Tuesday, January 1, 2019 ~ WEST SIDE OF VANCOUVER ISLAND
~ by West Shore Voice News
As the aftermath of the December 20 windstorm power outages wraps up for many Vancouver Islanders, in comes 2019 with a relatively calm entry. The weather was without wind or rain in the region on December 31.
Coming in 2019 is a federal election (October 21), and a by-election in Nanaimo (to be called soon) that will keep the BC NDP government on its toes. Property tax increases are likely in most municipalities in BC as the Employer Health Tax gets shifted onto any business or organization with a payroll that is larger than $500,000 (with some exemptions for non-profits).
Who knows if 2019 will bring another summer season of intense wildfires. Last summer the idea of province-wide air quality impacts was something new for BC. Given the impact of the fires and also the recent extended power outages resulting from a major windstorm, it’s hopeful that more people will increase their level of emergency preparedness.
In Langford in 2019 there will be the excitement of a new sports team as Pacific FC ramps up for a spring 2019 launch. And more road improvements as well as bike lanes, sidewalks and bus shelters will be seen around the city. Five retail cannabis licences are pending.
In Colwood construction continues in 2019 on Colwood Corners, bringing further commercial interest to the growing municipality. And Colwood Council will continue to look at the restrictions on dogs at Esquimalt Lagoon and the beach front.
In Sooke a large PetroCan/Tim Hortons combo is being constructed by T’Sou-ke Nation on Sooke Road on the east side of town right beside the EMCS high school, which will change the landscape economically with competition for Sooke core gas stations and coffee shops. It also represents a significant impact of First Nations resources into the local economy.
Around the Greater Victoria region more affordable housing units are being built, something Premier John Horgan and the BC Government are proud to be rolling out.
In the west shore the construction of more schools is in the works, with land clearing already started in December 2018 for an elementary/middle school combo in the Westhills area of Langford.
The environment is a key issue for 2019. Colwood-based consultant Judith Cullington says: “For me, the news story/maker of the year in 2018 was the climate. From the dire warnings from the IPCC, to fires/floods/drought in BC and elsewhere, we are (hopefully) finally getting that we can’t just sit back and do nothing. Serious climate action? We can’t afford not to.”
Also along environmental lines, a new salmon enhancement strategy that recognizes commercial fishermen in the economy will find its legs in 2019. The lead on that was taken by Juan de Fuca Electorial Area Director Mike Hicks to help ensure sustainable recreational and commercial fishing in the Sooke and Juan de Fuca region.
While a lot of energy in 2018 went to the BC government’s first full year (including their attention diverted to the referendum on proportional representation), and many municipalities feeling the brunt of a shifts leading up to and then following the October 20 municipal election, by comparison 2019 could be a move-forward year with strong momentum on many fronts.
However, the goal of affordability for British Columbians may not reach its target. Looming in 2019 are pending ICBC rate increases, likely carbon tax increases at the gasoline pump, property tax increases due to the Employer Health Tax, and in the west shore higher levies on developers if a higher School Site Acquisition Charge (SSAC) rate schedule at the Sooke School District 62 comes into effect. Apparently ferry fares will remain the same through 2019.
Housing prices softened a bit in the broader Greater Victoria area in the last few months of 2018 (including Langford with a single family home average sale price of $686,964 in November) but the Colwood and Sooke pricing for single family home sales averaged maintained their year-long levels with Colwood at $734,075 and Sooke at $524,841. A softening market is good for property investors but not so great for people hoping to make gains on homes they’ve held onto for years. However, a more balanced market in 2019 will mean less intense bidding wars over desirable properties.
Many economic observers suggest there is a recession coming in 2019, but compared to the Great Recession of 2008 (the aftermath of which lasted even into 2017 for some small businesses and investors as well as consumers who got caught with over-indebtedness), it is likely not going to be a full-blown crisis. In BC in particular, there are a range of social supports for the lower income bracket.
All in all, many people are feeling hopeful about 2019. Here’s to a good year!
~ Editor, West Shore Voice News