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Jeremy Caradonna on Facebook My vision (see below):
This is a page from the 2022 BC Local General Elections.
Jeremy Caradonna
Independent for Victoria Council
Climate Change
Active Transportation
We need to fix the kinks in the current bike and roll lane system and add to our AAA system. It reduces GHGs and keeps people active!
This is the best way to keep people fit and reduce emissions. Let's complete the bike and roll lane network!
Electric Bikes & Scooters
It's the way of the future and we need to ensure that bike and roll lanes accommodate them safely.
(See climate change section.)
Energy-Efficient Buildings & Retrofits
Buildings are 40% of GHGs in Victoria. We must support energy efficiency, decarbonization of built environment, and low embodied carbon.
Flooding
The climate is already warming and flooding will occur, as will sea level rise. We need much better emergency preparedness and adaptation.
Green Space
I have kids and we want to live in a city with abundant green space. I have a plan to expand the urban forest canopy and add green space.
I have a plan to expand green space in Victoria, which is so essential to wellbeing.
Parking
Victoria should aim to be "car lite." My family owns one vehicle and cars are still part of our society, but we can reduce car impacts.
(See other sections.)
Private Vehicles
(See other sections.)
They are a part of the transportation mix, but sustainable development can limit the impact of private vehicles. Car sharing, for instance.
Urban Heat
Climate preparedness is an essential component of climate action. We must reduce emissions and prepare for extreme heat events.
Zoning
Zoning is controlled by local governments. Good zoning can add new housing to drive affordability. It can also create safe, vibrant streets.
(See previous section.)
Housing & Homelessness
Affordability
Unaffordability is the #1 problem in Victoria. It affects everyone from the unhoused to service workers to working professionals to seniors.
Building Maintenance & Occupant Health
We must support legislation and enact bylaws that protect renters from poor building maintenance and health risks.
Co-Op Housing
Co-ops = real affordability! Canada (CMHC) stopped financing co-ops in 1992. Council can reduce barriers building more co-ops in town.
Housing Accessibility
Housing accessibility means that everyone has access to a home and that all buildings can be accessed by people of all abilities.
Indigenous-Led Housing
It is really crucial that the city support Indigenous-led housing through meaningful partnerships with Indigenous organizations.
(See housing section.)
Property Taxes
Victoria already pays very high property taxes, which drives unaffordability. Property tax discounts can be used to support key demographics
Public Housing
Social housing = real affordability! I have been, and remain, a strong supporter of adding social housing in Victoria!!
Rent
Rents are exorbitant and we're losing our best people to the affordability crisis. We need more market and social housing immediately.
Rental Stock
Victoria is zoned 65% single family homes. Some homes are rentals, but many are not. Not everyone can own. We need more rental stock.
SROs
Single room occupancies have their place, but they don't work for families. We need more units that are 2-4 bedrooms.
Street Sweeps
Street sweeps are very controversial and often backfire. The evidence is not great that they are effective.
Unhoused People
Victoria has between 150-200 people who sleep rough every night. We have the capacity to shelter all these folks and get them into housing.
Zoning
Zoning is controlled by local governments. Good zoning can add new housing to drive affordability. It can also create safe, vibrant streets.
(See previous section.)
Human Rights
Physical Accessibility
The city should be accessible to people of all ages and abilities. I support a comprehensive Accessibility Review of public spaces in Vic.
Recent Immigrants
I was an immigrant to Canada 15 years ago. The city can be doing much more to be a welcoming place for newcomers.
Refugees & Undocumented Immigrants
Refugees and undocumented immigrants need support, protection, and compassion.
Sex Workers
Sex workers have human rights and personal freedoms that must be protected.
Trans Rights & Access to Services
The trans community has elevated levels of violence and discrimination. The trans community must be supported, protected, and HEARD.
Local Government & Democracy
Budgeting
With effective budgeting, Victoria can minimize deficit spending and ensure that core services are properly capitalized and operated.
Public Engagement
Public engagement is the key to a functional and inclusive democracy. Victoria can be doing better on this front.
Youth Engagement
Young people are so often left out of public engagements. We need to hear from all ages, including kids, high schoolers, and univ. students.
Mental Health, Drugs, & Addiction
Drug Decriminalisation
Yes! Criminalizing drugs is ineffective. It must be treated as a health and human rights issue.
