Victoria’s Pandora Avenue Faces Transformation Amid Challenges

The 900 block of Pandora Avenue in downtown Victoria is on the brink of transformation, according to Nathan Medd, CEO of the Victoria Conservatory of Music. This area, often regarded as the most troubled part of the city, has been significantly impacted by homelessness and social issues. Medd is optimistic about the future and envisions the conservatory as a cultural hub that will enhance the community, although a specific reopening date for its performance hall remains uncertain.

The 900 block serves as a critical access point for homeless individuals and those in need of social services, offering meals, showers, and an overdose prevention site. This has raised concerns among residents and local business owners about street disorder. In response to these issues, the City of Victoria announced a $10 million plan aimed at improving community safety. The initiative includes funding for enhanced bylaw enforcement, police presence, and infrastructure repairs to make public spaces more inviting. Additionally, it provides support for social services, including housing assistance.

Recent developments include the opening of a new 15-storey apartment building named Neighbour at the corner of Pandora Avenue and Vancouver Street, which is expected to bring more residents to the area. Medd, who recently received a grant from the city, collaborated with local groups to envision a revitalized future for the block. He acknowledges that while the area will maintain its gritty character, it can also become a vibrant space where music and art flourish.

Karen Mills, executive director of Peer2Peer Indigenous Society, shares Medd’s vision for integrating arts and culture into the community. Mills, who experienced homelessness for eight years, emphasizes the need for genuine connections with those currently living in or frequenting the area. “When you start putting up fences… it sends a clear, strong message to the unhoused community that you don’t like them, that you’re afraid of them,” she stated. Mills believes that meaningful change will only occur when plans are created without displacing individuals from essential services.

The Victoria Conservatory of Music is preparing to fully reopen the Alix Goolden Performance Hall, which has been operating at reduced capacity since the pandemic. Due to safety concerns, the city erected large blue fences around the building, which have restricted access and limited capacity. Mayor Marianne Alto indicated in September that these fences could be removed by November, a development Medd hopes will materialize.

“I am cautiously optimistic that will happen,” Medd remarked, but he insists he will wait to see if the changes are permanent before fully committing to the hall’s reopening. He remains confident that the city’s ongoing efforts, combined with the influx of new residents, herald a positive future for the 900 block of Pandora.

As the community navigates these changes, the intersection of culture, safety, and social services will play a crucial role in reshaping the identity of this once-troubled area into a vibrant and inclusive neighborhood.