Voting is open on which community projects get funding this year

Victoria residents will have a chance to vote on the City projects they think should receive funding this year.

There are eight community projects in two categories vying for a portion of the allocated $50,000 of funding.

The proposals include public art and murals, multicultural movie nights, new community spaces, disc golf events, and pop-up opera performances.

Residents are able to weigh in on the projects online and in person until November 19, 2021.

"I invite everyone to vote on these exciting project ideas designed by the community to enhance neighbourhood spaces in our City,” said Mayor Lisa Helps.

“Participatory Budgeting is democracy in action. PB, as it’s known in short, empowers a group of community volunteers to run a process to determine how tax dollars will be invested in their neighbourhoods. I encourage everyone to learn about these projects and vote for the ones they want to see funded."

"Want to see the coolest and most imaginative projects and activities happen in your community? Want to have more control over how the City spends your tax dollars? When you vote in Victoria's Participatory Budgeting process, you exercise your democratic rights to make good things happen," said Jim LaMorte, a member of the community-led Steering Committee.

"With the theme of Neighbourhood Spaces, the projects that are up for funding include creative ideas right in your backyard. And you get to choose."

To view all eight projects and cast your ballot, visit the City’s website here.

There will also be an in-person voting location in the City Hall foyer, as well as pop-up voting locations around the city.

The winning projects will be announced in December and the projects will come to life in 2022.