Jim Mayer 🇨🇦
@pentastich.bsky.social
Urbanism, utility cycling, rowing, food, vintage cocktails, and city living. Victoria, BC, Canada. He/him.
Blog: https://www.boomin-in-victoria.ca
Mastodon (rarely) https://urbanists.social/@pentastich
Formerly @pentastich on Birdland
Blog: https://www.boomin-in-victoria.ca
Mastodon (rarely) https://urbanists.social/@pentastich
Formerly @pentastich on Birdland
Why does Councillor Gardiner feel entitled to go on and on about opposition to the Centennial Square project after the Mayor explicitly asked everyone to focus on RECEIPT OF THE REPORT. Discussion on the contents is next week.
#yyj
#yyj
November 27, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Why does Councillor Gardiner feel entitled to go on and on about opposition to the Centennial Square project after the Mayor explicitly asked everyone to focus on RECEIPT OF THE REPORT. Discussion on the contents is next week.
#yyj
#yyj
1/ The typical nitty-gritty business of Council. AFAIK, there's no indication that cannabis shops are associated with "disorder" of any sort, so I feel they should be regulated identically to liquor stores (whatever that is). I hope they follow through with a staff review.
#yyj
#yyj
Alto: Perhaps there is an appetite for Council to ask staff to review policy. "I would suggest that this is not urgent."
Real conundrum. That location would benefit from commercial activity. But there is a staff recommendation.
Motion to decline approved with Dell and Loughton against.
Real conundrum. That location would benefit from commercial activity. But there is a staff recommendation.
Motion to decline approved with Dell and Loughton against.
November 27, 2025 at 6:12 PM
1/ The typical nitty-gritty business of Council. AFAIK, there's no indication that cannabis shops are associated with "disorder" of any sort, so I feel they should be regulated identically to liquor stores (whatever that is). I hope they follow through with a staff review.
#yyj
#yyj
Reposted by Jim Mayer 🇨🇦
Land use matters first. Staff have recommended a decline for a rezoning at 1555 Vancouver St (right next to Panago at Vancouver/Pandora) for a cannabis retailer. Presentation rolls out.
November 27, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Land use matters first. Staff have recommended a decline for a rezoning at 1555 Vancouver St (right next to Panago at Vancouver/Pandora) for a cannabis retailer. Presentation rolls out.
This is a fine overview of transportation cycling in Victoria, BC, where I live. My wife and I are seniors and largely get around by bike all year long. Cycling in Victoria isn't just for the hardcore—it's become a convenient way to shop, go to appointments, visit restaurants, etc.
#yyj
#yyj
The Best Cycling City No One Talks About
with (among many others) @burgundavia.bsky.social and @ryanjabs.bsky.social
with (among many others) @burgundavia.bsky.social and @ryanjabs.bsky.social
The Best Cycling City No One Talks About
YouTube video by Oh The Urbanity!
youtu.be
November 26, 2025 at 11:09 PM
This is a fine overview of transportation cycling in Victoria, BC, where I live. My wife and I are seniors and largely get around by bike all year long. Cycling in Victoria isn't just for the hardcore—it's become a convenient way to shop, go to appointments, visit restaurants, etc.
#yyj
#yyj
Reposted by Jim Mayer 🇨🇦
My next community coffee-chat will be Tuesday November 25, 2025, 5:30pm to 6:30pm at Spinnaker's Gastro Brewpub, 308 Catherine St.
Feel free to drop by and share what you’d like City Council and the CRD to do in the coming months and years. I'll be there to listen and learn. :-)
#yyj
Feel free to drop by and share what you’d like City Council and the CRD to do in the coming months and years. I'll be there to listen and learn. :-)
#yyj
November 25, 2025 at 12:17 AM
My next community coffee-chat will be Tuesday November 25, 2025, 5:30pm to 6:30pm at Spinnaker's Gastro Brewpub, 308 Catherine St.
