December Director’s Report jbna Reply to sender to list From: jbna@vcn.bc.ca To: jbna-members@vancouvercommunity.net Subject: December Director’s Report Date: Sun, 18 Dec 2011 19:36:26 -0800 The JBNA Board would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. We also wish you all the best in 2012 and look forward to seeing you in the New Year. Thank you for your support, interest and input into improving our community. JBNA Directors December 2011 Report City Councilor Liaison The JBNA Board welcomes Chris Coleman, recently appointed councilor liaison for James Bay. City Review of Vehicle-for-Hire Bylaw The City is seeking input from the sightseeing vehicle industry on the current Vehicle-for-Hire Bylaw and on options to deal with various issues arising from the industry’s activities. The JBNA Board prepared a response to the request for input, highlighting the need for the City to consult with residents most directly affected by the tourism vehicles. Shannon Craig, project Analyst for the City presented the project at the December 14 JBNA meeting. Gray Line (Horizons) recently informed the JBNA that for the 2012 tourist season, the scheduled double-decker bus service will NOT be routed through James Bay: however, the buses will still be used to transport cruise ship tourists. GVHA Fisherman’s Wharf Re-Design In addition to the workshop held at the JBNA general meeting on October 12th, GVHA has held workshops with residents who live near-by and with GVHA Fisherman’s Wharf clients. The JBNA Board has prepared and submitted a Principles document to GVHA for consideration in the next phase of the project. City of Victoria Celebrates 150 Years In 2012 the city will celebrate its 150 Birthday. See the City web-site for information about celebration plans and ideas for resident participation. Parks & Boulevards: Urban Forest Management Plan – Consultants Jeremy Gye and Judith Cullington discussed their new hundred-page draft plan with the Steering Committee Dec. The next step is presenting the plan at a public open house in February or March, 2012. Beacon Hill Park Improvements – The trellis next to Douglas Street by Goodacre Lake is completed and new asphalt pathway laid underneath. Lighting was added to the trellis and new lamps installed along the pathway north of the lake. Cameron bandshell benches are now secured to concrete footings. Floodlights are being installed at the Stone Bridge. A new heron cam focusing on the nesting area in pines north of the lake comes next. Harbour Pathway – Belleville – The HP block of Belleville, west of Oswego, is nearing completion. Environmental Issues: Air Quality – Ministry of Environment and VIHA: The Ministry has arranged for analysis of the sulphur dioxide air monitoring data collected during the 2011 cruise ship season. JBNA continues to request multiple monitoring sites. JBNA has examined the SO2 readings and wind reports for the 2011 season – a preliminary report will be presented at the January 11, 2012, JBNA meeting. GVHA—JBNA: Working Groups Noise Study & City Streets – Cruise Related Traffic issues : Results of the GVHA sponsored traffic noise study, by Wakefield Acoustics, the GVHA passenger count study as analyzed by JBNA, and the City traffic volume data as analyzed by JBNA were presented at the December JBNA and GVHA meetings. Harbour Pathway Working Group: The group met with Parks staff Dec. 7, the first step in developing a partnership with the city to help move the pathway forward in James Bay. Developments (Note: contact Mike Wilson City Planning @ 250-361-0384 for details) JBNA On-going: GVHA’s Ogden Point and Fisherman’s Wharf (2 projects) In the City process: 152 Dallas Rd., 646 Simcoe, Shoal Point, 403/405/411 Kingston, 68 Gov’t/579Niagara (January 11,2012 JBNA), 337 James St. – Council Dec 15th &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& December 14 JBNA Agenda – Transportation – summer 2011 jbna Reply to sender to list From: jbna@vcn.bc.ca To: jbna-members@vancouvercommunity.net Subject: December 14 JBNA Agenda – Transportation – summer 2011 Date: Mon, 5 Dec 2011 17:13:48 -0800 JAMES BAY NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION Monthly Meeting Agenda 7 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 14, 2011 James Bay New Horizons – 234 Menzies St Agenda Welcome 7:00 pm Approval of Agenda Minutes of October meeting Correspondence/Announcements · Circulating Correspondence file 549 Toronto – Redevelopment Project – Dennis Nyren 7:10 pm GVHA-JBNA Presentation of Summer 2011 Measures 7:30 pm Cruise-tourist choices, City traffic data, & Noise measures Vehicles for Hire By-Law Review– Shannon Craig 8:05 pm Noise Snare – or how Calgary is dealing with noisy vehicles! 