JBNA: Transit in a teacup

Submitted by the James Bay Neighbourhood Association 

BC Transit: Terminal proposal for Government Street

A standing-room-only crowd of interested residents, many from the Humboldt Valley, attended the January 2016 meeting of the James Bay Neighbourhood Association (JBNA). Representatives from the Victoria Regional Transit System presented their concept for bus stops and terminals at the south end of Douglas Street. Comments from those present are described elsewhere in the Beacon in an article titled Competing Transportation Interests in James Bay.

Concerns about the routing on the Douglas/Superior corner, an already overtaxed intersection which is a challenge for pedestrians, relate to safety and congestion issues with two-way bus traffic at this corner. (A subsequent bus/pedestrian accident on January 19 would seem to emphasize neighbourhood concerns.)

It was suggested that a comprehensive and inclusive transportation plan for this neighbourhood be created and that the needs of BC Transit not be considered in isolation.

City Council has asked for community feedback. Councillor Lucas requested that residents separate the two proposals and clarify whether speaking to the private commercial operators or to the BC Transit proposal.

BC Transit Survey:

There is to be a feedback questionnaire online until the end of January:

2015 Cruise-Industry Emissions and Traffic: A review

Sulphur dioxide levels in 2015 measured about 1/35^th of the 2011 level, well within acceptable standards. The lower levels are attributed to the implementation of the North America Emissions Control Area agreement. JBNA has lobbied hard for Ottawa to ensure that the agreement would not by-pass Victoria as could have been possible through “outs” in the agreement.

The traffic volume analysis for 2015 produced similar results to previous years generated by cruise-ship calls at Ogden Point (523,000 passengers anticipated 2016). Each cruise-ship call generated at least 40 additional bus movements and 350 additional total vehicle movements, leading to 120 large bus movements and over 1000 total vehicle movements on a typical three-cruise-ship evening along Dallas Road. The industry expects passenger numbers to increase significantly over next few years. There is no current plan to retire the 1983 buses.

RENOVICTIONS:

Councillor Margaret Lucas reported on “renoviction” concerns raised with the purchase of several apartment buildings by Starlight Investments in December'15. The City is not able to deal with residential tenancy aspect as it is the responsibility of the provincial Residential Tenancy Branch. Mayor and Council have requested a meeting with the property manager, currently unavailable.

Renovations that may require evictions are significant structural renovations. New carpets, a new toilet, new windows and other improvements are not justification for eviction.

The City has ability to approve or deny building permits.Concerns have been raised about construction without building permits. City has sent in inspectors immediately. At one time City had a bylaw to deny building permits if the vacancy rate is less than 1%.

Residents are encouraged to continue sending concerns to the City.

Councillor Lucas’ e-mail: mlucas@victoria.ca

BRANCH LIBRARY AT CAPITAL PARK

The City’s draft 2016 budget refers specifically to a James Bay branch library in Capital Park but no decision has been made yet on the branch’s size. A 7500 sq. ft. branch, as recommended by the Greater Victoria Public Library board, would allow for a full range of services. James Bay residents are encouraged to share their views with City Council. Specific comments directed to individual councillors may have the greatest impact.

ELECTRIC BUS PILOT PROJECT:

Cruise Victoria (CVS), which has a minority share of the shuttle bus and Shore-Excursion buses, has partnered with Green Power and GVHA to bring one electric bus to Victoria next year. This double-decked bus carries 88 seated passengers, and can travel almost 400km between recharges.

345 St James St: Garden Suite development

A proposal for a garden suite, smaller than the maximum allowed under R1-GS at this location, was reviewed at the December 9, 2015 meeting. 

665 Douglas (the “Q”) Yuk Yuks Comedy Club primary liquor licence

At the December meeting the plans for a Yuk Yuks comedy club in the “Q” where Samuels Restaurant had been located for several years were presented. There were strong objections to the proposal as the Q is situated in a residential area. Increased late night noise and traffic, with potential danger for patrons crossing the roads late at night, and the creeping of the downtown “Late night, Great Night” policy into a residential community were all seen as significant problems. 

Subsequent to the JBNA meeting and the following Public Hearing, City Council did not support the application.

Legion Liquor Licence: 514 Government Street

Bal Sekha, Secretary, Public Service Branch Legion, presented a brief history of the branch and the history of activities at the facility on Government Street. This legion (125 members) has operated without liquor sales because it was housed in a government facility. Insurance coverage now requires that they have a valid liquor license. There have been no complaints from the neighbourhood about activity or noise at the Legion. The Public hearing is scheduled for January 28, 2016.

2016 Census of Population – JOB Opportunities

Statistics Canada has asked JBNA to promote job opportunities related to the census scheduled for May 2016. Enumerator employment opportunities are available to Canadian citizens, 18 years of age or older, who are able to work at least 20 hours per week from March through July 2016. Details are found on-line at .

Join us next month:

JBNA general Meeting, February 10, 234 Menzies (New Horizons building)

90-92 Dallas: This development proposal, first considered in October, 2012, involves one duplex being demolished and replaced by another duplex.

Ogden Point Functional and Facilities Plan (MasterPlan process):

On behalf of GVHA, Stantec’s Mark Crisp will present the conceptual functional plan under development that will be the foundation for developing the Ogden Point Master Plan by December 2016. He will seek input and advice from the community (especially adjacent residents) on contemplated future buildings and development along Dallas road. Conceptual cross sections, sketches and images to show potential height and form, and how this will affect views and access to the site will be part of the presentation.

Microhousing Victoria: Kristina Leach, will present their concept of a microhousing complex. As this type of housing has been promoted by some City Councillors, it may be important for residents to understand the intent and implications of such a complex.