Protecting Ogden Point

By Doreen Marion Gee

Our beautiful progressive community is based on a solid foundation of activism. We can thank the strong, persistent and effective voices from history for our controlled development, preserved green spaces and a multitude of services for people. Protecting the natural beauty of Ogden Point in the present continues this historical legacy– a recent example shows that activism is still alive and well in James Bay. Plus, there are concrete ways for residents to take an active part in the future of Ogden Point.

It was the rugged beauty of Ogden Point that I loved as a child – thundering waves hitting rocks, an expanse of endless blue ocean, wild salty beaches and the sky on fire in west coast sunsets. Despite changes throughout the years, it remains surprisingly the same. The beautification projects around the property and work on the piers have just put a new shine on a classy old Cadillac. And the First Nations' motifs and sleek handrails on the breakwater simply amplify the romantic allure of the stone walkway that gently weaves through space and time. The community has been resistant to any large commercial projects at Ogden Point, conceding only to the new “Breakwater Market” on summer Sundays. It seems that James Bay-ites are fiercely protective of their natural paradise – and rightly so. Ogden Point is an important landmark worth treasuring and preserving.

In the endless treadmill of finding suitable locations for a sewage treatment plant, Ogden Point was being considered as a potential site. To me, it always seemed like a ludicrous idea considering that Victoria's multimillion dollar tourist industry is one of the biggest economic drivers in our city. That first breath-taking panorama of our beautiful natural harbour captures the hearts of cruise ship travellers. The spectre of a sewage treatment plant would also be unforgettable – enough to keep them away for good.

True to their activist roots, the James Bay Neighbourhood Association (JBNA, ) has been very outspoken in its opposition to using Ogden Point as a site for sewage treatment. In a July 8 letter to the CRD Eastside Select Committee and the City of Victoria Mayor and Council, Marg Gardiner (JBNA President) is unequivocal: “JBNA is opposed to any sewage treatment plant configuration at Ogden Point or Coast Guard property (also referred to as the Outer Harbour).” Among the reasons for the JBNA's opposition, voiced by Marg Gardiner, are: “James Bay is the most densely populated neighbourhood on Vancouver Island and one of the highest in British Columbia. ... The use of Ogden Point for any treatment facility would maximize the number of people affected. Ogden Point and the Coast Guard properties are adjacent to many residential buildings; only a narrow roadway separates these sites from cooperatives, condominiums, apartments, townhouses and (a few) single family homes.” In their letter, the JBNA is critical of the CRD's “Eastside” Survey process in which James Bay residents participated with their feedback about sewage treatment in this area: “The Eastside two-­tiered consideration of citizen rights, based on the type of structure in which people live, has shocked many James Bay residents. It displays a profound disrespect for all James Bay residents and any other Eastside resident who does not live in a single-family home. ... JBNA supports improved wastewater treatment and understands that getting public input is not easy. Thus far, the Eastside process has not been truly consultative, transparent or fair; rather, the Eastside Committee’s process has been biased against residents of James Bay.”

The JBNA members must be very pleased with recent favourable news that Ogden Point is off the table regarding sewage treatment. I sent an email on November 5 to the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) asking about the status of the decision about Ogden Point as a potential sewage treatment site. On November 6, Kirsten Denham kindly answered, “Hi Doreen. Thank you for reaching out to the GVHA. The GVHA recently received information from an engineering assessment on Ogden Point. At this time it appears to us that Ogden Point is no longer a viable option as a location for the sewage treatment plant. Ian Robertson has been in contact with Lisa Helps, the Mayor of Victoria, and her comments also confirm that information.

According to a Twitter message by Mayor Lisa Helps copied at the end of the GVHA response, James Bay is completely off the radar regarding sewage treatment. The Mayor tags the JBNA with her assurance that “You notice that all James Bay sewage sites have been dropped in the recommendations coming forward November 4.” And in fact, according to a November 5 Times Colonist article by Bill Cleverley, “It appears almost certain a sewage treatment plant will be located in Victoria’s Rock Bay neighbourhood.”

It is never too late to have a say in what happens in this community. According to the GVHA website regarding future plans for Ogden Point: “It is anticipated that the Phase 3 Functional Facilities Plan will be completed by early November 2015, and the Phase 4 Master Plan will be completed by December 2016.” There is still plenty of time to provide feedback on this very important issue. As of my writing herein, the GVHA encourages an on-line discussion about “Let’s Talk ... Ogden Point at http://ogdenpointmasterplan.mindmixer.com. The GVHA invites locals to “talk to us”; all of their contact information is at .

Anyone can be a part of the future of Ogden Point. As our community history shows very clearly, when citizens raise their voices together for a common cause - they can move mountains. When all is said and done, Ogden Point belongs to the residents of James Bay. It is up to all of us to enshrine it forever as a place of raw beauty where sky meets ocean.