The capital of British Columbia has been named the best small city in Canada, according to a new report from bestcities.org.
The report highlighted Victoria’s natural amenities like parks and viewpoints, economic opportunities for remote workers and the food and beverage industries as key reasons why the city is leading the way. listing.
Victoria beat second-place Kelowna and third-place Kingston, Ont., to take first place.
Two other communities on Vancouver Island were on the top 25 list for 2022, including Nanaimo in 20th place and Saanich in 23rd.
METHODOLOGY
The report used Resonance Consultancy to rank the top 25 small towns in Canada.
The ranking used six different metrics, with Victoria ranking first in the “product” and “programming” categories.
The product references a city’s infrastructure and attractions, with Resonance citing Victoria’s relatively robust airport, growing cycling network and local universities as attractive reasons to visit the city.
In fact, Victoria was considered the second most educated small town in the country, according to Resonance.
Downtown Victoria is pictured. (CTV News)
Meanwhile, Victoria scored high in the programming category with its reputation for having the highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada and “one of the highest number of breweries per capita”, according to the report.
“This is where craft brewing in Canada was born,” the website says.
The City of Gardens also ranked second in the “Location” category for its extensive parks and panoramic views of the coast and nearby mountains.
LOCAL DEFICIENCIES
Although Victoria scored relatively low for its overall weather, due to its high number of rainy days per year, Resonance pointed out that the city has one of the mildest climates in Canada, with temperatures rarely dropping. below freezing during winters generally staying in the 20s during summer.
What was of more concern, however, was the cost of living in the city. Rent and overall youth affordability was a notable low point for the city’s ranking.
“Average home prices of over $1 million, combined with skyrocketing rents and resistance to rezoning, are key to sustained population and talent growth,” reads the report. report.
“Coffeeaholic. Lifelong alcohol fanatic. Typical travel expert. Prone to fits of apathy. Internet trailblazer.”