Community Consultation

An on-going Beacon feature on planning — to alert, inform, and prompt community action — and to celebrate success!

The June 2007 meeting of the James Bay Neighbourhood Environment Association (JBNEA) gave local residents a chance to comment on two presentations. The first was the liquor-store rezoning proposal at the Five Corners. The second presentation was Tourism Best Practices for the cruise ship industry, organized by the JBNEA's Transportation Committee. The latter prompted the most lively discussion.

Paul Hadfield of Spinnakers spoke on a rezoning request for a Beer and Wine Store at James Bay Square. He described the history of the project which was first proposed in spring 2005. His plans showed how the 200 square metre retail outlet would fit into the ground level site fronting on Simcoe Street. In addition to alcoholic product, many from BC producers, the outlet will provide an "educational component" in the form of a tasting bar. There will be no kitchen. Locally supplied deli meats and cheeses will be available with freshly baked artisan breads to accompany wine, beer and spirit tastings.

Following Hadfield's presentation residents spoke up. While several were very supportive, some expressed concerns regarding noise and alcohol consumption in the local park, questioning the need for a second outlet across the street from an established BC Government Liquor Store.

This decision is one of land-use. No matter how positive we feel about a Spinnakers in our neighbourhood, this rezoning is in perpetuity. If this venture is not successful, the communty will have no say in subsequent occupants of this now-licensed outlet.

Cruise Tourism Community Initiative

The evening's second presentation was a panel drawn from the cruise ship service sector, brought together by the Transportation Committee of the JBNEA. Panelists from the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) and Gray Line West were supported in the audience by representatives from Cruise Victoria Services and Westcan. Panelists presented two draft documents inspired by a best practices document produced by the city of Juneau, Alaska. They responded to prepared questions and then heard comments from the floor.

It would be an understatement to say that James Bay residents were disappointed. Residents condemed the documents as "vague expressions of good intention" with none of the benchmarks and targets that a best practices document should contain. Members were not prepared to accept what was described as a "collection of feel-good statements" with no quantifiable way to evaluate success or failure in the future, or to see how the industry was living up to its good intentions.

There was no identification of goals and no attempt to involve the community in a consultative process. When concern was expressed at the inability of residents to respond in a meaningful way without the facts, Paul Servos, Manager of the GVHA, explained the procedure for appointing board members of the GVHA from Greater Victoria. He saw no need for representation from the JBNEA.

Residents were critical that too many references were made to motor coaches and that not enough attention was given to the problems created by the cruise ships themselves. Issues of noise, pollution, safety, and accountability continue to be of concern:

• How is the plan to have buses travel counter-clockwise around James Bay when accessing or departing Ogden Point being supported and monitored? Who, besides James Bay residents, is paying attention to posted speed limits?
• Is there a way to increase the efficiency of current carriers? Five or six passengers per bus per return trip from the downtown cannot be efficient!
• How can residents give meaningful feedback when local transportation offices are closed on evenings and weekends while the majority of cruise ship activity is taking place?
• Is there a plan to replace current noisy and polluting old coaches with more efficient electric buses or a light rail transit system to carry passengers between Ogden Point and the downtown? (It seems ironic that the GVHA has awarded the exclusive contract for the shuttle service to a firm which receives the majority of complaints from residents.)
• Do we know the carrying capacity of the community for cruise ships and passengers?

• Does a future plan include increased cruise ship activity beyond the current extended weekend to the remainder of the week?
• Is there a plan for the future?

Where do we go from here?

If the community and cruise ship industry stakeholders do not take ownership and buy into this process, there is little hope for meaningful change. James Bay resident, Dr. Joan McHardy, President of the BC Chapter of the Canadian Evaluation Society, has offered to share her expertise with the JBNEA and the GVHA to seek out a professional to facilitate an acceptable community process.

Other Notes

Are you concerned about the many small apartment buildings at risk of demolition in James Bay, potentially reducing the pool of rental accommodation available to families? The NEA is researching an anti-demolition bylaw from the 70s which prevented the destruction of rental accommodation when vacancy rates dropped below a certain percentage. If you are a renter and interested in working on this issue, please contact the James Bay NEA.

Name change.

The Registrar of Companies has given approval for the name, James Bay Neighbourhood Association (JBNA). The James Bay Community Residents Association (JBCRA) was put forward as another possible alternative. A final vote on the new name will occur at the July meeting.

As this is the last column until September, best wishes for the summer to James Bay residents! While the Beacon takes a break the JBNEA will continue to meet. Join us on Wednesday, July 11th and August 8th at 7pm at James Bay New Horizons on Menzies Street.