Jim Mayer 🇨🇦
@pentastich.bsky.social
Urbanism, utility cycling, rowing, food, vintage cocktails, and city living. Victoria, BC, Canada. He/him.
Blog: https://www.boomin-in-victoria.ca
Mastodon (rarely) https://urbanists.social/@pentastich
Formerly @pentastich on Birdland
Blog: https://www.boomin-in-victoria.ca
Mastodon (rarely) https://urbanists.social/@pentastich
Formerly @pentastich on Birdland
Reposted by Jim Mayer 🇨🇦
Reposted by Jim Mayer 🇨🇦
Yeah. We voted to pay more in taxes for a new pool. If they're trying to keep the tax increase at a fixed level including the pool cost, that's not what we voted for.
Pull the Crystal Pool line into it's own section like the police budget and look at what's left. (Hope that's what they're doing)
Pull the Crystal Pool line into it's own section like the police budget and look at what's left. (Hope that's what they're doing)
November 8, 2025 at 2:45 AM
Yeah. We voted to pay more in taxes for a new pool. If they're trying to keep the tax increase at a fixed level including the pool cost, that's not what we voted for.
Pull the Crystal Pool line into it's own section like the police budget and look at what's left. (Hope that's what they're doing)
Pull the Crystal Pool line into it's own section like the police budget and look at what's left. (Hope that's what they're doing)
1/ The cost of the #yyj Crystal Pool were clear to everyone during the referendum. I voted yes on the assumption that we were taking on EXTRA debt repayments. If the city had said the new pool would come at the expense of active transportation programs, I would have fought it tooth and nail.
Mayor Alto clarifies that any proposed reductions wouldn't touch Crystal Pool to maintain the funding envelope. In other words, Crystal Pool may "cost" the City in other services and programs.
[unless Council decides to forego austerity and own their pool decision by raising taxes]
[unless Council decides to forego austerity and own their pool decision by raising taxes]
November 8, 2025 at 2:39 AM
1/ The cost of the #yyj Crystal Pool were clear to everyone during the referendum. I voted yes on the assumption that we were taking on EXTRA debt repayments. If the city had said the new pool would come at the expense of active transportation programs, I would have fought it tooth and nail.
Have you heard of “The Populist Playbook?”
A few years ago, I posted what I still consider one of my most important messages.
It was about “The Populist Playbook” that I’ve watched play out often over my 33+ years of city planning.
Since then, it’s only gotten worse.
Do the steps sound familiar?
A few years ago, I posted what I still consider one of my most important messages.
It was about “The Populist Playbook” that I’ve watched play out often over my 33+ years of city planning.
Since then, it’s only gotten worse.
Do the steps sound familiar?
November 8, 2025 at 2:17 AM
1/3 Wow… the @timescolonist.bsky.social is really letting their biases show. Saying "refuses to call for" sounds like they removed a staff recommendation or a well reasoned report, instead of what they did: reject an unserious, poorly thought out, non-evidence based spam motion from one councillor.
November 7, 2025 at 7:22 PM
1/3 Wow… the @timescolonist.bsky.social is really letting their biases show. Saying "refuses to call for" sounds like they removed a staff recommendation or a well reasoned report, instead of what they did: reject an unserious, poorly thought out, non-evidence based spam motion from one councillor.
Reposted by Jim Mayer 🇨🇦
www.cfaxsantas.com/pages/toy-dr... - shame on @cfax1070.bsky.social for using this AI generated slop. Maybe try giving back to the community by hiring a local photographer and by using your own volunteers and children in the community 🤦♂️ #yyj #yyjpoli
November 6, 2025 at 9:23 PM
www.cfaxsantas.com/pages/toy-dr... - shame on @cfax1070.bsky.social for using this AI generated slop. Maybe try giving back to the community by hiring a local photographer and by using your own volunteers and children in the community 🤦♂️ #yyj #yyjpoli
One of the great things about #yyj is that it's easy to get to shockingly beautiful places like Tofino. We experienced beautiful rain, great fireplaces, and even some unexpected sunshine.
