Details Matter

I'm discovering small little things that Victoria is doing differently. In some cases, they seem to be part of the way business is done here. In others, they are most likely experimental projects. Here are a few examples. They all point in the direction of building a sustainable community.

Construction and Tree Protection

I like the friendly, simple communication with the public about projects, as exemplified by the sign which I saw on Cook Street at the edge of a long line of construction activity.

Sign on Cook Street

As the sign indicates, the storm drain is being upgraded with technology designed to minimize disruption to the roads and boulevard trees.

I also liked how sturdy and substantial the tree protection is. This is on Superior Street; on the left is the Capital Park Residences project.

Tree protection on Superior Street, James Bay

Cigarette Butt Recycling

In 2014 a cigarette butt pilot recycling program was started by the Downtown Victoria Business Association, the City of Victoria, and an environmental group. According to a Times Colonist article, the butts are converted into products such as plastic pellets for industrial use, while the paper and tobacco components are composted. The incentive for business is that a "storefront covered in cigarette butts is uninviting for customers".

Cigarette butt recycling near the Convention Centre

There are apparently a number of these units in the downtown and Inner Harbour areas, but so far, this is the only one I have found. Considering how many smokers I have encountered on the streets here, far more are needed!

Solar Energy

I have seen very few solar panels in the areas of Victoria I have walked in. Parking kiosks like the one below are the exception; I have seen a number.

There is definitely room for expansion of the solar energy infrastructure.

Human Powered Energy

Speaking of energy, every time I go to a gym, especially if I sit on a spinner (cycle), I think about all the human energy being employed there, and whether it could be captured in some way. Well, the Urban Spinning Bench was designed by someone who thought the same questions. In this case, it is converted to electrical energy which can charge a cell phone, or power a light.

Urban Spinning Bench, Cook Street
Energy from pedalling can be used to charge a cell phone

Instructions for the Urban Spinning Bench

Currently, this is in the form of street art. Choosing the option to light the pole makes the results visible to the cyclist; I'd like to see this pilot project replicated elsewhere. There is a lot of energy produced in gyms!

Drones

Signage about drones has recently been discussed in Salmon Arm. The Salmon Arm discussion was triggered by reports of drones flying above bird nests, especially raptors like osprey or waterfowl like grebes.

Sign at Victoria Harbour

This drone sign, seen near Fisherman's Wharf, is oriented to safety, because of the air operations over Victoria Harbour.

Ecosystem Awareness

I like the signs around Beacon Hill Park that make people aware of the rare ecosystems that Victoria is situated in - the coastal bluffs, and the Garry Oak meadows.

Victoria Seed Library

Finally: we came across the Victoria Seed Library at the Downtown Library one Saturday. Here is how they describe themselves, from their website (http://lifecyclesproject.ca/our-projects/seed-library/):

"A partnership between LifeCycles and the Greater Victoria Public Library, the Victoria Seed Library is a way for hobby and beginner gardeners to share seeds and steward a regionally adapted seed collection. Together we are working to keep seeds in the public domain and support food security and biodiversity."

As it was explained to us, gardeners can borrow seeds from the collection, with a commitment to harvest them in the fall and return seed to the library. That way the seed collection grows. 


A few small projects.... each one a good idea, each one with many details that needed working out. Start small, think local, and pay attention to the details.