8:30 pm Gordon Tweddell Councilor Report (pending Councilor assignment) 8:40 pm Community Concerns 8:50 pm Xmas Social & Adjournment JBNA Directors November 2011 Report JBNA & JB Community School Sponsored All-Candidates Forum The jointly sponsored All-Candidates Forum was held at the JB Community School on November 1st. About 100 residents and 40 Candidates and supporters participated. The first hour was a meet-&-greet opportunity for residents to meet and question Candidates. The second hour consisted of short “elect-me” statements made by each Candidate for City Councilor. The last hour consisted of a Mayoralty Candidate forum, with a question and answer period sandwiched by opening and closing statements. Healthy Canada by Design JBNA has been asked to participate in a VIHA-sponsored study which is linked to the Healthy Canada by Design initiative. The project will highlight the community-based research approach to quality of life issues undertaken by JBNA over the past several years. The study will be completed in January and the report will be posted on the JBNA web-site. City Review of Vehicle-for-Hire Bylaw The City is seeking input from the sightseeing vehicle industry on the current Vehicle-for-Hire Bylaw and on options to deal with various issues arising from the industry’s activities. The JBNA Board prepared a response to the request for input, highlighting the need for the City to consult with residents most directly affected by the tourism vehicles. Shannon Craig, project Analyst for the City will be presenting the project at the December 14 JBNA meeting. Fisherman’s Wharf Re-Design In addition to the workshop held at the JBNA general meeting on October 12th, GVHA has held workshops with residents who live near-by and with GVHA clients. The JBNA Board has prepared and submitted a Principles document to GVHA for consideration in the next phase of the project. Parks & Boulevards: Beacon Hill Park Beacon Hill Park has undergone several upgrades and maintenance projects. Old fuel tanks have been removed, the cricket pitch re-turfed, the trellis to the west of Goodacre Lake redone and new walkways/lighting installed. The proposed Beacon Hill Park Transportation Management Plan is under further review. Harbour Pathway – Belleville Harbour Pathway work on the block of Belleville west of Oswego is nearing completion. Environmental Issues: Air Quality – Ministry of Environment and VIHA: The Ministry has arranged for analysis of the sulphur dioxide air monitoring data collected during the 2011 cruise ship season. JBNA continues to request multiple monitoring sites. GVHA—JBNA: Working Groups Noise Study: GVHA awaits the report on noise monitoring carried out in September and October. If the report arrives with sufficient lead-time, the results may be presented at the December JBNA meeting. City Streets – Cruise Related Traffic Issues: Analysis of the City traffic volume data gathered at several JB locations in August has been completed and will be presented at the JBNA meeting on December 14th. Work is progressing with the interpretation of the GVHA passenger disembarkment data gathered in August and may also be presented at the December meeting. Developments (Note: may not be complete – contact City Planning @ 250-361-0523 for details) JBNA On-going: GVHA’s Ogden Point and Fisherman’s Wharf (2 projects) In the City process: 152 Dallas Rd., 646 Simcoe, Shoal Point, 68 Gov’t/579Niagara, 403/405/411 Kingston, 337 James St. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& All-Candidates Forum – Tuesday, 1st November jbna Reply to sender to list From: jbna@vcn.bc.ca To: jbna-members@vancouvercommunity.net Subject: All-Candidates Forum – Tuesday, 1st November Date: Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:14:38 -0700 James Bay All-Candidates Forum Victoria Municipal Election Tuesday November 1 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm James Bay Community School 140 Oswego St 6 pm – meet the candidates 7 pm – forum Sponsored by James Bay Neighbourhood Association & James Bay Community School Society &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& All-Candidates Meeting – Correction of Notice jbna Reply to sender to list From: jbna@vcn.bc.ca To: jbna-members@vancouvercommunity.net Subject: All-Candidates Meeting – Correction of Notice Date: Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:57:13 -0700 November JBNA meetings All-Candidates Meeting Date: November 1 Time: 6 pm 9 pm Place: JB Community School – 140 Oswego 6 pm Meet the Candidates 7 pm – Forum Sponsored by the JB Community School Society and JBNA November JBNA Monthly Meeting CANCELLED &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& All-Candidates Meeting and October Minutes jbna Reply to sender to list From: jbna@vcn.bc.ca To: jbna-members@vancouvercommunity.net Subject: All-Candidates Meeting and October Minutes Date: Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:09:16 -0700 November JBNA meetings All-Candidates Meeting Date: November 1 Time: 6 pm – 9 pm Place: JB Community School – 140 Oswego 6 pm – Meet the Candidates 7 pm – Forum Sponsored by JBNA School Society and JBNA November JBNA Monthly Meeting CANCELLED JAMES BAY NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION MINUTES – General Meeting October 12th, 2011 Welcome (62 in attendance) 7:05pm Approval of Agenda – M/S/C Approval of September 14th, 2011 Minutes M/S/C Correspondence – correspondence/announcements circulated 152 Dallas – Rezoning Proposal – Dr. Hanif Sukhiani presented his rezoning proposal for 152 Dallas (currently for sale) across from Ogden Point. A veterinarian surgeon, his business at present involves traveling around to other veterinarian hospitals and he wants to set up his own veterinarian hospital (referrals only). The issue is with the current zoning covenant limited commercial – offices. Animals cannot be housed overnight and he will have that need for some of his small animal patients. He thinks it is a good fit – he has contacted neighbours nearby (no dissent) and has met with JBNA-DRC and the City. How is changing this facility to a veterinarian clinic going to affect traffic in the area? He expects less traffic than what there is now – patients are by referral ONLY. There are no issues with emissions, no issues with exterior change, no issues with noise (kennel room will be sound proofed) so as not to affect him or his staff, and unlikely to affect surrounding neighbours. His plan is long term (15yrs), and if there is a problem with anything, he would request anyone to come to him to resolve any issue. Comments: ~Member thinks this will be an excellent fit for neighbourhood and thinks people without cars could bring their animals. Ans. Dr. Zukhiani explained he will be providing referral surgery ONLY – it will not be a general walk-in vet clinic. ~ Member advised there was a parking covenant which was removed as staff of the Cartographics co. use bikes mostly. Member wants covenant put back on as parking is very limited in the area. Ans. Good point, he spoke with City Engineering Dept. and the covenant was transferred from home to commercial business – covenant was for 6 or less people – already covered by current zoning. Dr. Zukhiani has the right number of parking stalls and does not anticipate a need for on-street parking – 2 driveways in and out. ~ Attendee asks what would the number of animals would be in his establishment? Ans. 2 or 3 a day and most will not be kept overnight – orthopedic patients may require an overnight stay. ~ Member asks what size of animals being treated Ans. Small animals only. Smart Meters – JBNA Board memberTrevor Moat Many people asking about opting out procedure – according to BC Hydro – there is no way to opt out. However, BC Hydro will respect owner(s) requesting relocation at owner’s expense. BC Hydro has a lot of information available on their website. In Trevor’s opinion, smart meters are safe. Parks Presentation – Doug DeMarzo, Manager City Parks Fisherman’s Wharf Park: Presented Landscape Plan Due to water flow problems and contaminated soil, a stream was not feasible. The Neighbourhood wants a natural component – rain gardens – function of rain garden is treatment of storm water (vegetative in nature) and will feature a sunken landscape. There will be a contemplative garden with benches surrounded by trees. There will be a ‘beach area with sand/logs’ along the pathway. On the Heron Cove boundary there will be a small