The conversation has sparked online over why residents are proud to call Victoria home.
The question was raised on the website Reddit, as one user asked for people91Ƶs insight after considering relocating to the city.
A Reddit user who responded to the thread mentioned that the turnout from the thousands who showed up to rallies in September to protest and support the inclusion of lessons about gender and sexual diversity in B.C. classrooms makes him proud.
91ƵYes, I agree with this example. There91Ƶs so much hate everywhere that I91Ƶm sad to say I was surprised at the turnout 91Ƶ surprised but proud,91Ƶ they wrote.
The 2023 Vital Signs Survey asks residents in Greater Victoria to share their thoughts surrounding the quality of life in the Vancouver Island region and what Greater Victorians like about the area.
The oceanfront, the forests, and friendliness are just a few descriptors that come to mind for some Victorians when they describe why they prefer life on the Island.
Former Victoria resident and filmmaker Riley Eberts says that she adored her time on the Island and misses it more each day as time passes.
91ƵI lived on the Island for a year, and I loved it,91Ƶ said Eberts. 91ƵI understand the difficulty for some people, but the nature, the people, and the atmosphere aren91Ƶt comparable to anywhere else in B.C.91Ƶ
Before leaving the Island to attend classes at UBCO in Kelowna, she says she plans to return to live on 91Ƶisland time91Ƶ again.
91ƵVictoria is known for its strong sense of community; people often say it91Ƶs close-knit and welcoming where all the neighbours know each other, which is different in cities like Vancouver,91Ƶ said Eberts.
The history of Victoria is also a source of pride for its residents. As the capital of B.C., it is steeped in a rich cultural heritage with historic architecture, museums, and landmarks that harken back to its colonial past.
Chair of Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary Jaques Sirois says that Victoria also has a unique relationship with nature in that it blends seamlessly with the city.
91ƵBut here in Greater Victoria, we have arguably the best neighbourhood in Canada. We91Ƶve got killer whales, and we91Ƶve got marbled murrelets, we91Ƶve got Pacific octopus. It91Ƶs pretty shocking when you look at all the things that are happening at one time,91Ƶ said Sirois.
He said people often respond that they recognize the natural environment as the city91Ƶs number one asset.
Longtime resident Renee Maner says that the emphasis on eco-friendly lifestyles makes her most proud of being a Victorian.
91ƵSustainability is embraced here,91Ƶ said Maner. 91ƵThe city is always working towards some initiative to make the community more green, and I can say I91Ƶm truly proud of that.91Ƶ
For some, Victoria is more than a picturesque, close-knit community; instead, it is a place that encapsulates some of the most positive aspects of Canada. The sense of community, rich history and cultural vibrancy, and eco-friendly lifestyle all contribute to the pride that former and current Victorians hold for the city.
READ MORE: