Victoria's main local industries - tourism and government administration - need to be maintained in order to ensure the health of our local economy, this is obvious. The question facing Victoria right now is how to maintain stability at a time when a number of important outside factors are shifting. While on Council, I will work with the city's business associations such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Association to assess the needs of the business community at this time and to ensure that those needs are met. Some important points on this subject come to mind,
My position on this subject is in the "Your Voice" section of this site.You can click here to view it.
This year, Victoria has seen a distinct decline in travel from the United States, a major contributor of tourism income in Victoria. This has been primarily the result of the current economic situation in the United States. I would like to see this city work with the various tourist-based businesses and organizations to help promote tourism from elsewhere in the world in order to offset the loss in revenue from the U.S.
In addition, I hope to work with both local and international cultural organizations to find new ways to bring art, music, and theatre into the downtown core. This will provide a more exciting and uniquely Victorian experience for visitors, support tourism in our city, and encourage locals to spend time downtown.
I would also like to assess the community support for a pedestrian only access area in the downtown core. The details of this particular idea would need to be worked out with downtown residents and businesses to ensure that it would not have an overwhelming negative effect on either group. To read more about my views on this idea, click here.
The need for retail space is not a major concern at this point, judging by the availability of storefront space downtown. Office space, however, is a concern if we are to maintain or increase the current level of administrative jobs in Victoria. Development incentives in the form of tax or height allowances could help to encourage an increase in the amount of office space downtown.
If you have any questions about this page, or anything else on my website, please don't hesitate to email me at simonnattrass@gmail.com
