Visions for the future

Submitted by the James Bay Neighbourhood Association

The new face of Tourism Victoria, recently appointed CEO Paul Nursey, presented a lively overview of evolving trends in global tourism at the October 2014 general meeting of the James Bay Neighbourhood Association (JBNA).

Nursey discussed some of the implications these evolving trends may have on the local economy in the future:

~  most tourism operators will continue to be small businesses,

~  research shows that customers first choose a general destination for vacation and then focus on the detail of accommodation/activities,

~  central tourism resources contribute to the power of a common destination brand,

~  customers from emerging markets have higher overall expectations than those from mature, established markets, (The emphasis of Tourism Victoria is on emerging markets.)

~  a target market of 63.7 million - BC, Alberta and western US states, China and Australia – is a focussed “Ring of Opportunity”,

~  tourism, currently the second largest employer in the world, is expected to grow 5 to 6% per annum through 2030,

~  labour shortages (housekeeping) in western Canada lead to reliance on foreign workers,

~  customers want to “experience”, learn, & interact; not just to “see” and take pictures.

Victoria, which continues to recover from the tourism downturn which followed the recession, has almost returned to 2007 levels of revenue.  Nursey is “cautiously optimistic” for coming years.

Short-term priorities for Tourism Victoria include:

~ renewed partnership with the Victoria Conference Centre,

~ internal focus on outcome driven activities, with transparency and strong performance,

~ support the BC Ministry of Transportation, Belleville Terminal renewal,

~ support aboriginal cultural tourism partnerships.

The key elements to successful tourism are local. Nursey recognizes JBNA activities promoting evolution and growth for the community. Every industry has to be responsible to the community and to evolve.

Nursey was questioned about the evidence that cruise-ship tourists are inspired to return to Victoria on repeat visits. He suggested that this assertion, derived from a study of repeat visits (not specifically related to cruise-ship passengers) is not necessarily valid for Victoria. Similarly, the reported $2 billion tourism impact from all sources in Victoria comes from an unverified study.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Mike Graham, Chief Technical Officer, GVHA, reviewed the plan to add a small shed on a float towards the west end of the Fisherman’s Wharf dock.  The 11 ft X 11 ft structure will be on the opposite side of the ramp from the current garbage enclosure, and will match existing building materials. It will serve as a tool and supply depot for maintenance work at the dock, housing wet gear and floatation devices.

A GVHA-JBNA Memorandum of Understanding provides for a consultation process for all proposed buildings for Fisherman’s Wharf. The proposal was taken to the JBNA Development Review Committee on July 7 and to near-by neighbours on August 5. No concerns were raised at either meeting. Questions were raised at the JBNA meeting regarding the positioning of the float, the Harbour Ferries float and maintenance which needs to be done to the nearby fishing boat pier and fuel dock. 

Cruise Bus Impacts

JBNA president, Marg Gardiner, reviewed previous years' studies of the impact of buses serving cruise-ships on the James Bay community in relation to interim analysis of the 2014 season data, and led a discussion on expectations for future growth.

Interim analysis of 2014 Douglas and Dallas bus traffic indicates no improvement of bus usage when compared to 2011 and 2012. Increases of 35 and 43 bus movements per ship were realized on Douglas and Dallas respectively in 2014.

Additionally a recent GVHA presentation of 2011 data, originally reported as 58-71% of passengers coming ashore in 2011, has now been restated as 87% with no explanation.

Congestion and noise can be expected to increase in coming years. The cruise-industry is growing. Passenger projections for Victoria suggest a 2015 increase of 15-18% over 2014. Larger ships will be visiting in 2015 with the Friday/Saturday Princess ships each carrying an additional 500 passengers more than the 2014 Princess ships. There will also be more ships visiting in 2015.

GVHA has NOT committed to phasing out the old 1984 buses or other highway buses. Buses added to the current fleet will be restricted to buses more recent than 15 years old. The bus transition strategy recommended by Boulevard Transportation Group (GVHA commissioned study) is not in place.

Commitments made by GVHA a couple of years ago have been unilaterally cast aside:

~ vehicle (bus) activity at Ogden Pt. was not to occur before 6 am. The commitment held for about one year but was not respected in 2014.

~  a passenger walking map with several walking routes through and around James Bay was cast aside.

A wide-ranging discussion, with questions and answers, included supporting the increase and presence of bus activity, creating protests, NIMBYism, approach to candidates in the municipal election, and disgust with GVHA.

The question was raised as to whether the Victoria idling bylaw applies at Ogden Point. During Community Concerns a request was made to have the November meeting dedicated to Ogden Point.

Join your neighbours:

Wednesday, November 12th General Meeting, 7pm-9pm at 234 Menzies (New Horizons)

Nick Armstrong, Transportation Technician, City of Victoria will be looking for feedback on three project proposals:

~  City bike-stand opportunities at 5-corners and/or other areas of James Bay that are in need of bike stands,

~  Montreal Street sidewalks on the east side from Niagara to Dallas, and

~ Traffic signal at Government/Superior.

Tom Coyle, JBNA, will lead a discussion on the issues, challenges, and opportunities of Ogden Point activities.  With planning on the GVHA Ogden Point MasterPlan stalled, it is an opportune time for residents to discuss their vision of Ogden Point.  

The final agenda will be posted soon on www.jbna.org.

Looking ahead:  

The following topics are expected to be on a General Meeting agenda in the next few months:  Opportunity for a Library in James Bay, Michigan Garden relocation, Capital Park, and GVHA Fisherman's Wharf Commercial Mix.

Support the democratic process by exercising your right to vote in the municipal election on November 15, 2014. There are also 4 advance in-person voting opportunities and ballots-by-mail will be accepted until 8pm on November 15. Make yourself aware of current issues and support the candidates of your choice for Mayor, Councillor and School Trustee. You will also be asked to nominate three Councillor candidates to the CRD and to respond to the question: “Are you in favour of reducing the number of municipalities in Greater Victoria through amalgamation?” (This is a non-binding question. A “Yes” vote will trigger funding for a study to examine the pros and cons of amalgamation, as well as possible models within the CRD.)

Candidate responses to specific JBNA questions are posted at www.jbna.org.