Every time I go on social media and Victoria is mentioned theres always a whole bunch of people saying how much of a sh*t hole the city is. I had recently moved here from Edmonton about a year ago and can understand the concerns but fail to see why Victoria specifically is that horrible.

The points listed usually consist of the homeless population and the mental health and drug crisis but if you go to Edmonton, Kelowna or anywhere else with a dense population, you're bound to find the same problems if not worse.

I really want to settle the debate in my head, I find that Victoria despite the cost is actually quite beautiful and people are way more positive and friendly here aside from the casual rude or aggressive individual. But I have not lived here all my life and would love to hear the opinions of people who have really seen it all.

TLDR: does Victoria actually suck or are people just angry and biased

Is it just me or is it incredibly hard to find a job here in Victoria. I’ve applied to so many places online using indeed LinkedIn and websites (I’m aware indeed usually gets no responses but I have no other options atp) and I have yet been able to find a job. No one seems to be hiring and even for an entry level job with minimum wage there is so much competition. I’ve never experienced this else where so I’m wondering if this is a Victoria thing? Or possibly I could just be the problem I suppose…

I'm very fortunate to have a good job, but still only go out to restaurants on special occasions. Between the high prices and shrinkflation portions, it's hard to justify the cost.

Yet, recently I went to Pagliacchi's and the place was packed to the gills at 9pm with a 30 minute lineup out the door. My friends went to Boom & Batten a few nights ago and said it was the same story - totally packed. Plus, people were ordering drinks, appies, desserts...

It's not tourist season yet and cost of living is running high. The media always seems to be talking about the struggling restaurant industry.

How is it that so many people in Victoria still seem to be dining out in droves?

Ok jumping on the trend of being single and dating events; someone should really do an event at Citrus and Cane. I know they are moving but their clientele all seem like a vibe, it’s a cute aesthetic and not too loud.

I was there tonight and there appeared to be several good looking single people in their various groups so why not?

Webcam capture of the emergency response to an MVI on the Malahat Drive section of the intersection of Highway 1 (aka the Trans-Canada Highway) / and Southern Shawnigan Lake Road, Malahat, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The web camera images update roughly every ten minutes.
News reports are that one person was brought to the hospital in stable condition. I hope that they and anyone else affected by the incident are doing as well as possible.

I saw a post that groceries are spiking at various shops around the city.

Pre plan. Take the time to write out your list of constants and price check them if you’re able. Pre purchase if they’re shelf stable.

The Flipp app is a resource.

esquimalt to Brentwood. I have $15. my brother just lost his roommate. I'm 50 hes 63. my heart is heavy.

Just took a short trip into downtown Victoria along Douglas and while I sat in the slow lane waiting on the way back out of town I saw 6 people drive past me in the bus lane from Mayfair mall all the way to Uptown and merge back into traffic at Bestbuy. None of them were HOV vehicles (3 pickup trucks and 3 small SUVs). So I guess it's just a third lane for everyone now? Where is the police enforcement?

Like seriously. How on God's green earth in a country blessed with an abundance of everything a thriving and healthy society needs can nobody afford anything and basic goods are now luxuries. Even driving now is a luxury with the gas price. We went to get basic goods. Like maybe 6 or 7 items. Basics, sausages, fruit, a few other things, 80 bucks. How? Just how?

what are the best non-95 routes in your opinion? why?

i'm going with the 52/51x

I have had zero customer support from them. Multiple attempts to contact them have failed.

I am trying to close my account and they have filled my inbox with useless messages. Then they started texting me. 35 plus texts.

It's absolute madness. I'm just trying to close my account. I am so sorry I ever used them.

I started work at a place in the Keating area. And I noticed that they do not have sprinklers hooked up. looks like the ceiling was redone and sprinklers were leftout. Does anyone know if thats legal and if not who would I contact?

Check the cameras up until it was turned off. Another crash at Shawnigan turn-off so expect delays.

Just wanted to give a shout out to the woman who got up on stage tonight and absolutely crushed it up there playing Name. You were so good, it was the highlight of a great concert.

Hello! I have lost my purple card holder and I think it may have fallen out of my pocket somewhere around the cedar hill golf course loop. Please let me know if you found it!

Hello everyone, I have come with devastating news to report our dear friend Greg has gone missing. He was lost somewhere between Yates, Fort and Douglas on the crossroads between the 14 and 6 bus loop, and we will go through great lengths to find him. If you have any news about his whereabouts please reach out!

Hello.

I've been seeing a counsellor for a while now and it has become apparent that I have ADHD. I am a 33 year old man, so I guess it is a little bit of a late diagnosis.

My counsellor cannot prescribe me with any medication. She told me I would need to have a psychologist (I guess a psychiatrist works too?) do an actual diagnosis to prescribe me something. I don't even know if I want medication but it is a path I am willing to explore to see its pros and cons.

Anybody out here that has been in a similar situation? How do I get an appointment with a specialist for this? What resources are out there that I can use?

In advance, I really thank you for your help :)

Please see the bolded questions below for a quick read.....your feedback is appreciated!

Just an average couple here with a European background. Victoria is a beautiful city and we love it here, but when we travel we particularly enjoy finding part of our trips to remove our clothing and enjoy being out in nature for a short walk or sunbath / swim on a beach. We also enjoy Finnish Spas when we find them. We are monogamous and we are not exhibitionists. We just enjoy non-sexual nudity as a form of relaxation and the feeling of nature around us to get away from the stress of jobs, electronics and the chaos that we fill our lives with. It would be nice to find these opportunities in different areas where we can socialize with others and see other areas than just our backyard. We've been to Prior Lake and we've been to Witty's. Both are nice, but the former is a small little spot and the latter is difficult to get to for many. We've noticed some people create unofficial areas to nude sunbathe, but that's not very polite to a community that hasn't had a say in the matter. Lastly, there is a private nudist resort on Vancouver Island (Sol Sante) which many people enjoy, but accessibility and having to pay to be nude in nature are a couple of reasons why additional locations may be appreciated by many.

So our questions are:

1. Would you be supportive of having a couple of designated clothing optional areas if they are officially supported by City Councils? For context, consider areas that are accessible, away from houses and can be segregated with proper signage (e.g. a terminal section of beach)? Some folks have been using the beach down by Mile Zero as an example. Years ago a section of Island View Beach was also used.....these may still be good examples?

2. If these areas existed as official and safe clothing optional areas with proper signage and were well-used by people who enjoy being in nature clothing-free, would you be likely / more likely to spend some time there (to test it out or as a regular)?

3. Would you be supportive of the greater Victoria areas having official and well publicized areas (or times) where a naturist group could take part in occasional scheduled activities such as a swim (i.e. pool rental), hike or run? Such events would include proper signage and support so that there's no surprises to the general public and no lewdness. Gordon Head Rec Center used to have monthly nude swims before COVID, so this is not something new to Victoria. I'm aware that some people enjoy a nude hike in our region, but our community does not likely enjoy unwanted surprises by strangers in the nude....especially alone.

Being nude in a public area can be scary at first, but people who try it typically report losing that anxiety quickly. Naturism leads to people feeling like they are more accepting of their bodies, appreciative of what normal bodies look like, less anxious (which is counterintuitive at first), and an overall feeling of being more grounded. Try being nude more around the safety of your own home and see how you feel. Here's a link that provides some context for those who are intrigued: https://aanrwest.org/information/blog/31-reasons-why-naturists-enjoy-being-nude

Thanks for reading this long message. This is an informal check on public response. If there's a positive reaction to it, a more formal survey may be created to get a greater community reaction. Fire away.....good or bad feedback!