By Doreen Marion Gee

They paved paradise and put up a parking lot. Joni Mitchell's words still cut to the core in 2008. There is lots of money to be made developing some of the prime real estate in James Bay and around the city. Some areas need to be revitalized through development. However, the value of green spaces and historical landmarks can also be considered a valuable and marketable commodity. A case in point is the proposed redevelopment of the Crystal Gardens corner.

Recent media coverage proclaims that the City's plans to redevelop that corner spells the demise of the Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling Club -a picturesque green space dating back to 1930. But at the Club's Open House on April 5, Kris Constable, their media person, set the record straight : At a meeting with Mayor Lowe in January, there was no mention of any plans to turf out the bowlers. The Club intends to stay put as they prepare a strategic plan to present to Mayor Lowe in June. According to Bob Wiffen, City Property Manager, the Club can still ask to extend their lease this Fall, even though their contract has no renewal clause. The Club members say that their operation is financially self - sustaining and economically viable.

The City wants to turn the Crystal Garden corner into a cultural and civic plaza with an art gallery and a children's museum. On March 6, 2008, there was an open City Council meeting where the "Planning Options Study on the Crystal Garden Block" was presented by Chris Gower, the Senior Urban Planner for the City. The study contains a myriad of options but most involve developing the Bowling Green and Cridge Park, both owned by the City. Gower is very excited about the proposal saying that "I think that it is a very strategic block for the long term future of the city. We all need to consider wise and balanced uses reaching far into the future prospects of our community."

Chris Coleman, our liaison with City hall, supports the idea of having a cultural precinct but states there are many possibilities, including keeping the Bowling Green. He is excited about the idea for a pedestrian walkway through the whole area, making it accessible for walkers from James Bay and the downtown core. An alternative site for the Art Gallery remains on the drawing board. Tim Van Alstine of the James Bay Neighbourhood Association mentions that the Crystal Court Motel development proposal is still alive and well , with a new version being promoted to the community.

In a solemn voice, The Reverend Dr. Rod Ellis, Rector of Church of Our Lord, confides that he is not in favour of the development of Cridge Park. "I do not want to look at tall buildings next door" he says. Ellis applied twice this year to City Council to have the park fenced off as a daycare playground, but was finally turned down. He would like to see a natural green space for a public playground.

Maybe all sides need to be more involved. On April 17, the Children's Museum of Victoria Association presented its ideas to City Council for the proposed children's museum. But according to Constable, the bowlers have not been properly consulted on the whole issue and are feeling left out of the process.

At 84, Ray Turner is the jovial president of the Lawn Bowling Club. With a thick Yorkshire accent and a quick smile, he lists the club's benefits to Victoria : the natural space, accessibility for seniors, a tourist magnet. His last comment is "The Club has been here for a long time. Its aesthetic value is worth something too." Even Bijan Neyestani of the Aria condominiums next door has grave concerns. " We need to preserve these green spaces because they are so rare."

Surely all interests are equally important and worthwhile. All voices deserve to be heard and considered on a level playing field. The paradigm is shifting. Many people see sentiment and green areas as gold bullion. As the tune warns, "You don't know what you've got til it's gone."

Photos by Barry Behnke