Mental Health Crisis Response
My wife works in mental health and she knows that our society is failing badly to get people the mental health supports they need.
Overdoses & the Contaminated Drug Supply
It's a crisis that has killed thousands of people in B.C. We need a comprehensive approach that is driven by health care and wellbeing.
Safe Supply
Many jurisdictions have now proven that a safe drug supply reduces harm and makes it easier for users to quit, if they so desire.
Treatment Programmes
We need a lot more detox and rehab programmes to meet a skyrocketing need. We're nowhere close to meeting demand.
Public Safety & Policing
Non-Police-Based Public Safety
This is the way of the future. From ACT to IMCRT and PACT, new models have emerged to shift away from policing to social services.
Police Funding
Is dependent upon the needs of the department. Police should be able to focus on their core strengths & cede authorities to social services.
Police Wrongdoing & Accountability
It is essential that there is oversight of policing and that the Vic PD is held accountable for any wrongdoings that may occur.
Street Sweeps
Street sweeps are very controversial and often backfire. The evidence is not great that they are effective.
Upstream Causes of Crime
As with homelessness, we cannot look only at effects but must also look at the root causes of social issues.
Public Spaces & Services
Fitness & Sports Facilities
We will get the Crystal Pool built and add new park features in the next mandate.
Green Space
I have kids and we want to live in a city with abundant green space. I have a plan to expand the urban forest canopy and add green space.
I have a plan to expand green space in Victoria, which is so essential to wellbeing.
Public Washrooms
We need more of them! One in downtown, one along Dallas, and a new one in Vic West.
Sidewalks & Bike Paths
I support pedestrian rights and safety and a safe and comprehensive bike and roll lane network.
(See previous sections.)
Zoning
Zoning is controlled by local governments. Good zoning can add new housing to drive affordability. It can also create safe, vibrant streets.
(See previous section.)
Reconciliation & Indigenous Nations
Indigenous Languages
I would love to see expanded Indigenous language training in SD61 and public programs that allow Victorians to learn Lekwungen.
Indigenous-Led Housing
It is really crucial that the city support Indigenous-led housing through meaningful partnerships with Indigenous organizations.
(See housing section.)
Land & Governance
Victoria should continue to work towards reconciliation by returning stolen lands to First Nations, wherever possible and appropriate.
Places Names, Statues, & Other Commemorations
I think it was a real and genuine act of the city to rename Trutch Street as Su-it ("Truth," in Lekwungen).
Residential Schools
The legacy of trauma and injustice is real. Victoria has not yet come to terms with its role in this genocidal history.
The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Victoria can be doing more to implement UNDRIP at the municipal level.
Transit & Getting Around
Active Transportation
We need to fix the kinks in the current bike and roll lane system and add to our AAA system. It reduces GHGs and keeps people active!
This is the best way to keep people fit and reduce emissions. Let's complete the bike and roll lane network!
Electric Bikes & Scooters
It's the way of the future and we need to ensure that bike and roll lanes accommodate them safely.
(See climate change section.)
New Transit Projects
As city councillor and CRD director, I will advocate for a regional light rail network, dedicated bus lanes, E&N, and active transit infra.
Parking
Victoria should aim to be "car lite." My family owns one vehicle and cars are still part of our society, but we can reduce car impacts.
(See other sections.)
Private Vehicles
(See other sections.)
They are a part of the transportation mix, but sustainable development can limit the impact of private vehicles. Car sharing, for instance.
Ride-Hailing
I'm not convinced of its necessity and I see it as part of a gig economy. I prefer car-sharing programs.
Sidewalks & Bike Paths
I support pedestrian rights and safety and a safe and comprehensive bike and roll lane network.
(See previous sections.)
Transit Fares
Let's reduce them!
Biography
submitted by the candidate or their team
I hold a PhD in History and have two jobs. I work for the Province as a climate policymaker and teach in Environmental Studies at Uvic. My wife, Hannah, works in mental health, and our two daughters now attend Central's Late French Immersion program. We love living in Fernwood.
Reason for running
submitted by the candidate or their team
My main reason for running is my kids. I want them to be able to grow up in a safe, diverse, sustainable, and vibrant city. Moreover, I want them to be able to afford to settle in Victoria when they are grownups. People all of generations are being priced out of this city.
electjeremy.ca www.electjeremy.ca