Biketoria on the Bay

James Bay Neighbourhood Association

Submitted by the James Bay Neighbourhood Association

A hearty crowd of fifty-three (including two city councillors) braved a stormy night to attend the March 2016 general monthly meeting of the James Bay Neighbourhood Association (JBNA). The primary presentation of the evening was a proposal for dedicated bike lanes within James Bay intended to connect to a region-wide bike lane network. It was interesting to note the very little crossover of attendees to a previous meeting which was concerned with bus routes within the community.

JBNA President Marg Gardiner gave a brief profile of James Bay, its history and its history of change and development. The second most densely populated area in British Columbia, James Bay is home to 14% of Victoria’s population. The age distribution of James Bay reflects young families (approx. 18%), with 29% of residents over 65 years of age (37% over 60). Over two thirds of our population are renters. Only 10% of residences are single family dwellings. Hotels, large and small, and 100 B&B rooms provide overnight accommodation for 3,000 plus guests. Approximately 6,000 residents fall within the labour force category. Many workers reside in the community and 27% of working residents walk to their work place. A full 50% of the labour force walk, cycle, or use public transit. There are currently 773 business licence holders in James Bay. When completed Capital Park will house about 1,200 provincial government employees and over 300 residents.

There are limited points of access to the neighbourhood. Residents require transportation systems that provide adequate flow in and out of James Bay. Cruise ship tourism has significant impact on transportation routes when taxis and buses travel from Victoria to and from Ogden Point. Other tourism transportation includes pedi-cabs and horse-drawn carriages/wagons. The City and tourism providers need to ensure modernization of the services and processes for tourism transportation. The James Bay priority is walking, walkers (mechanical), and scooters.

BIKETORIA

The BIKETORIA proposal was presented by Community Consultant Kate Berniaz of Urban Systems Ltd, backed by City of Victoria representatives. The City developed a Bicycle Master Plan in 1995 and established a goal in the 2012 Official Community Plan that 60% of travel within the city be by bike, walking, or public transit by 2041. Urban Systems has been contracted to provide Victoria Council with a proposal for 4 to 8 bike corridors throughout the city, as well as cost estimates. (It was subsequently pointed out in discussion that the City's target of 70% cycling/walking/transit may already be met by James Bay residents.)

City Council has instructed Urban Systems to ensure every neighbourhood is included in the cycling network. Current and potential demand is to be prioritized for network completion by 2018. They are examining how cycling, walking, and public transit intersect with consideration being given to a number of criteria including comfort for all ages and abilities. Three options under consideration are: a) bikes separated from roads, b) neighbourhood greenways on quiet streets (less than 1000 cars daily at 30 kph or less), and c) a completely off-street path. The continuity of a hub and spoke design will connect the downtown and destinations in outlying neighbourhoods.

Urban Systems has conducted numerous processes to speak to and hear from cyclists and non-cyclist alike, taking into consideration how cycling networks impact the use of existing roadways. Does the City agree that a response of 20 to 25% from the non-cycling community is adequate?

The proposed Harbour Edge Corridor would be continuous from the Ogden Point Terminal in James Bay (via Dallas/St Lawrence/Belleville Streets) through the downtown (along Wharf Street), connecting across the Johnson Street Bridge into Vic West, and on to the Galloping Goose Trail. It would also connect James Bay to the Humboldt Corridor, and Fort and Pandora Streets.

Citizen input across the city supports the strengthening of cycling infrastructure, but dialogue continues on how to implement a plan. Council has not yet made a decision.

James Bay residents support cycling.

They do however question a flawed process and urgently request the opportunity for full community consultation. There has been no assessment of the needs James Bay residents. Supposedly key objectives of the project have not been met: the linking of communities and the ability to commute to employment. BIKETORIA did not follow the complete streets or IAP2 process.

The proposal to make a dedicated bike lane along Belleville Street, through the heavily trafficked tourist centre, is seen to be especially problematic. Increased traffic generated by improved ferry terminals and the increasing volume of cruise-passengers along this route will be a very real problem. Existing crosswalks on Belleville will create cycle/pedestrian conflict.

Superior Street, wider and well treed with a link to Capital Park, would seem to provide a more viable option. Proposed bus traffic on Superior between Douglas and Government Streets remains an ongoing concern. Buses versus bikes are also a concern for the block of Government between Belleville and Superior Streets.

James Bay residents support cycling, but the City needs to clarify if this proposal is to serve the community or to serve non-residents. Access to Dallas Road from downtown, but no bike lanes to service the two primary schools or the 5-Corners business hub of James Bay, does not meet community needs. Protected bike lanes, giving children the experience of riding safely to school, will increase ridership over time as positive cycling experiences are enforced.

Commuters from the NW will come down Government Street to Superior, while commuters from the NE, coming from Oak Bay, Saanich (and the University) will come to James Bay via Vancouver and Southgate (or Academy Close) to Superior Street.

Katie Hamilton, Director of Citizen Engagement, City of Victoria committed to further discussion after routes are decided, before any implementation. Meeting comments about the Belleville route will be taken into consideration.

Next Month

Join your neighbours for the 2015 Annual General Meeting of the James Bay Neighbourhood Association on Wednesday, April 13 2016, starting 6:15pm. The regularly scheduled April general meeting, to follow at 7pm, will be jam-packed with topics of interest. The meeting will start with a discussion on the pollinator garden extension into Irving Park, followed by a look at the City's plans for changes on Niagara Street at/near Dallas Road. Jacques Sirois will then introduce us to the Victoria Harbour Bird Sanctuary, the first Migratory Bird Sanctuary on the Pacific coast of Canada. The sanctuary follows the James Bay shore line. Finally, we will have a look at the changes at the Empress, including interior renovations and the proposed siting of a new building at the Douglas/Belleville corner of the Empress property.