A James Bay Business Association?

On the days preceding Christmas, there was a saxophonist doing his merry
stuff at Five Corners, spoiled only by the traffic whizzing by. He sounded
great!

What a pity, that such a people place has not been redeveloped as a
gathering place for that kind of activity and for other pleasures. Cars
could be replaced by a proper plaza. Fresh air and quietness would be the
rule!

In a similar manner, Toronto Street could be traffic-calmed with landscaping
to become a peaceful stroll to or from Beacon Hill Park.
Moreover, on the water side, a makeover of Ogden Point's breakwater would be
a welcomed  innovation. The reason for that: During the holiday, I saw as
many as two dozen walkers at one time willing to risk the lack of hand
rails, just for the pleasure of braving the wind over the water. The
breakwater ought to be promoted as a major visitor attraction.
Perhaps, if we had a James Bay Business Association, similar to that of
Downtown's, Five Corners could be a key focal point with huge developmental
potential. "Follow the money", could become a smart strategy designed to take
advantage of James Bay's latent attractions for cruise ships and other
tourists.

Instead of just lock-stepping through 2011, why not plan now for an
imagined, mid-century population? Do it our way: not just leave that up to
developers. We've got plenty of  talent and energy, and broader objectives
could attract new members.

Because of its most fortunate geography, James Bay, pretty much, is the
crown jewel of Victoria (a destination city), not too far from centre-stage.
James Bay's got it all! But, a little more polish is called for, in getting
the word out.

A broad and sweeping discussion on the new James Bay Association's
Neighbourhood Plan, and logo, is in order, as is an appointed, Press
Relations director (with a well-designed business card). Big on the map, we
can be big, too, in how we perceive ourselves.

Moreover, the addition of a local business association (if there was one)
working in concert with JBNA, could add more sparkle to James Bay as a
strategic community, ready for Victoria's brave future.

Redner Jones