Victoria City Hall

Dean Fortin is the current mayor of Victoria, British Columbia, and a committed commuter cyclist!  That is impressive. 

An informative discussion

I recently sat down with this passionate leader to talk about his top priorities when it comes to leading this city over the next few years.

This lawyer/counsellor joined city council in 2002 and became mayor in 2008, and was re-elected for a second term last fall.  He’s already managed to make a difference and when I ask him what his proudest accomplishments are thus far in his career, he’s quick to mention the efforts and success around the homelessness, even though “we have many more miles to go.”

Mayor Fortin explaining the future plans for the city

The city’s working to address the severe shortage of affordable housing, sustainable growth, how to continue to support a vibrant downtown, and advancing a transportation strategy that meets the needs of the growing region,” he explains.

During our discussion, I learn that Victoria is considering a light rapid transit system.  This would certainly contribute to their greenness by further reducing the greenhouse gas emissions around town.

Centennial Square, City Hall

It sounds like his once a month ‘Open Door’ at City Hall is a success.  Citizens come and share their ideas and concerns with him.  He has also taken these meetings outside of the office with another once a month session called ‘Open Door on the Road.’

The Mayor sets up shop in a different local coffee store and puts an ad in the newspaper, a sandwich board out front of the cafe, and waits for people to come and talk to him.  He finds that this venue provides him with input from locals that may not have ventured over to see him at City Hall.

There is a lot more to share from my discussion with this top resident, but…..you will have to wait for the book Zooming across Canada.