnerships among employers, colleges and universities, unions and community organizations to expand apprenticeships, internships, mentorships and practical job-focused training.
3. Improve public transit and everyday mobility. I will advocate for faster, more frequent, reliable and affordable transit so young people can reach work, school and recreation without having to own a car. Transportation planning should also provide safe walking, cycling and accessible travel options while keeping people and goods moving efficiently.
4. Expand access to mental health and addiction care. I will press the Province and health authorities for timely, accessible services for young people, including prevention, early intervention, counselling, treatment and recovery supports. Municipal and regional partners should help identify service gaps, coordinate local delivery and publicly track whether access is improving.
5. Reduce barriers created by everyday costs. Municipal government cannot solve the affordability crisis alone, but it can make practical choices that help. I will support affordable recreation, efficient public services, better transportation choices and partnerships that expand access to childcare, community programs and other supports that help young people participate fully in city life.
6. Build safe and welcoming public spaces. Young people deserve streets, parks, entertainment areas and transit routes where they feel comfortable at all hours. I will support effective community safety measures, better lighting, clean public spaces and an appropriate response to violence, harassment, illegal activity and repeat offending.
7. Take practical action on climate change. I will support investments that can be affected by the City and that produce measurable results, including cleaner transportation, energy-efficient buildings, urban trees and infrastructure that can withstand heat, flooding and other extreme weather. Climate action should be affordable, transparent and designed to improve daily life as well as long-term resilience.
8. Give young people a meaningful voice in decisions. I will work to create regular opportunities for young residents to help shape decisions on housing, transportation, recreation, public space and economic development. Engagement should be accessible and ongoing, with clear reporting on what was heard, what action will follow and why particular choices were made.
9. Support recreation, culture and community connection. A healthy city needs affordable places to gather, create, play sports and build relationships. I will support accessible recreation, arts, music, events and community spaces, while working with youth-serving organizations to reduce isolation and ensure programs reach young people from different backgrounds and income levels.
10. Protect the future through responsible government. I will demand disciplined budgeting, transparent performance reporting and long-term infrastructure planning. Decisions made today should not leave younger generations with unaffordable taxes, deteriorating services or deferred problems. Public spending should be tied to clear priorities, measurable outcomes and value for money.