Feel free to drop by and share what you’d like City Council and the CRD to do in the coming months and years. I'll be there to listen and learn. :-)
#yyj
Feel free to drop by and share what you’d like City Council and the CRD to do in the coming months and years. I'll be there to listen and learn. :-)
#yyj
Interesting article about transportation demand and the importance of urban form on translation energy usage. Another reason why the safe bike & roll network in Victoria should be considered "core infrastructure".
#yyj
www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/art...
#yyj
www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/art...
Canadian researchers uncover what they think is the real driver of transport demand
A new global study suggests that people everywhere, regardless of country or wealth, spend almost the same amount of time travelling each day — about 78 minutes.
www.ctvnews.ca
November 24, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Interesting article about transportation demand and the importance of urban form on translation energy usage. Another reason why the safe bike & roll network in Victoria should be considered "core infrastructure".
#yyj
www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/art...
#yyj
www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/art...
Reposted by Jim Mayer 🇨🇦
I never understand this. My street gets very little traffic, it’s a dead end. Yet it is fully lit, paved, 3 lanes wide, maintained. Meanwhile, the Goose, 100 meters away, is pitch black for commuters after 5pm in the winter, and god forbid it snows. For hundreds and even thousands of trips daily.
November 24, 2025 at 6:54 PM
I never understand this. My street gets very little traffic, it’s a dead end. Yet it is fully lit, paved, 3 lanes wide, maintained. Meanwhile, the Goose, 100 meters away, is pitch black for commuters after 5pm in the winter, and god forbid it snows. For hundreds and even thousands of trips daily.
While I agree with Gardiner about not deferring core funding, her gratuitous "bike lane" comments bug the hell out of me. I use my bike for transportation. I don't even own a bleeping car, and Victoria's bike network lets me shop without putting my life at risk. To hell with her bias.
#yyj
#yyj
Gardiner: Engineering staff have shown us what happens when you defer core funding, and you can map road conditions from areas that have been underfunded. "Remember this isn't about bike lanes. This is about core work."
November 24, 2025 at 6:43 PM
While I agree with Gardiner about not deferring core funding, her gratuitous "bike lane" comments bug the hell out of me. I use my bike for transportation. I don't even own a bleeping car, and Victoria's bike network lets me shop without putting my life at risk. To hell with her bias.
#yyj
#yyj
Discussions on the City of Victoria, BC, 2026 budget continue. Kudos to Councillor @susankimyyj.bsky.social for live posting this so I don't have to watch the whole thing.
#yyj
#yyj
Gooooood morning. Today we continue to nickel and dime the City with ongoing budget discussions. Reminder that none of this is final final final until it gets ratified at the end of weeks of discussion. The sausage is still getting made. #yyj
November 24, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Discussions on the City of Victoria, BC, 2026 budget continue. Kudos to Councillor @susankimyyj.bsky.social for live posting this so I don't have to watch the whole thing.
#yyj
#yyj
It's a bit much to listen to Jason Kenney talk about how running tankers along the BC coast is "worth the risk" when all of the benefits flow to Alberta and Big Oil, and all of the risk lands in BC. Except for the CERTAINTY of increased global warming, which affects all of us.
November 24, 2025 at 4:34 AM
It's a bit much to listen to Jason Kenney talk about how running tankers along the BC coast is "worth the risk" when all of the benefits flow to Alberta and Big Oil, and all of the risk lands in BC. Except for the CERTAINTY of increased global warming, which affects all of us.
1/ I know that a lot of people are looking for Canadian made items. Back in 2022 we got an induction stove, and I replaced my prehistoric stainless steel cookware. I bought a number of Meyer Canada "SuperSteel" 3-ply items, which are made on PEI.…
meyercanada.ca/pages/range-...
#MadeInCanada
meyercanada.ca/pages/range-...