retaining wall marking the original creek path boundary. There will be a herb garden on the SE corner of FWP. There will be greenspace for casual sport use (i.e. playing catch i.e.Frisbee). Comments: ~ FW resident asks if there will be lighting for those coming home from bus, etc? Ans. Pathway will be lit from Dallas/Erie along pathway to Fisherman’s Wharf. ~ Member asks about time frame – When will it be completed? Ans. Break ground in November with excavation and wall built over the winter – ready for spring/summer season ~ Member asks about the ball park & sports program. Ans. There is no longer a sports program at FW Park – plan is for a passive park. Sports advisory groups were consulted; they are not using FWP sports field, and the teams had no problem finding other more suitable sports fields. ~ Member notes GVHA given license to occupy previous FW parkland for parking use, and asks if there is any opportunity to reclaim an equivalent piece of land owned by GVHA – it’s a proper resolution so the community ends up with the same amount of parkland. No Answer. ~ Member asks if there will be any change to parking along St. Lawrence? Ans. No immediate plans to make any further changes to current parking ~ Member enquires about lighting at east end of park. Ans. It would be a considerable expense to light to the ramp area. Generally the City does not put lighting on pathways. Park is more heavily used in daytime. ~ Member wants a crosswalk on Erie. Ans. It would be up to his colleagues in Engineering Dept. to consider a crosswalk. ~ Member stated that 2 crosswalks at each corner south end of FWP are needed – please get those crosswalks in! Ans. Doug will report back to the Fisherman’s Wharf Park Advisory Committee. ~ Member suggested Mr. DeMarzo could direct wishes for 2 crosswalks, and if they say no, please give us their name. Harbour Pathway (Belleville) ~ New sidewalk from Pendray to Oswego creating a 5-7 meter wide path becoming part of harbour pathway. There will be changes to the Clipper entrance, changing from12m to 7m. No asphalt – they will use concrete aggregate with a retaining wall. 4 trees are being removed (mature birch & 3 cherry trees), to be replaced with 8 trees (4 red rockets and 4 japanese maples). Comments: ~ Attendee said the Clipper billboard should be removed – this is parkland! Ans. Nor sure its parkland but signs may be moved closer to their own property (Clipper & Robins Parking) ~ Member asks if the street width will be affected? Ans. Not at present; will be changing on inland side of curb/road to begin in the next 2 weeks. Lighting will be moved 1M back from curb and will look better than now. Dallas Road Bluffs: Consultant study complete and will come to JBNA early in There will be a construction crew and a naturalization crew – a soft approach to invasive species removal (a small area at a time to be done due to risk of erosion), so it will look much the same. It is a long term plan. Comments: ~ Where exactly are the Dallas Road Bluffs? Ans. Ogden Point to Clover Point. ~ Chairman gave thanks to Gary Darrah former Manager of Parks for his contribution to the process of FWP and thanks to Doug DeMarzo and City Parks Staff. Fisherman’s Wharf Marina Development Workshop – land use & facilities plan for FW with Dean Strongitharm & Brenda McBain of City Spaces retained by GVHA Curtis Grad explained the work Dean and his team are doing and wants to involve people of James Bay community to find out what residents want before going for rezoning. Process: Phase I, the consultation process – engaging in early discussions with user groups, neighbours and organizations. Prepare a development strategy and facility plan. Fall/winter – public review and obtain stakeholders feedback and additional input, then apply to City for zoning and development permit. ~ Spring 2012 – long term facilities plan – won’t be specific but an overall plan for Fisherman’s Wharf ~ Fall 2012 – completion of zoning process Dean described Fisherman’s Wharf current uses: FW current inventory – GVHA owns 3 lots consisting of 11 acres (9 acres-water/2.3acres-upland). Floathomes (33 + approx 30 live-aboards); floating retail (13 on 220ft of dock) plus yellow-line dock for ferries; and 101 moorage berths including live-aboards. Planning principles: Acknowledge mix of existing water uses and facilities; create a plan that reflects current uses and anticipates