Excitement is brewing for the transformation of the 900 block of Pandora Avenue in Victoria, a part of the city often deemed as troubled. Nathan Medd, the CEO of the Victoria Conservatory of Music, envisions a promising future for the area despite challenges faced during the pandemic, such as reduced capacity due to homeless encampments.
The neighborhood is undergoing changes, with plans to revitalize it into a vibrant cultural hub. The 900 block of Pandora, located in downtown Victoria, has been a gathering place for unhoused individuals and those in need of social services. While it offers essential resources like meals and showers, concerns about street disorder have been raised by residents and business owners.
In response to these concerns, the city announced a $10-million initiative to enhance community safety downtown. The plan includes increased funding for bylaw enforcement, police presence, and infrastructure improvements to create more inviting public spaces. Additionally, funding will support social services, including housing assistance.
Medd, with the support of a city grant, collaborated with local groups to envision a future for the block, complemented by the recent opening of a 15-storey apartment building. Despite acknowledging the neighborhood’s gritty nature, Medd envisions a future where the conservatory’s concert hall becomes a focal point for community engagement through music and art.
Karen Mills, an outreach worker and executive director of Peer2Peer Indigenous Society, emphasizes the importance of fostering connections with the current residents of the block through arts and culture initiatives. She advocates for inclusive planning that prioritizes the needs of the unhoused population and avoids displacing essential services.
The full reopening date of the conservatory’s Alix Goolden Performance Hall remains uncertain. The historic building, previously a church, suffered damage due to nearby encampments, prompting the installation of protective fences. Mayor Marianne Alto anticipates the removal of these barriers by November, signaling progress in improving safety in the area.
Medd remains cautiously optimistic about the future, awaiting the permanent removal of the fences before committing to fully opening the hall. With ongoing city efforts, collaborative brainstorming, and an influx of new residents, the 900 block of Pandora is poised for a positive transformation and a brighter future.