#MadeInCanada
Range Guide
Range Guide Features / Range Made in Canada ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Cookware Shape tapered sides straight sides straight sides straight sides straight sides straight sides Construction Type premium 18/10 stainles...
meyercanada.ca
November 21, 2025 at 11:22 PM
1/ I know that a lot of people are looking for Canadian made items. Back in 2022 we got an induction stove, and I replaced my prehistoric stainless steel cookware. I bought a number of Meyer Canada "SuperSteel" 3-ply items, which are made on PEI.…
meyercanada.ca/pages/range-...
#MadeInCanada
meyercanada.ca/pages/range-...
#MadeInCanada
Reposted by Jim Mayer 🇨🇦
Been trying to read up to make sense of wht the Fed #budget means for #housing and #homelessness. Here’s a 🧵 I agree with CHRA in that I’m hopeful in the committed investment and what I am sensing is a sincere interest in supercharging efforts. chra-achru.ca/news/chra-ap...
CHRA Applauds Federal Budget’s Investment in Non-Market Community Housing - Canadian Housing & Renewal Association
(November 4, 2025) - The Canadian Housing and Renewal Association (CHRA) welcomes the new investments in non-market community housing announced in Budget
chra-achru.ca
November 5, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Been trying to read up to make sense of wht the Fed #budget means for #housing and #homelessness. Here’s a 🧵 I agree with CHRA in that I’m hopeful in the committed investment and what I am sensing is a sincere interest in supercharging efforts. chra-achru.ca/news/chra-ap...
Reposted by Jim Mayer 🇨🇦
Different decade, same problem.
Back then, the “boogeyman” for local residents was townhouses; today, it’s towers.
I wonder how many of the people opposing the Quadra–McKenzie plan now are living in homes that were fiercely opposed in 1977.
Back then, the “boogeyman” for local residents was townhouses; today, it’s towers.
I wonder how many of the people opposing the Quadra–McKenzie plan now are living in homes that were fiercely opposed in 1977.
November 19, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Different decade, same problem.
Back then, the “boogeyman” for local residents was townhouses; today, it’s towers.
I wonder how many of the people opposing the Quadra–McKenzie plan now are living in homes that were fiercely opposed in 1977.
Back then, the “boogeyman” for local residents was townhouses; today, it’s towers.
I wonder how many of the people opposing the Quadra–McKenzie plan now are living in homes that were fiercely opposed in 1977.
I think this is a great addition to the region's supportive housing mix. The key word is ADDITION. I would oppose any effort to get rid of low barrier supportive housing—there's too much evidence that expecting people living in the street to "recover" is wishful thinking. People need homes.
#yyj
#yyj
New dry supportive housing, for people who've been sober for >60 days and have completed detox and treatment.
With peer-supported coaching, referrals to other services, and help with independent living skills to prepare for transitioning into long-term housing.
cheknews.ca/b-c-announce...
#yyj
With peer-supported coaching, referrals to other services, and help with independent living skills to prepare for transitioning into long-term housing.
cheknews.ca/b-c-announce...
#yyj
B.C. announces new ‘dry’ supportive housing facility in Victoria
A new “dry” supportive housing facility is coming to Victoria, meaning the building will be free of substance use.
cheknews.ca
November 19, 2025 at 10:32 PM
I think this is a great addition to the region's supportive housing mix. The key word is ADDITION. I would oppose any effort to get rid of low barrier supportive housing—there's too much evidence that expecting people living in the street to "recover" is wishful thinking. People need homes.
#yyj
#yyj
Reposted by Jim Mayer 🇨🇦
At about noon my friend who works the Bike Valet was assaulted.
They were cycling to work WB in the Pandora bikelane and got cut off by a driver turning into McDonald's. Words exchanged; my pal left. The driver followed on foot to the Bike Valet, punched them in the face and fled.
#yyj
#VictoriaBC
They were cycling to work WB in the Pandora bikelane and got cut off by a driver turning into McDonald's. Words exchanged; my pal left. The driver followed on foot to the Bike Valet, punched them in the face and fled.
