Urbanism and Architecture in Vic City

What's this page all about?   Think of it as a curated hub where you'll find a wide range of perspectives, insights and news from the local architecture and urbanist scene.  We'd love to read and share your thoughts as well - contact us at mappingvictoria@gmail.com 

2025 Posts - Patrick Murphy and Oh the Urbanity! bring their YouTube machine to Victoria and rate the local cycling scene plus Gene's take on architecture

Readers Reply:

I agree with your analysis concerning the towers' poor architecture. There is an epidemic of bland buildings on the island, smothered in ACM panels and other cheap materials. Architecture is all but dead in the region and desperately needs revival. The aesthetic standards the city does have are nugatory. We should not have to choose between good art and mass housing. 

I worry that this period of decadence will continue indefinitely, as the region remains attractive to new residents. If this seems at all dramatic, ask yourself: when was the last time you saw a new building that inspired something within you? If you had friends or family visiting the city for the first time, what places would you want to show them? And why haven't any of those places been built in recent times? What modern buildings would you induct onto the heritage register when their age arrives? 

The Victoria that has been built over the last few decades is not a city rich in architecture, culture, or aesthetics. The artless functionality of our burgeoning built environment must spur all of us to demand a city that is significant not only for its wealth of history, but for its contemporary contributions. 

Dominic Gunderson - September 27, 2026

Langford's Ambitious and First (?!) Transportation Plan - August 2, 2026

On July 20, 2026 Langford City Council officially adopted transportation plans with an ambitious goal of "42 per cent of trips in the city being done on foot, by bike or on transit instead of by private vehicle when Langford hits a population of 100,000." - August 1, 2026 Times Colonist story.  The TC reports that only 13% of trips are currently made by these modes, thus "Langford’s transportation plans sketch out roughly $135 million in potential infrastructure spending over the next two decades. Of that, $74 million would go to sidewalks, multi-use paths, highway overpasses and protected bike lanes, while $61 million is dedicated to expanding and improving Langford’s street network."

Langford was the fastest growing large BC municipality between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025 with a growth rate of 3.6%, reaching a population of 59,669.  Assuming a more modest yet strong ongoing growth rate of 2.5% annually would bring Langford's population to 100,000 by 2046, just 20 years from now.  

According to the Langford's Transportation Plan webpage. "The Transportation Master Plan is Langford’s first official guide for long-term planning and development of the city’s transportation network.  The Active Transportation Plan was developed alongside the TMP and will focus on providing greater choices for walking, rolling, and cycling around the community.  An ATP will help to reduce the growing pressure and congestion on the existing road network."

More Cars but Less Driving - Posted March 28, 2026

Check out the CHEK TV news story from March 28, 2026 which reports the number of cars in Victoria has increased more than the population growth from 2024 to 2025.  Todd Litman from the Victoria Transport Policy Institute notes, however that actual car usage is down.