Dear Santa,
As the new VRBA President, I hope you will consider wishes for housing after delivering gifts to all the good girls and boys on your list.
When flying over Saanich in your sleigh, please consider approving the backlog of development and building permits. This would provide homes for many families and make their holiday season jolly.
Nearby is Oak Bay with only two legal duplexes, so duplex and legal secondary suites are very much needed. Your Elves won’t have to do the work, we have Builders, Suppliers and Trades named Willing, Ready and Able.
I know you are going over your list to see who is naughty or nice.
New homes in Victoria declined 64% this year, and council rejected more new housing on Cook St. Perhaps a lump of coal in their stockings…or maybe there’s a brand new, shiny council in your gift bag!
Premier Horgan promised Surrey a new train, but forgot his own kids in the Westshore. If you have an extra train set, they would be thrilled. The twins Langford and Colwood have been very good this year, doing most of the house work for the other 11 kids.
Santa, we are not leaving everything to you. VRBA is again supporting the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation at the Festival of Trees – we saw you at the Bay Centre making your rounds inspecting the trees.
VRBA members also donate to Threshold Housing Society providing housing for youth, CFAX Santa’s Anonymous, TC Christmas Fund, Goldstream Chums and Habitat for Humanity’s Gingerbread House Showcase.
Best wishes on your travels Santa, and don’t forget to wear your mask!
Happy Holidays to all!
Dusty
This column appears Wednesdays in the Times Colonist newspaper.
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