#yyj
#VictoriaBC
November 19, 2025 at 9:36 PM
At about noon my friend who works the Bike Valet was assaulted.
They were cycling to work WB in the Pandora bikelane and got cut off by a driver turning into McDonald's. Words exchanged; my pal left. The driver followed on foot to the Bike Valet, punched them in the face and fled.
#yyj
#VictoriaBC
They were cycling to work WB in the Pandora bikelane and got cut off by a driver turning into McDonald's. Words exchanged; my pal left. The driver followed on foot to the Bike Valet, punched them in the face and fled.
#yyj
#VictoriaBC
1/ In 2022, much of the pubic concern about social disorder was focused on tenting in Victoria's parks. Pandora Avenue was talked about, of course, but was not the centre of attention it is today. I suspect that's partly because Council ACTED to restrict tenting in #yyj.
This is an instance in which I disagree with the mayor. In 2023, Council hired a Parks Relocation Coordinator and began actively decamping parks.
Two years later, we’ve now housed nearly fifty people and wound down the encampments in parks across the city.
www.timescolonist.com/local-news/c...
Two years later, we’ve now housed nearly fifty people and wound down the encampments in parks across the city.
www.timescolonist.com/local-news/c...
Council should have focused on safety earlier, Victoria mayor says
Marianne Alto says the last year of Victoria city council’s mandate will focus heavily on the 99-point Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan.
www.timescolonist.com
November 17, 2025 at 8:21 PM
1/ In 2022, much of the pubic concern about social disorder was focused on tenting in Victoria's parks. Pandora Avenue was talked about, of course, but was not the centre of attention it is today. I suspect that's partly because Council ACTED to restrict tenting in #yyj.
Reposted by Jim Mayer 🇨🇦
Really great point about the lack of SRO-type housing in US cities. www.ryanpuzycki.com/p/the-banish...
The Banished Bottom of the Housing Market
How America Destroyed Its Cheapest Homes
www.ryanpuzycki.com
November 17, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Really great point about the lack of SRO-type housing in US cities. www.ryanpuzycki.com/p/the-banish...
I'm shocked, shocked!
open.substack.com/pub/paulkrug...
open.substack.com/pub/paulkrug...
The Plutocrats Who Cried “Commie”
About that “fleeing New York” claim
open.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 5:53 PM
I'm shocked, shocked!
open.substack.com/pub/paulkrug...
open.substack.com/pub/paulkrug...
Reposted by Jim Mayer 🇨🇦
We need your help to tell transit commissioners that airport service should come alongside all-day 71 service, which would give Sidney residents and ferry riders an all-day direct downtown connection. Transit doesn't have to be zero-sum.
See the proposal:
www.bctransit.com/wp-content/u...
See the proposal:
www.bctransit.com/wp-content/u...
www.bctransit.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:22 AM
We need your help to tell transit commissioners that airport service should come alongside all-day 71 service, which would give Sidney residents and ferry riders an all-day direct downtown connection. Transit doesn't have to be zero-sum.
See the proposal:
www.bctransit.com/wp-content/u...
See the proposal:
www.bctransit.com/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Jim Mayer 🇨🇦
Grateful to receive support for Bill M216 from Homes for Living YYJ. A community housing advocacy group.
“To meet affordability goals, we must ensure that it is faster and easier to build dense infill housing rather than suburban sprawl.”
#bcpoli #Nanaimo #Lantzville #Victoriabc
“To meet affordability goals, we must ensure that it is faster and easier to build dense infill housing rather than suburban sprawl.”
#bcpoli #Nanaimo #Lantzville #Victoriabc
November 16, 2025 at 10:36 PM
Grateful to receive support for Bill M216 from Homes for Living YYJ. A community housing advocacy group.
“To meet affordability goals, we must ensure that it is faster and easier to build dense infill housing rather than suburban sprawl.”
