Choose the best. Go to readerschoice.timescolonist.com

Victoria makes a lot of Best Of lists.

Most livable, nicest to visit, greenest — we’re routinely in the Top Ten. Victoria has, at times, been declared the smartest city in the nation (Canadian Council on Learning), the best city in which to be a woman (Canadian Centre For Policy Alternatives), best city for young professionals (Next Generation Consulting), the most romantic winter getaway (USA Today) and — for several years running — most romantic city in Canada (Amazon).

What we want to know is: What do you, the reader, think goes into making Victoria what it is?

That’s why we’re launching the Times Colonist Readers’ Choice Awards, a chance for you to nominate and vote for your favourite people, places and things in the City of Gardens. It’s an online opportunity to show some pride, have a bit of fun and boost your neighbours.

It works like this: You have until 12:59 p.m. on Oct. 8 to go to readerschoice.timescolonist.com, register and nominate a person or business in dozens of categories — everything from your favourite florist to the best spot to go for ice cream. We want to know where the best dog park is, who should be crowned hardest-working MLA, which local beer goes down most smoothly.

Many nominees are already listed, but if you think an entry is missing, feel free to make a suggestion. Our selection committee will review each request and notify the final nominees that they will be part of the Readers’ Choice vote in October.

The two-week voting period will begin Oct. 16. Have fun. It’s your town, your

Times Colonist and your chance to have a say.