Taken with a Fuji X-Pro3 and a 33mm (50mm equivalent) lens.
Taken with a Fuji X-Pro3 and a 33mm (50mm equivalent) lens.
November 3, 2025 at 3:43 PM
One of the great things about #yyj is that it's easy to get to shockingly beautiful places like Tofino. We experienced beautiful rain, great fireplaces, and even some unexpected sunshine.
Taken with a Fuji X-Pro3 and a 33mm (50mm equivalent) lens.
Taken with a Fuji X-Pro3 and a 33mm (50mm equivalent) lens.
Reposted by Jim Mayer 🇨🇦
In 1960 it was thought that James Bay was a logical place to place density in the form of highrises to accomodate growth. The neighbourhood had a bad reputation and many saw the run-down houses adjoining Downtown as urban blight.
November 3, 2025 at 4:23 AM
In 1960 it was thought that James Bay was a logical place to place density in the form of highrises to accomodate growth. The neighbourhood had a bad reputation and many saw the run-down houses adjoining Downtown as urban blight.
1/ I'm disappointed by the #yyj council member motion from Mayor Alto and Councillor Dell (the James Bay liaison) called "James Bay neighbourhood as a Heritage Conservation Area" that's on the agenda for this Thursday's Committee of the Whole:
pub-victoria.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx...
pub-victoria.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx...
Council Member Motion: James Bay neighbourhood as a Heritage Conservation Area - Committee of the Whole - November 06, 2025
pub-victoria.escribemeetings.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:09 AM
1/ I'm disappointed by the #yyj council member motion from Mayor Alto and Councillor Dell (the James Bay liaison) called "James Bay neighbourhood as a Heritage Conservation Area" that's on the agenda for this Thursday's Committee of the Whole:
pub-victoria.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx...
pub-victoria.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx...
Reposted by Jim Mayer 🇨🇦
Another cynical attempt (their.. 3rd chance?) to kill the Centennial Square project completely even though it’s already basically toothless. I’m so sick of do nothing, rich, conservatives ignoring staff and engineers because “taxes” - which i’m sure both Marg and Coleman defer anyways. #yyj #yyjpoli
Three Victoria city councillors are motioning to halt the Centennial Square Revitalization project, citing mounting budget concerns ahead of next week's Committee of the Whole meeting.
Victoria councillors submit motion to halt Centennial Square Revitalization project
Three Victoria city councillors are motioning to halt the Centennial Square Revitalization project, citing mounting budget concerns ahead of next week's Committee of the Whole meeting.
cheknews.ca
November 1, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Another cynical attempt (their.. 3rd chance?) to kill the Centennial Square project completely even though it’s already basically toothless. I’m so sick of do nothing, rich, conservatives ignoring staff and engineers because “taxes” - which i’m sure both Marg and Coleman defer anyways. #yyj #yyjpoli
This is a really good article. If you're wondering what all the pairing is about give it a read.
NEW POST: No, the Supreme Court is not an obstacle to tougher laws against child porn emmettmacfarlane.substack.com/p/no-the-sup...
No, the Supreme Court is not an obstacle to tougher laws against child porn
Yesterday the Supreme Court issued a decision striking down mandatory minimum sentences in the context of possessing or accessing child pornography.
emmettmacfarlane.substack.com
November 1, 2025 at 7:36 PM
This is a really good article. If you're wondering what all the pairing is about give it a read.
