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James Bay Neighbourhood Association Value Quality of Life

By Doreen Marion Gee

What do we love about James Bay? Maybe it is those gorgeous sunsets and breath – taking ocean views. Or maybe it is the feel of a small village with cozy cafes and friendly people. But many people would probably agree that it is the quality of life here, something that is definitely worth preserving. This is the role of the James Bay Neighbourhood Association, to uphold the standard of living that we all hold sacred.

The JBNA has a proud and long activist history. Back in the eighties, in response to development issues, the James Bay Neighbourhood Environment Committee was formed to zero in on land use and environmental issues. It is now known as the James Bay Neighbourhood Association. The Association has different committees, each dedicated to a specific area of concern within the community: Development Review Committee, Cruise Tourism Committee, Parks Committee, and the Quality of Life and Environment Committee.

The JBNA has a proud and long activist history. Back in the eighties, in response to development issues, the James Bay Neighbourhood Environment Committee was formed to zero in on land use and environmental issues. It is now known as the James Bay Neighbourhood Association. The Association has different committees, each dedicated to a specific area of concern within the community: Development Review Committee, Cruise Tourism Committee, Parks Committee, and the Quality of Life and Environment Committee.

Brian Scarfe and Pieta VanDyke are two active and dedicated members of the JBNA. As we sit in a sunny corner of James Bay Coffee and Books, they talk about the things that matter to them and the importance of quality of life. VanDyke is the secretary of the JBNA and Scarfe is the information person. They are both very busy committee members. Some of the most crucial issues the group deals with are pollution, noise, and land use and development. They are diligent watchdogs of the cruise ship industry, monitoring the effects of the smoke from the ships and the exhaust from the many buses in the area. The JBNA has significant victories under its belt. The association convinced the city to have an air quality study done at Ogden Point, achieving a reduction of the buses' idling time. Scarfe and VanDyke consider their major concern to be the impact on the health of nearby residents breathing in the by-products of cruise ships and buses. As a result of their activism, the Vancouver Island Health Authority will now be monitoring these health effects in the community. Scarfe and VanDyke are very excited about a new project – a Traffic Noise Study along the Dallas Road/Erie Street Corridor. They are very concerned with the excessive noise of car and bus traffic in James Bay and the impact on residents.

The JBNA is launching a “Quality of Life Survey” in James Bay. Scarfe and VanDyke are enthusiastic promoters of this innovative consultation with residents. This will gauge how people feel about life in James Bay and it should prove to be very informative and interesting. According to Scarfe and VanDyke, a big issue is getting more people involved in the JBNA. They want to expand the membership and build the visibility of the Association with more young people getting involved. Another idea is adding a blog to their website for locals to interact with the Association and to express their ideas and perspectives online. The organization will be continuously monitoring issues that are important to James Bay.

Land use and development issues are a major source of concern and interest in James Bay. As James Bay becomes even more developed, the JBNA provides a needed venue for people to express their views on what is going on in their backyards.

Many people volunteer their hard work at the JBNA. And they need more people on their committees. The JBNA is a vital part of this community. It is a way for people to chart the course of their neighbourhood. The Association gives them a way to get involved in their community and to be a part of its future. Through the venue of the JBNA, they can take the helm and make their voices loud at City Hall.

If you want to keep that great quality of life, this is the way to do it.

Meetings of the James Bay Neighbourhood Association are held every second Wednesday at 7 PM at the New Horizons Centre at 234 Menzies Street. The JBNA website is www.jbna.org, E Mail:jamesbayna@yahoo.ca




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