Oct
26
By Dean Fortin, MAYOR
On November 20th Victoria residents will go to the polls in a referendum to approve the necessary borrowing for the Johnson Street Bridge replacement project.
This is an important project, and also an exciting opportunity for our City. It is a chance to build a bridge to our future - get real value for our investment, and ensure a transportation link that meets our community needs and ensures the safety of our travelling public.
The decision to replace the aging bridge was not made lightly, and came after lengthy debate and extensive public consultation.
Between surveys, open houses, bridge tours, community presentations, and attendance at public markets, we received thoughtful insight from thousands of people. Finally, a representative poll done by Ipsos-Reid asked the community which option was preferred - and from that we got a solid mandate from our citizens.
A clear preference for replacement was indicated. 64% of Victoria residents prefer replacement compared to 29% for rehabilitation - and over 80% find the replacement option acceptable. A survey of business returned a preference of over 3:1 for replacement over rehabilitation.
The Johnson Street Bridge is a key piece of infrastructure for the city - no matter what neighbourhood you live in you are affected by this project. Not only do tens-of-thousands of people travel across that bridge everyday, but it is a main artery into our downtown, bringing workers, shoppers and visitors. We cannot afford to limit access into our downtown.
Further, the way our community travels is changing - we are seeing an increasing number of pedestrians and cyclists, and the number of transit riders is steadily growing. We need to ensure any new structure meets the needs of all forms of transportation and supports transportation modes that reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
The new bridge will have on-street bike lanes, improved road alignment, a walkway for pedestrians and improved surfaces across all sections. It will also be built to the highest seismic standard, ensuring the safety of the travelling public and the protection of the asset in an emergency and in the aftermath.
The new bridge makes alternate transportation options easier and safer, with improved connections to the Galloping Goose trail and E & N trails, and a connection to the Harbour Pathway on the east side of the harbour.
Further, its world-class design will be an addition to our cityscape, for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.
Now we need the final piece. The next step is for people to vote on November 20th. The City of Victoria is asking for the permission of voters to borrow up to $49.2 million in order to complete the Johnson Street Bridge replacement project.
In my opinion, borrowing is the most responsible way to fund this project, rather than raising taxes or depleting reserve funds. It is critical that the referendum will pass and we can move forward on building a new bridge that will serve our community for the next century.
For more information please visit our website at and make sure you are ready to cast your vote on November 20, 2010.