Reposted by Jim Mayer 🇨🇦
6 units with 16 bedrooms in a twinned point access block on ~75% of the floor plate area of this double loaded corridor w/ 9 units and 10 bedrooms. one of most compact i've ever seen
to get the same number of bedrooms in the double loaded corridor - it would have to grow by at least 2,400 sf
to get the same number of bedrooms in the double loaded corridor - it would have to grow by at least 2,400 sf
October 31, 2025 at 2:41 AM
6 units with 16 bedrooms in a twinned point access block on ~75% of the floor plate area of this double loaded corridor w/ 9 units and 10 bedrooms. one of most compact i've ever seen
to get the same number of bedrooms in the double loaded corridor - it would have to grow by at least 2,400 sf
to get the same number of bedrooms in the double loaded corridor - it would have to grow by at least 2,400 sf
I have to hand it to Pierre Poilievre. In the last election he blew a 20 point lead blaming everything on Justin Trudeau. Most politicians wouldn't have recovered, but he has. And he's totally changed his strategy! Now he blames everything on Mark Carney. Flexibility is a key leadership skill! /s
October 28, 2025 at 10:26 PM
I have to hand it to Pierre Poilievre. In the last election he blew a 20 point lead blaming everything on Justin Trudeau. Most politicians wouldn't have recovered, but he has. And he's totally changed his strategy! Now he blames everything on Mark Carney. Flexibility is a key leadership skill! /s
1/ A smart analysis piece by @russilwvong.bsky.social on Vancouver Needs More Housing. Very relevant to #yyj, especially for anyone who watched the hyperlocal opposition to Victoria's OCP update:
open.substack.com/pub/morehous...
open.substack.com/pub/morehous...
Repost: Against defeatism
Homeowners are more worried about neighbourhood change than property values
open.substack.com
October 28, 2025 at 4:39 PM
1/ A smart analysis piece by @russilwvong.bsky.social on Vancouver Needs More Housing. Very relevant to #yyj, especially for anyone who watched the hyperlocal opposition to Victoria's OCP update:
open.substack.com/pub/morehous...
open.substack.com/pub/morehous...
1/ Maybe it's time to consider whether supporting these polluting entertainment machines is really in the best interest of #yyj and the world. Read the article, check out what the GVHA chair SAYS, and look at what the ship's DO.
www.timescolonist.com/business/gre...
www.timescolonist.com/business/gre...
Greater Victoria Harbour Authority abandoning shore-power plan for cruise ships
The harbour authority says the cost of shore power for ships docking at Ogden Point is prohibitive, despite millions promised by the federal and provincial governments.
www.timescolonist.com
October 26, 2025 at 5:17 PM
1/ Maybe it's time to consider whether supporting these polluting entertainment machines is really in the best interest of #yyj and the world. Read the article, check out what the GVHA chair SAYS, and look at what the ship's DO.
www.timescolonist.com/business/gre...
www.timescolonist.com/business/gre...
Every once in a while the evil algorithm shows me something pretty cool! This is about the type of early Bausch & Lomb anamorphic len adaptor used to film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
youtu.be/Vg0ftclnwzI?...
youtu.be/Vg0ftclnwzI?...
What Happened to Walt Disney’s Weird Cinema Lens?
YouTube video by Mathieu Stern
youtu.be
October 24, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Every once in a while the evil algorithm shows me something pretty cool! This is about the type of early Bausch & Lomb anamorphic len adaptor used to film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
youtu.be/Vg0ftclnwzI?...
youtu.be/Vg0ftclnwzI?...
1/2 I think of the federal government's legal reforms as giving tools to provinces, which then need to use them effectively, so I don't agree that the reforms "ignore the problem." I do agree that provinces need to end their legal "culture of delay."
www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/39c067e...
www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/39c067e...
Ottawa’s latest bail reforms continue to ignore the actual problem
By focussing on the severity of punishments, the federal government is ignoring the elephant in the room: there is too much delay in Canada’s court system
www.theglobeandmail.com
October 24, 2025 at 6:38 PM
1/2 I think of the federal government's legal reforms as giving tools to provinces, which then need to use them effectively, so I don't agree that the reforms "ignore the problem." I do agree that provinces need to end their legal "culture of delay."
www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/39c067e...
www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/39c067e...