a future plan to produce more certainty for GVHA and community. Development considerations will be respectful of neighbours and plan to augment and enhance the character of FW to strengthen it as a destination. Workshop participants (tables of 5) received a large blackline drawing of FW, and were asked to write down 1.What do you like about FW 2.What issues are there with FW 3.What ideas do you have for the future for FW. We were asked to consider both physical and non-physical factors such as access/traffic (pedestrians/vehicles; docks and other infrastructure; lighting, views, signage and ambience. A brief discussion followed and participants asked for protection of parkland, views, and the current mixed use. For more information and follow-up: www.victoriaharbour.org Community Concerns ~ Horse carriages clean-up – Member requested the following: Motion: JBNA to write a letter reiterating letter of 2008 regarding the need for horse carriages waste clean-up. M/S/C Councillor Hunter – Report to JBNA ~ Victoria Foundation Vital Signs Report –3 years ago homelessness was the major issue and with 782 new affordable housing, Cost of Living is now the major issue. ~ Witnessed the Victoria Marathon for the 1st time and enjoyed it. Councillor Hunter asked for any comments: ~ Member appreciates the Victoria Marathon being better organized than some of the other racing events over past years, but would like to see some of these events held in other areas of Victoria – not James Bay all the time. ~ Regarding the Victoria Foundation Vital Signs Report, member says they are wrong, the cost of living is not more serious than homelessness – cost of housing is too high! Adjournment (8:59pm) &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& October Director’s Report jbna Reply to sender to list From: jbna@vcn.bc.ca To: jbna-members@vancouvercommunity.net Subject: October Director’s Report Date: Sat, 15 Oct 2011 14:48:34 -0700 JBNA Directors October 2011 Report Municipal Election – JBNA & JB Community School Society all-candidates forum: November 1st, 6:30 pm, James Bay School, 140 Oswego St. Menzies Street & City Downtown Core Area Plan On Thursday, October 13th, there is a public hearing on changes/restrictions which will apply to part of Menzies as a result of the area now falling within the Downtown Core Area Plan. Parks & Boulevards: Beacon Hill Park – Trellis Replacement – Goodacre Lake The trellis at the west end of Goodacre Lake is being replaced with a trellis located slightly to the west; native and non-native vines will provide colour; Douglas Firs, native deciduous species, and native shrubs will replace surrounding invasive species and unhealthy trees/shrubs. Checkers Pavilion – The City has submitted a grant application to Canadian Heritage for restoration funds. Cricket Pitch– Turf has been removed and will be replaced. Environmental Issues: Air Quality – Ministry of Environment and VIHA With the completion of the 2011 cruise ship season, review of the SO2 data has begun. Data will be verified and analysis completed in early (we hope) Initial review of wind data confirm the ‘unusual winds’ observed this year. JBNA continues to request multiple monitoring sites. Harbour Air Float Plane Plans – Air & Noise Pollution The City Public Hearing on Sept. 22nd saw approval of the zoning to accommodate Harbour Air plans. The docks, which began as 27 meters of docks about 15 years ago, increased to about 60m over the years. The new expansion will have about 150m of floatplane docking. GVHA – 3 Working Groups Noise Study: JBNA has coordinated 3 of the 4 noise monitoring sites to facilitate the project . Two meetings with GVHA to flesh out parameters of the study and approach to analysis have taken place. A third meeting is scheduled for next week. Harbour Pathway: JBNA and GVHA have struck a working group to develop a common approach to Harbour Pathway extension in James Bay. City Streets – Cruise Related Traffic Issues: JBNA and GVHA have struck a working group to examine (a) new City data on vehicle traffic counts collected at several locations in James Bay during second half of August, (b) recent GVHA data on transportation choices made by disembarking passengers, and (c) pedestrian signage. Development Status Report (Note: may not be complete – contact Kevin King, City Planning @ 250-361-0523 for details) JBNA On-going: GVHA’s Ogden Point and