#bcpoli #Nanaimo #Lantzville #Victoriabc
“To meet affordability goals, we must ensure that it is faster and easier to build dense infill housing rather than suburban sprawl.”
#bcpoli #Nanaimo #Lantzville #Victoriabc
This is a good short-form video from @russilwvong.bsky.social. I constantly hear people use the "greedy landlord" argument for why building more homes won't bring down costs. The facts say otherwise, but it's really a feelings conversation.
#housing #yyj
open.substack.com/pub/morehous...
#housing #yyj
open.substack.com/pub/morehous...
Video of the day: greed vs. scarcity
Why is Edmonton cheaper?
open.substack.com
November 16, 2025 at 9:58 PM
This is a good short-form video from @russilwvong.bsky.social. I constantly hear people use the "greedy landlord" argument for why building more homes won't bring down costs. The facts say otherwise, but it's really a feelings conversation.
#housing #yyj
open.substack.com/pub/morehous...
#housing #yyj
open.substack.com/pub/morehous...
Reposted by Jim Mayer 🇨🇦
WATCH: Seriously, if you’re following ANY bike-lane debate, you HAVE TO WATCH this news story. You actually can’t make this up. Ford claims without evidence that bike-lanes are bad for small business, and THE ACTUAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION obliterates him with data.
Safe bike-lanes mean business.
Safe bike-lanes mean business.
Annex businesses tell Ford to back off Bloor bike lanes
Stores in the Annex say the Bloor bike lanes have been a big boost to business. As Michelle Mackey reports, the neighborhood's BIA wants the province to back off its new bill that could see the lanes ...
toronto.citynews.ca
November 8, 2025 at 3:13 PM
WATCH: Seriously, if you’re following ANY bike-lane debate, you HAVE TO WATCH this news story. You actually can’t make this up. Ford claims without evidence that bike-lanes are bad for small business, and THE ACTUAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION obliterates him with data.
Safe bike-lanes mean business.
Safe bike-lanes mean business.
Reposted by Jim Mayer 🇨🇦
www.stopamalgamation.ca
#yyj
I lived through amalgamation in Toronto. Its touted benefits do not pan out. Cost saving looks good on paper but in practice it did not perform. Distinct areas have different needs which can be met easier without amalgamation.
#yyj
I lived through amalgamation in Toronto. Its touted benefits do not pan out. Cost saving looks good on paper but in practice it did not perform. Distinct areas have different needs which can be met easier without amalgamation.
Vote NO to Amalgamation of Victoria and Saanich
Amalgamation is expensive, wasteful, and decreases democracy in our communities. Saanich and Victoria are great places, let's keep it that way!
www.stopamalgamation.ca
November 15, 2025 at 6:01 PM
www.stopamalgamation.ca
#yyj
I lived through amalgamation in Toronto. Its touted benefits do not pan out. Cost saving looks good on paper but in practice it did not perform. Distinct areas have different needs which can be met easier without amalgamation.
#yyj
I lived through amalgamation in Toronto. Its touted benefits do not pan out. Cost saving looks good on paper but in practice it did not perform. Distinct areas have different needs which can be met easier without amalgamation.
Reposted by Jim Mayer 🇨🇦
Reposted by Jim Mayer 🇨🇦
Yeah. We voted to pay more in taxes for a new pool. If they're trying to keep the tax increase at a fixed level including the pool cost, that's not what we voted for.
Pull the Crystal Pool line into it's own section like the police budget and look at what's left. (Hope that's what they're doing)
Pull the Crystal Pool line into it's own section like the police budget and look at what's left. (Hope that's what they're doing)
November 8, 2025 at 2:45 AM
Yeah. We voted to pay more in taxes for a new pool. If they're trying to keep the tax increase at a fixed level including the pool cost, that's not what we voted for.
Pull the Crystal Pool line into it's own section like the police budget and look at what's left. (Hope that's what they're doing)
Pull the Crystal Pool line into it's own section like the police budget and look at what's left. (Hope that's what they're doing)