JBNA: Conditions for incentive

Submitted by the James Bay Neighbourhood Association

The agenda for the January 14, 2015 James Bay Neighbourhood Association (JBNA) meeting included presentations on two topics of interest to James Bay residents; cycling and development. The presentations were preceded by a moment of silence to recognize the passing of two well-known community volunteers, Redner Jones and Bel Paul, in late 2014.

Victoria Cycling Grand Prix

Jon Watkin, Race Organizer, provided an overview of the event and the schedule for Sunday June 7. This spectator-friendly, invitation-only event, operated by the Russ Hay’s Racing Cycle Club Society continues the legacy of competitive cycling in Victoria since 1992. Previously known as the Bastion Square Grand Prix, the cycle track has circled Bastion Square, closing Government, Yates, Wharf, and Fort Streets. The new cycle track will be comprised of one block of each of Belleville, Government, Superior and Menzies Streets, forming a one kilometre lap around the Legislature. The route will be closed to traffic from 6am to 3pm for a series of races. The Grand Prix is made up of a series of races of various laps for cyclists of different ages and levels of experience.

There will be no parking on Michigan Street so that BC Transit can reroute around the track.

The Grand Prix is the established event in a weekend of concentrated cycling. The June 2015 Cycling Series will include the inaugural Peninsula Co-op Sprint Challenge at Western Speedway on June 5, and the 10K circuit Metchosin Cycling Classic at Hans Helgesen Elementary School on June 6. The Metchosin event replaces the Clover Point Time Trials which have in previous years closed Dallas Road between St. Charles and Douglas Streets.

More information can be found at http://www.victoriabikerace.com/#!grandprix/c200h

The Grand Prix is supported by the City of Victoria, the Downtown Business Association, and Cycle Victoria in addition to corporate sponsors.

While some speakers questioned yet another road closure in James Bay and the impact upon James Bay residents, others supported the opportunity to involve children and to educate the general public regarding cycling safety. 

Rezoning Proposal
Cathedral  School – 520 Niagara Street

Murray Miller, Senior City Heritage Planner presented a re-zoning application to increase the   density at 520 Niagara Street. The existing Cathedral School, designed by local architect Percy Leonard James, and built in 1939, has been identified as a significant heritage asset in James Bay.

This re-zoning application is the City's response to an application for a Demolition Permit in December 2013, and a May 2014 application for a Building Permit for construction of a single family dwelling.

When these applications were put on hold, the current owner agreed to enter into a rezoning process to identify development opportunities which would include retention of the existing building. The owner and City of Victoria staff  have worked together towards a result that will fulfill the desires of the property owner and those of the City and the community. This rezoning application is the result of that process.

The owner wishes to get the maximum value out of the property, an oversize lot which could allow a duplex and a single residence with a suite under current zoning.

By increasing the density from 0.5:1 FSR to 1:1 FSR the City is creating the conditions for incentive for the conservation of the heritage property while encouraging development of the north-east section of the property. The incentive to NOT demolish the structure is the bonus for the community. The bonus density would only apply if the heritage structure is retained.

The City’s rational to rezone is to create density conditions that are attractive to a developer. The opportunities for a site specific and unique development will hopefully generate creative potential for this singular site. It will be up to potential developers to put forward creative ideas, to conserve and adapt the school, while maintaining the visibility of the west and south portions of the building and property. The location of the school on an elevated berm and its relationship to adjacent early 20th century residences make a strong contribution to the neighbourhood character on both Niagara and Medana Streets.

The rezoning proposal is consistent with the City’s Official Community Plan (OCP) and consistent with the James Bay Neighbourhood Plan.

Although an owner will still have to go through a development application prior to building, residents from Niagara, Medana and Clarence Streets expressed concern at the current lack of information on the potential density impact on nearby homes.  Nearby residents will be apprised of changes to the file.

Looking ahead:

Join your neighbours at the February 11th JBNA General Meeting - 7-9 pm, 234 Menzies (New Horizons). Newly elected City Councillor, Margaret Lucas, appointed as the James Bay Councillor Liaison for the next two years will be in attendance.

Rob Jawl will provide an update on the design and building timeline for Capital Park.  

March 2015

Mayor Lisa Helps has rescheduled her open discussion with James Bay residents to the March 11th JBNA General Meeting at 7 pm.