Uploaded on 2016-09-24 by Sasha Kvakic

My top five liveable cities (in no particular order): Vienna, Ljubljana, Geneva, Sarajevo, Vancouver My top five characteristics: Proximity to wilderness-though not necessarily the kind of untouched rugged landscape one finds on Vancouver's North shore. Cultural vibrancy-by which I mean a diverse set of opportunities to engage with others via the arts, public events and a lively public realm. Economic opportunity and affordability- there has to some kind of match between the general economy, labour market and the cost of living. Physical safety- one doesn't want to risk one's life for a loaf of bread. Quality urban design- a distinctive aesthetic in terms of architecture and landscape planning How my hometown measures up: Victoria is a bit too small, too expensive and too stunted culturally to be classified alongside the world cities listed above. While we are blessed with a stunning location, mountain and ocean views, a stable political climate, and a quaint historic core we have long passed into the extractive museum city phase much like Venice. Our main private industry is tourism...which offers limited opportunities for living wage employment. Decades of conservative planning practice driven by a politically vocal geriatric community has had the effect of restricting growth of the housing stock and raising real estate prices far beyond the limits of affordability.