JBNA: Yin-Yang

An on-going feature on land use & planning - to alert, inform, and prompt community action - and to celebrate success!

The James Bay Neighbourhood Association (JBNA) meeting of August 13 was an unscripted example of the yin-yang of the decision making process which confronts James Bay, on an almost daily basis. On the one hand, we have the work to preserve and maintain the natural greenspace of Beacon Hill Park while proposals are being considered to pave and program other green areas within James Bay. Then, while young families work to expand space for much-needed daycare in the community, the Anglican Church has applied to demolish a historic structure which houses a kindergarten. Complimentary or opposing forces? 

James Bay Childcare Society

Representatives of the Society, Matthias Herborg, President of the Board, and Wendy Lowe, Manager, outlined the 15 year history of the daycare on Montreal Street, providing care for infants, newly born to 3 year olds. The Society is applying for federal funding to expand the facility from the current capacity of 15 children to 32. The new expanded facility will provide space and training opportunities for childcare workers and educators, while meeting some of the urgent need (a waitlist of some 48 families at this facility alone). Although the James Bay residents present were strongly supportive of this valuable service to the community, one resident took the opportunity to submit a letter expressing concern about additional noise in the area, tying it into the nearby James Bay Athletic facility. 

Cathedral School

Nick Russell of the Victoria Hallmark Society, made a presentation on the history and significance of the St James Mission of Christ Church Cathedral School, an undesignated building on the Victoria Heritage Registry, located at 520 Niagara Street. The school, designed by local architect, Percy Leonard James, and built in 1939, was a gift to the Diocese from a grateful parishioner. The facility operated as an Anglican Sunday School until 1974. More recently it has housed the Junior Kindergarten Program of the Christ Church Cathedral Educational Society for 3 and 4 year old children.

The Anglican Diocese has applied to the City for a demolition permit for the school. The City placed the structure under "temporary protection" for sixty days while seeking a review of the heritage aspects of the building. The delay cannot be renewed. The Diocese does not intend to demolish the structure. They intend to sell the property which is a double lot. It will have more value to a developer (and greater profit for the Diocese) if the sale includes a demolition permit.

The JBNA has written to the Diocese requesting that they reconsider this plan and allow for the possibility of an adaptive re-use of this historic property. "With commitment to history and creativity, we believe that the Cathedral School could see a new life; with additional sympathetic structures on the site, Cathedral School could be transformed into a commercial or residential complex."

On the advice of their lawyer, the Diocese declined an invitation to participate in the August 2014 JBNA meeting. They have also declined a request to share historic documentation on the school with the Hallmark Society. The Diocese of British Columbia, recognizing the fiscal realities of the contemporary church, recently began divesting itself of Vancouver Island properties. Although the policy has received national recognition, it has not always been easily accepted in affected communities. 

Concerned residents may address their concerns to Bishop Logan McMenamie c/o the Anglican Diocese at 900 Vancouver St, Victoria BC V8V 3V7 or synod@bc.anglican.ca.

Traffic

Cruise-related Transportation

GVHA have advised that the routing of the shuttle bus has been changed. Have the changes reduced/increased impacts from the cruise-related buses? Note that the routing for the excursion (tour) buses has not been altered. Please drop a line to jbna@vcn.bc.ca.

Reduced Speed Limits

On Thursday, July 17, at a Special Council Meeting, Council directed staff to prepare a plan to reduce the posted speed limit from 50 km to 40 km on streets within the City of Victoria. Local streets included in the proposal: Southgate Street, Douglas Street (between Belleville Street and Dallas Road), and within the Downtown Core. The posted 30 km speed limit for Cook Street Village will be extended to Dallas Road. Streets on the Fairfield side of Beacon Hill Park are posted at 30 km.

Beacon Hill Park: Routing

New vehicular routing and pedestrian walkways through Beacon Hill Park are now in place. Access to the central washrooms has changed. Vehicles driving past the central washrooms on Bridge Way exit via Heywood, to Cook or to Southgate.   

Greenways and Parks

Quadra Park

The City is supporting a Sesquicentennial garden proposal that would create a third area in James Bay commemorating Canada's confederation if federal funding becomes available. The vision presented to Council would involve the conversion of part of Quadra Park, located on Belleville, opposite the Clipper terminal. The proposed conversion would include hard-surfacing a section of the north-west area in the park. To date, no community consultation has occurred. A Parks Management Plan does not exist for this park, recently acquired by the City as part of the Provincial Capital Commission-City-RalMax land swap.

Boulevard Gardening

The City is considering interim guidelines for boulevard gardening.

https://victoria.civicweb.net/ or ow.ly/yk3UY .

The proposed guidelines suggest types of plantings, siting to provide clearances for pedestrians/vehicles, and required maintenance etc. Liabilities are also discussed in the guidelines document. The guidelines would provide an "interim" policy to fill the gap between the reality of residents proceeding with boulevard gardens and the City creating a policy framework. If you have an opinion or interest in boulevard gardens, please send a note to councillors@victoria.ca.

Michigan Street Allotment Garden

The possible relocation of this allotment garden to South Park was raised as a community concern for a couple of reasons: children now use the South Park area for play and there has been no consultation within the community. Although members were generally supportive of the activities of the garden group, many felt that South Park was more valuable to the larger community as a flexible, non-programmed space. JBNA has not received a proposal from the garden group. Those interested in the garden should read the City policy on Community Gardens to learn about the process. 

EXCITING CHANGES:

Changes are being proposed for areas around the Legislature. Attend the September 10 meeting to provide comment on proposals for re-development of the Belleville Terminal involving new docks for the COHO and the Clipper.

Other presentations will include the outlook for tourism in our community, and building plans for the redevelopment of South Block. Scheduled speakers include: Ryan Burles (COHO), Darrell Bryan (Clipper), Kevin House (BC Ministry of Transportation), Paul Nursey (Tourism) and Robert Jawl (South Block).

This exciting meeting of the JBNA will be on Wednesday, September 10, 7-9pm, at 234 Menzies Street (New Horizons).