›› City of Victoria

This fall the City of Victoria is starting the next stage of planning for the future of Fernwood, as well as North Park and Hillside-Quadra ­neighbourhoods. Read the new draft Neighbourhoods Plans and have your say!

We invite you to join this planning process about our urban villages, the housing around them, and the connections between them. Help refine how we can create more diverse housing choices, safe and sustainable mobility options, and joyful public spaces for everyone over the next 10-20 years.

Early engagement occurred in spring 2020, followed by engagement on draft directions between December 2020 and March 2021. We’ve heard ideas and input from over 1,800 diverse community ­members so far!

What we heard:

While each neighbourhood has its own distinct character and individual ­priorities, a common theme was the desire for a ‘15-minute community’ with much of what you need for everyday living close by. In addition, residents expressed desire for a wider range of housing choice, both on and off transit corridors, with ­walkable urban villages and public spaces that bring people together, support local ­businesses and foster a sense of community.

Feedback from the first two phases of engagement has been incorporated into Draft Neighbourhood Plans for each of these areas.

Fernwood Highlights include:

• Ideas for a gradual expansion of Fernwood Village with more and refreshed public space, better pedestrian connections, opportunities for smaller shops and more housing choices
• Ideas for transforming Bay Street into a better place for people, with more trees, housing choices, shops and wider ­sidewalks, crossings and bus transit
• New car-lite housing options that fit into the neighbourhood, for both renters and buyers, letting people live in the place they love

Have Your Say 

We want to know what ideas you like, what ideas you’d change, and what might be missing. This fall join an online ‘Ask a Planner’ session, complete a survey, or join us for an in-person walkshop and open house. Visit engage.victoria.ca to learn more.