JBNA: A good read

Submitted by the James Bay Neighbourhood Association

Two presentations attracted an attendance of involved residents to the September 2015 James Bay Neighbourhood Association (JBNA) meeting. Attendees were much more interested in discussions regarding planning a proposed branch library than they were in excuses regarding planning for sewage treatment.

The initial presentation by Kevin Murdoch, Board Chair, Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) and library staff was to discuss the potential of a new Library Branch in the Capital Park Development in James Bay.

As of September 9 over 1,000 residents had responded to the JBNA library survey. In a community of 11,200 - 11,500 permanent residents that response is notable. Recommendations for a flexible functional library will be forwarded to City of Victoria before November 2015.

A broader on-line, system-wide survey will soon be conducted for the GVPL; residents are encouraged to participate in that survey with equal enthusiasm.

The GVPL does not currently have plans to move the central library from its current location at Broughton and Blanshard. Research has shown that central library use is generally not affected by new branch libraries. Nearby residents begin to use the neighbourhood library service that was not previously as convenient for them. The GVPL makes recommendations, but the City of Victoria determines when and to where libraries are located. The GVPL survey on the James Bay Library Branch in Capital Park has been pushed forward so that recommendations can go to the City in 2015, ensuring that Capital Park can be advised regarding square footage requirements by March 2016.

A comment was made regarding the current library at the James Bay Project. It is free, well used and staffed by a committed group of volunteers who serve the community well.

Eastside Wastewater & Resource Recovery Project (sewage)

Amanda Gibbs, Eastside Consultant, spoke of the planning process to date. The CRD Eastside Survey was completed at the end of July 2015. The data have been input and collated, and some recommendations have gone forward. The engagement consultants recommended that James Bay sites be removed from consideration, as the public consultation process suggested that Ogden Point was not an acceptable location. The CRD Eastside Committee chose not to accept the recommendation. This rejection is viewed within James Bay as a betrayal of the Eastside committee’s commitment to honour the consultation process.

Issues of accountability, fairness, and best practice are being examined with the understanding of the need to ensure that the highest standards are met. A Fairness Ombudsman has been introduced to examine the process.

Site options currently being examined include region-wide sewage treatment or smaller modular treatment plants centred at Rock Bay. Discussion continues, with new potential sites being explored. Ogden Point & the Coast Guard site are still under consideration in several proposed configurations. Ogden Point could also be considered with smaller modular treatment sites. GVHA involvement in these discussions is unclear

Next steps: fall 2015 release of the technical findings, after studies are completed by engineers, economists, etc. Further economic study is required so that the public can make an informed opinion. The proposals will go back to the public for open consultation, late 2015 or early 2016.

Concerns have been raised in James Bay regarding the decision to select treatment sites using the criteria of existing property zoning. Many of the issues and concerns which led to rejection of McLoughlin Point in Esquimalt also apply to the Ogden Point/Coast Guard site. Traffic is already a serious problem and prevailing winds will carry any odours across James Bay into the Downtown. Waste water recovery and heat recovery would require a more central location to be effective. Other considerations mentioned in the discussion are the limited road access to James Bay (only two access points), and the use of existing sewage pipes to reduce the construction costs and upheaval.

City Surveys: Homelessness / Temporary Accomodation

The City is seeking ideas from the community on temporary housing including tenting in parks.  The short survey takes only a couple of minutes to complete.  The deadline for completion is October 2:

http://fluidsurveys.com/s/victoriashelteringsolutions/  

Walk On Week (WoW)

An initial week-long series of events, encouraging walking in Victoria, is being promoted by Walk On, Victoria, a non-profit pedestrian advocacy group.

Join Councillors and neighbours in launching the Walk On, Victoria initiative starting in James Bay from Discovery Coffee, 281 Menzies Street at 7:30 am on Monday, October 5. Four walks from four neighbourhoods will meet at the launch event in Centennial Square.

JBNA All-Candidates forum:

The September 15 JBNA All-Candidates forum held at Laurel Point Inn was well attended and viewed.  320-350 people gathered for the forum while another 300 viewed the candidate question-response forum at home, while it was live-streamed.  

JBNA Garden Committee:

JBNA is requesting your assistance in creating a "Garden map"; an inventory of James Bay gardens. Interested residents with food-producing areas in their yards, on their decks, or on the boulevards in front of their homes, are asked to provide information as to the location and size of the garden, if they would like to have their garden included in the inventory. The information will be used by the James Bay Garden Coordinator in the promotion of gardening in James Bay. Information should be provided via e-mail to jbna@vcn.bc.ca or via Canada Post mail to JBNA, c/o Mayor Helps, 1 Centennial Square, V8W 1P6.

JBNA will be reviewing proposals for the James Bay Garden Project before the end of September.  

As the James Bay Garden Committee develops its program, resident Marion Yas has volunteered to interview residents. She will introduce us to James Bay gardens and gardeners through her column in the Beacon.

October JBNA Meeting:

Join your neighbours for the Wednesday October 14 JBNA meeting.

7pm, at 234 Menzies Street (James Bay New Horizons).

Ryan Burles, CEO, BlackBall Ferry Line, will update residents on the upgrades to the Coho dock at the Belleville Terminal.

Architect Alan Lowe will provide an update of the 90-92 Dallas Roaddevelopment which came forward to JBNA at the October 2012 General Meeting.  Due to archeological considerations, a redesign with the same footprint as proposed in 2012 is required.

The focus of the meeting will be the Ogden Point MasterPlan project.  Mark Crisp, Senior Associate, Stantec, has been retained by GVHA to develop a MasterPlan proposal.  At the JBNA meeting he will inform residents of the limitations placed on the redevelopment of Ogden Point and lead the discussion seeking resident input on possibilities.