JBNA: Fall catch-up

James Bay Neighbourhood Association

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

Rick Gonder, President of the Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue (RCM-SAR) (previously the Coastguard Auxiliary) presented a brief overview of the organization's volunteer work at the July 11^th meeting of the James Bay Neighbourhood Association (JBNA). 

The presentation, timely, given the recent tragedy off 10 Mile Point, gave Gonder the opportunity to stress the importance of wearing personal flotation devices (pfd) on and around the water.

Forty-five  volunteers, both marine rescue and shore staff, operate out of Rescue Station #35, responding to 30-40 requests for assistance per year from the Canadian Coast Guard.  They are responsible for the area from Race Rocks to Trial Island.

They act as 'On Scene Commander' at local community events such as the Dragon Boat Festival, Swiftsure, Canada Day Events, Symphony Splash, etc. and offer training to recreational boaters 3-4 times per year.

The Victoria Rescue Station is one of a network of 40 coastal stations in BC and one of nine on the south Island.  While operating assistance is provided by B.C. Gaming and the Federal Government, 80% of operational costs are supported through donations.  The Coast Guard also pays a fee for service based on the number of calls received.

At the same meeting Dr Eleanor Setton of UVic presented analysis of the 2011 Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) Measurements (as recorded at Erie Street) and discussed supplementary 2012 monitoring.

This examination of exposure to air pollutants over time began with a 2-phase monitoring of air quality in James Bay in 2007 and 2009 to determine kinds and extent of pollutants.  Mobile air monitoring in 2009 and subsequent measurements in 2011, at the Erie St. site, have confirmed the presence of sulphur.  Short term spikes of SO2 were detected during visitations from cruise ships.  Similar patterns (fairly low NO2 levels, higher SO2 levels) were observed at Topaz station, but James Bay measurements are higher with more distinct patterns, and measurements sometimes exceed the 24 hr World Health Organization (WHO) guideline average.

Setton acknowledged the limitations of a single monitoring site, as modeling suggests higher (or lower) levels may be occurring elsewhere at any given time.  Although both Topaz and James Bay levels were lower in 2011 than in 2009, analysis of the Erie St. 2011 data continues, with a final report to be ready in summer 2012.  Spatial patterns of SO2 will be investigated through mobile monitoring during the 2012 season.

B. C. Air Quality information is available on-line (Google B.C. Air Quality and locate Victoria on the map).

Transport Canada-Pacific Region has responsibility for the North American Emissions Control Area (ECA) program.  The monitoring system involves a check of ship fuel logs when the ships are in port - in Vancouver.  JBNA has requested that 3 specific ships which are routinely in Victoria with weekly stops be boarded in Victoria as they do not have a scheduled stop in Vancouver at the end of the season.  

Jim Handy, the newly assigned James Bay Area Planner from the City Planning Department, attended the August 8^th meeting of the JBNA and participated in a round table discussion.  His responsibilities for planning in James Bay are restricted to interior areas and do not include 'waters edge' developments.  JBNA executive members followed Handy's presentation with an overview of Quality of Life issues in James Bay and JBNA priorities for 2012/13.  Handy acknowledged the variety and depth of neighbourhood concerns and offered his assistance where possible.

Concerns regarding the construction of Cell Towers in the neighbourhood, specifically the installation of cellphone and microwave towers on the roof of the 9-storey tower at 617 Dallas Road, was a major round table topic. While construction of these antennas can be governed by either federal or municipal policies, federal policy has precedence over communication industry matters.  When antennas are placed on top of existing buildings, Victoria's and Industry Canada's review process exempts the public consultation process.

Concerns expressed included the angle of radiation directed towards residences, lack of monitoring, and effects on health.

Parks & Boulevards:

Fisherman's Wharf Park: 

Phase 2 of the City's re-development of the park continues with completion expected in September.  Earth has been shifted, stone walls built and shrubs, grasses and trees planted.  Walkways are almost complete and the bridge and stairs are in place.  Sod will soon be placed on the plateau. 

Beacon Hill Park:

Partial road closures have been implemented, providing improved access for pedestrians, mobility scooters, bicycles and carriages. 

JBNA-GVHA Discussions Update

As the 2012 cruise-ship season nears its end, the 2013 cruise-ship schedule is near completion.  There will be little change from the 2012 schedule - with the continuing emphasis on the 3 ships at night pattern.  As the Disney ship is returning to Vancouver, there will be a slightly smaller number of ship visits to Victoria.  Passenger numbers (and tour buses) will remain similar to 2012 levels as larger ships dominate the schedule.

Mitigation Steps - JBNA has requested optimal scheduling, tour vehicle alternatives-diversification, and a marketing approach to increase walking.  GVHA has obtained federal approval to build a dock for smaller water-craft at Ogden Point to facilitate possible boat shuttle services to downtown and whale-watching from Ogden-Point.

Quiet-Hours - JBNA continues to request steps towards Ogden Point quiet hours of 10 pm to 7 am.  GVHA has committed to working towards midnight to 6 am quiet hours this year.  

JBNA also continues to request NO open-air sound systems and NO non-marine bus parking at Ogden Point.

Speeding - The objective of 50% fewer speeders related to cruise ship transportation has been established. Although GVHA is not responsible for speeding or traffic, the GVHA is responsible for transportation to/from cruise ships.

Shuttle Bus:  GVHA issued a Request for Qualification to bus businesses to express interest in operating a new shuttle bus service for cruise-ship tourists.  

JBNA Transportation Group:  

City staff have committed to 2012 vehicle count/speed data collection which will be analysed by JBNA to assess any change in patterns over previous years.  

City Transportation plans to construct a street-bulb on Simcoe at Oswego (SW corner) which will narrow Simcoe at the intersection.

GVHA Ogden Point MasterPlan:

GVHA has discontinued the two community committees which formed part of the consultation commitment at the start of the Ogden Point MasterPlan process.

Coming Soon - the Hippo Bus (amphibious tourist transport).

September 12 JBNA General Meeting:   

Councillor Lisa Helps wishes to hear from Victoria residents about their budget expectations.  Should there be cuts to the budget?  Where do you think expenditure cuts should occur?  Do you think there should be a budget increase?

Join with your James Bay neighbours to discuss city finances with Councillor Helps on Wednesday, September 12, from 7-9 p.m. at 234 Menzies Street.