James Bay Neighbourhood Association

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

Chair Tim van Alstine gave a comprehensive report on the activities of the association to James Bay residents at the annual general meeting of the James Bay Neighbourhood Association (JBNA) on May 14th. He reported on the extensive work of JBNA committees in response to rapid growth and the continuing pressures of change facing the community. He thanked all of the individuals who volunteer their time and who give expression to their concerns about the quality of life in our community.

Traffic Noise Study
The result of an application to the city for assistance with a traffic noise study in James Bay is expected by July. This study will examine noise from all sources, as opposed to aircraft noise alone. Existing data from the 2007 Air Quality Study will be analyzed and included with the Traffic Noise Study by Wakefield Acoustics. The scope of the Wakefield Study has been expanded to an additional day – without cruise ship activity.

Affordable Housing Fund
Councillor Chris Coleman gave a brief presentation on accomplishments to date with the Affordable Housing Fund. The Fund was started in 2005 with $250,000 from the gas tax rebate. Over a 3-year period, 64 units have been created throughout Victoria, using $721,000. Most recently $55,000 was contributed to Parry Place seniors supported-housing (22 units) in James Bay. $837,000 remains in the fund. Additionally, in 2007, four housing agreements were initiated to ensure that condominium units in new developments will be available for rent, and 21 secondary suites were created. Seed funding has been requested to do community consultation on a proposal to move the James Bay Project, New Horizons and the Community School to a shared location that would include dedicated seniors housing. Family housing has been proposed for the current Michigan Street site of the Project.

Off-Leash designation for Fisherman's Wharf Park
Pam Grant, Chairperson of the city's Dogs in Parks Committee presented options for an off-leash dog area in Fisherman's Wharf Park.

In 2003 Council passed a motion establishing off-leash areas in city parks. After one year, 6 parks and pilot areas were evaluated, receiving overwhelming support. Fisherman's Wharf Park (FWP) in James Bay has been suggested as another potential off-leash site in Victoria.

Grant presented two options for FWP - "off-leash" allowed on the entire site during specific hours (i.e. excluding scheduled sports event times); or a limited "off-,leash" area to the west end of the park, possibly separated from the sports area with a split rail fence.

James Bay residents asked how Fisherman's Wharf Park was selected and were advised that no other James Bay parks were considered. MacDonald Park has mixed use, so was not considered. Residents suggested that consideration be given to Holland Point with limited hours, or MacDonald Park from 6-8 am and/or evenings.

A survey (via dog licenses) was suggested, to determine where dog owners reside. Grant indicated that she would ask city staff if this could be done.

Speakers supporting the proposal spoke in favour of co-existence and the spirit of inclusion, observing that an exercised/socialized dog is more likely to be calm and well behaved. The need for a dog park in the western end of James Bay was noted, as it is a one-mile walk to the Beacon Hill park dog park from that area.

Speakers questioning the proposal pointed out the current lack of enforcement of off-leash dogs and the lack of self-policing by dog owners.

They expressed concern for the elderly who are at risk from exuberant animals, and others who are fearful of dogs in general. Both groups should feel safe on our streets and in our parks.

Neighbours noted the busy picnic area in Fisherman's Wharf Park, in need of expansion. The 300 residences within 50 - 100 m of the park use the park as their backyard. Patrons and food sellers on the Wharf currently feel exposed to risk from off-leash dogs. A multi-user pathway through the Park, proposed to encourage 20% of cruise ship passengers (estimated 80,000 people in 2008) to walk to downtown rather than taking a bus or taxi, might also be at risk from off-leash dogs.

Speakers talked about the need for resolution of current 'social and environmental problems' at the Beacon Hill dog park, noting the recommendation of the City Parks Manager that off-leash areas be fenced to avoid collisions between dogs and vehicles.

The consensus seemed to be that James Bay has a dense population and is short of green space. Currently dogs are allowed on leash anywhere, but people in parks must have priority. A secure fenced off-leash area in a larger, more centrally located park should be considered.

Resources from Waste, a provincial report on sewage treatment in the Capital Regional District (CRD), has been released. The report recommends
– a network of 32 smaller treatment plants as opposed to the 4 large regional plants currently being considered by the CRD;
– resource recovery (saleable heat, electricity, and clean water) to recover initial construction costs; and
– the launch of several pilot projects, including one in James Bay.

The proposed James Bay pilot indicates a treatment plant (on provincially owned land) on Michigan Street, treating waste from James Bay and supplying heat to provincial government buildings in the area, and irrigation water to the grounds of the BC Legislature, Beacon Hill Park and St. Ann's Academy.

We need time to consider all of these options and a plan!
Next Month: Join your neighbours at the next meeting of the James Bay Neighbourhood Association at New Horizons on Wednesday, June 11th at 7:00 pm for the presentation of revised proposals for both the Crystal Court and Admirals Inn sites.