An Interview with Centro Residents
Jessica & Omar
Please tell us a bit about yourselves—what do you do for work and what brought you to Victoria?
OMAR
I’m a Solar Design Engineer working in the renewable energy industry with a local electrical contractor. We moved here from Mexico City two years ago, Jessica provoked the move as she enrolled in a post-grad marketing program at Camosun College. We decided to move as the pandemic was winding down and without pets or children, we felt free to change it up. We thought, why not? We were drawn in by the weather, proximity to the ocean and to the business hub of Vancouver. This place offered many more opportunities for both of us than staying in Mexico.
JESSICA
I work in marketing remotely for an all-female B Corp
organization called Profit Reimagined. We partner with women founders to support their business and financial growth.
Where were you living in Victoria before Centro and what provoked your recent move?
JESSICA
We were living in a basement suite near Uptown. It was close to Camosun, which was convenient while I completed my program. When I graduated, we decided it was time to move and we wanted to find something closer to downtown and Omar’s work. We value a walkable lifestyle and living in a vibrant neighbourhood.
Where can you be found when not at work or home?
OMAR
I’m a swimmer and I often go to Crystal Pool, which is just an eight minute walk or three minute scooter ride from home. Being so close to the pool is a huge bonus in living here. We also love going to the IMAX or Cineplex to see movies.
JESSICA
As I work from home, I take lots of breaks out in the neighbourhood to get some sun or grab a coffee. I love walking to the beach or a nearby park to relax. We also love going to the festivals and events in the city—there’s so much going on, especially in the summer.
What are your favourite things about Quadra Village?
JESSICA
There are so many different personalities and lots of interesting cultures here. Even though I work from home, I like to get out during the day to see how people express themselves—it’s nice to see so many faces, colours and opinions. We love going to Caffé Fantastico and Part & Parcel and it’s so great to be next door to the grocery store!
OMAR
It’s a unique neighbourhood because it’s not entirely commercial or residential, it’s an interesting mix of both. We considered living in Chinatown before moving here, but it felt too busy for us. We love that Quadra Village is a family-oriented neighbourhood that generally feels quiet and safe, while also easily connecting us to the rest of the city.
How do you two get around the city?
OMAR
All ways! We don’t own a car, but sometimes we use the car share that came with the building, or rent a car for longer distances. Otherwise, I ride my electric scooter—I get to use the bike lanes, which are awesome in the city.
JESSICA
Sometimes we take transit, but I mostly walk. Recently, we walked all the way to Beacon Hill down Quadra Street—it’s so easy to get to such beautiful places.
What has been your experience as renters in Victoria?
JESSICA
As immigrants, it was challenging to find a place to rent in Victoria the first time without local references, but we were so lucky to find our previous landlord who helped us out. Renting is perfect for us right now, as we’re still waiting for our permanent residency and we’re open to moving again for our careers. We love the security that living in a purpose-built rental gives us, as we don’t have to worry about being evicted and uprooted before we’re ready.
OMAR
I agree with Jessica, for the past few years, we’ve been most motivated by our professional development. We’re open to change and moving if new opportunities arise. Renting has been convenient for this—it gives us the flexibility to be open to change and makes the most sense for us right now.
Where do you see yourselves living in the future?
JESSICA & OMAR
We have a dream to own a tiny house on land somewhere, ideally close to Victoria—we’d be happy to start small and go from there! We love the YouTube show ‘Living Big in a Tiny House.’ you need to check it out!