An interesting article about #visionzero efforts in Pittsburgh that brought 2024 fatalities down 32% from the 20 year average. Possible lessons for #yyj around overcoming businesses fear of change.
#yyjbike
www.pghcitypaper.com/news-2/infra...
#yyjbike
www.pghcitypaper.com/news-2/infra...
Vision Zero Summit proves Pittsburgh is a rising star in the world of mobility - Pittsburgh City Paper | News, Dining, Music, Best Of, Arts, Film
Part of Vision Zero is the belief that all roadway fatalities are preventable.
www.pghcitypaper.com
October 24, 2025 at 5:53 PM
An interesting article about #visionzero efforts in Pittsburgh that brought 2024 fatalities down 32% from the 20 year average. Possible lessons for #yyj around overcoming businesses fear of change.
#yyjbike
www.pghcitypaper.com/news-2/infra...
#yyjbike
www.pghcitypaper.com/news-2/infra...
A million thanks to @susankimyyj.bsky.social for live posting the police board meeting. I really appreciate it.
Sup #yyj, here at the Joint Council (Victoria and Esquimalt) Police Board meeting tonight. I will live-tweet.
They are not livestreaming this meeting tonight, apparently. It remains open to the public at the Union Club downtown.
vicpd.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/251022-JBC-Agenda-Package.pdf
They are not livestreaming this meeting tonight, apparently. It remains open to the public at the Union Club downtown.
vicpd.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/251022-JBC-Agenda-Package.pdf
vicpd.ca
October 23, 2025 at 2:25 AM
A million thanks to @susankimyyj.bsky.social for live posting the police board meeting. I really appreciate it.
Reposted by Jim Mayer 🇨🇦
Reposted by Jim Mayer 🇨🇦
Victoria has a *lot* of cargo bikes. More than Montreal maybe? Certainly more than you’d see in downtown Montreal.
October 20, 2025 at 1:02 AM
Victoria has a *lot* of cargo bikes. More than Montreal maybe? Certainly more than you’d see in downtown Montreal.
I spent a glorious gloriously cold and wet day taking photos for the first day of the 2025 Head & Tail of the Gorge regatta. This is a fun event right here in Victoria, BC. #yyj #rowing
gorgerowing.ca/hogtog.html
gorgerowing.ca/hogtog.html
Head and Tail of the Gorge Regattas
The Head & Tail of the Gorge regattas are an iconic BC event, featuring exciting racing and spectacular viewing opportunities, in the heart of beautiful Victoria BC. Teams attend from across BC, Alber...
gorgerowing.ca
October 19, 2025 at 1:45 AM
I spent a glorious gloriously cold and wet day taking photos for the first day of the 2025 Head & Tail of the Gorge regatta. This is a fun event right here in Victoria, BC. #yyj #rowing
gorgerowing.ca/hogtog.html
gorgerowing.ca/hogtog.html
Reposted by Jim Mayer 🇨🇦
Victoria is Halifax mixed with Vancouver, but with more bikes.
October 19, 2025 at 1:04 AM
Victoria is Halifax mixed with Vancouver, but with more bikes.
This video is really good. I think it's significant that the housing minister in Finland that oversaw the rollout of Housing First was from a centre-right party. Doing housing first well, which means fully funding supports, makes good economic sense no matter your politics.
#yyj #homelessness
#yyj #homelessness
Someone sent me a video that's worth a watch if you're interested in homelessness, addiction, mental health, or street disorder.
Link to video in my reply.
Some of the points they make in the video:
1. Housing first is not housing only. It's a whole bunch more.
...
#yyj #homelessness
Link to video in my reply.
Some of the points they make in the video:
1. Housing first is not housing only. It's a whole bunch more.
...
#yyj #homelessness
October 17, 2025 at 10:14 PM
This video is really good. I think it's significant that the housing minister in Finland that oversaw the rollout of Housing First was from a centre-right party. Doing housing first well, which means fully funding supports, makes good economic sense no matter your politics.
#yyj #homelessness
#yyj #homelessness