Support PTSD
NEWS: Government St. closure up for discussion /A5 SPORTS: Financial reasons kill Highlanders /A4 ARTS: Dark tale brought to life in opera /A10
Run brings light to Wounded Warriors Page A3
VICTORIANEWS
250.381.8725
If you’re storing anywhere else, “you’re paying too much”
www.upakstorage.com
Proudly serving Esquimalt & Victoria
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
www.vicnews.com
“One of the things I’m not going to be OK with is if we just sit around and talk about it forever.” – Mayor Lisa Helps
ECONOMIC
RESURRECTION? Victoria and Esquimalt make plans to generate economic development in their municipalities Andrea Peacock
March, said Desjardins. “We’re hearing very clearly that Esquimalt Road needs an upgrade. There Esquimalt and Victoria are eyeing needs to be an attraction of new people major plans to spur on economic devel- to the community,” she said. “You need more people in order to provide more opment. Following the lead of Langford, Victo- opportunity for more business.” Besides looking into tax ria Mayor Lisa Helps is considexemptions for property ownering tax exemptions for propers, Helps said she would also erty owners downtown, while like to look into simpler strateEsquimalt Mayor Barb Desjargies such as improving pubic dins said Esquimalt is ahead of spaces downtown. the curve. “I think we need to work with Esquimalt is looking into the [Downtown Victoria Busipolicy options to encourage ness Association] and others business and new developto say, what capital expendiment along Esquimalt Road, Lisa Helps tures could the city make that she said. would have a big difference in “We completed our ecomaking the public realm more nomic development strategy welcoming, more vibrant,” said last fall, and one of the things Helps. that has been identified and “I think we can make some is already being worked on is small changes that have a big that tax revitalization strategy impact while we’re looking for for Esquimalt Road.” those longer term, more comDesjardins said there is not a clearly defined plan yet, but it Barb Desjardins plicated things like tax exemptions.” could involve a combination of While her initial feeling is to start with tax deferrals and fee reductions. “Those are the things that are within a revitalization of Government Street, our powers, and so those are the things Helps said that is not her only focus. “I shared one idea, which became the that we’re looking at,” she said. “Within the community charter, there’s only so idea, which is never the intention,” she said, of her plan to look at tax exempmuch we can do.” Esquimalt council has already dis- tions on Government Street. cussed what a future policy might look like, and decisions will be made from PLEASE SEE: budget discussions in February and Mayor Helps, Page A4
Victoria News
Don Denton/Victoria News
Something to sing about Victoria street busker TeeJay, also known as Terrence John Groom, certainly isn’t singing the blues these days. The James Bay resident will perform for millions of tourists after successfully gaining a spot on Granville Island’s busking roster this summer. “I’m absolutely over thew moon with excitement after being chosen to perform at what I consider to be the madison Square Gardens of Busking in Western Canada,” he says. To celebrate, TeeJay will perform everyday at James Bay Square from noon to 2 p.m., beginning Feb. 9.
For all your tire and automotive needs, see the experts at
WWW.SIDNEYTIRE.COM 386-6367
616 Gorge Road East