Fisherman’s Wharf (2 projects) In the City process: 152 Dallas Rd., 646 Simcoe, Shoal Point, 68 Gov’t/579Niagara, 403/405/411 Kingston Completed process: 640 Michigan, Pendray, Ladysmith, Laren House, 21 Pilot, 334 Niagara, 257 Belleville, 468 Belleville (RBC Museum), 555 Niagara Abandoned or unknown: 337 St James Other: SIPS – Request to lift covenant approved (Liquor sales permitted) 152 Dallas – Request to lift heritage and use related covenant denied 427 Belleville (Swiftsure) – Request to alter Liquor Licence approved 426/330 St Lawrence – Mayhew Properties – Heritage designation &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& October Agenda & September Minutes jbna Reply to sender to list From: jbna@vcn.bc.ca To: jbna-members@vancouvercommunity.net Subject: October Agenda & September Minutes Date: Sun, 2 Oct 2011 07:03:03 -0700 JAMES BAY NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION Monthly Meeting Agenda 7 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 12, 2011 James Bay New Horizons – 234 Menzies St Agenda Welcome 7:00 pm Approval of Agenda Minutes of previous meeting Correspondence/Announcements • Circulating Correspondence file 152 Dallas Rd – Rezoning Proposal – Hanif Sukhiani 7:10 pm Smart Meters – Trevor Moat 7:30 pm Parks Presentation – Doug deMarzo, Manager City Parks 7:35 pm Fisherman’s Wharf Park, Harbour Pathway (Belleville) Dallas Rd Bluffs Fisherman’s Wharf – Marina Development Workshop 7:55 pm Deane Strongitharm – City Spaces for GVHA Community Concerns 8:40 pm ~ Smart Meters ~ Other Councilor Hunter 8:50 pm Adjournment NOTE: If you wish to have something put on the agenda, the cutoff date is fifteen (15) days prior to the regular monthly meeting (held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month). JAMES BAY NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION MINUTES – General Meeting September 14th, 2011 Welcome (41 in attendance) 7:05pm Approval of Agenda – M/S/C (1 opposed in reference to amendment of Agenda 4b) Approval of August 10th, 2011 Minutes M/S/C Correspondence – correspondence/announcements circulated ~ 4b Ratification of Director-at-Large appointment – Mr. B. Tuomi resigned from the board, and the board appointed Mr. Trevor Moat to replace Mr. Tuomi on the board for the remainder of term (AGM 2012). A member spoke against the appointment stating there should be an election. The Chair confirmed the Board’s obligation to appoint board members when/as vacancies arise. According to the JBNA constitution, if a Director-at-Large appointment is made, member ratification is required. It was moved to ratify the appointment of Mr. Trevor Moat to Director-at-Large. Mr. Moat introduced himself to members and agreed to accept appointment to the JBNA board. M/S/C (1 opposed) Councillor Hunter – Report to JBNA ~ Councilor Hunter reported on her forwarding of a motion through Council to write a follow-up letter to the new Minister of Transportation regarding the Council resolution and letter of December 2009. In the letter, Mayor and Council asked for the creation of a committee to consider impact on residents. Councilor Hunter stated that there was an error in the JBNA August Directors’ Report re: water airport and that City is proceeding with proposal for realignment of floatplane docks, adding 25 meters to one dock – it is not additional dock space. ~ Councilor Hunter offered her apology and correction regarding the GVHA grant – wasn’t $10,000 – it was a $5,000 grant to GVHA for a shore power study (April 2011) ~ There is a lot going on in James Bay parks and it is hoped the proposal for restoration of Checkers Pavilion of Beacon Hill Park goes ahead; FW proposed rain garden construction is expected to begin soon – going to tender – to allow bidders for completion May 2012 ~ Cruise ships – Shore power fuel reduction implementation deadline 2012. Monitoring SO2 “online stream” B.C. Air quality by GVHA/VIHA/Min. of Environment. Better Transportation models – contract 2013. City wants to be an active partner re: impact on neighbourhood – recognizes there is room for improvement ~ Mayor Fortin met with Yellow Cabs yesterday to discuss problem of speeding cabs, and Yellow Cabs rep. agreed there is a problem & will monitor their cabs at Oswego/Dallas & Oswego/Simcoe. ~ All JB residents have opportunities to address Mayor and council to voice their concerns before council by requesting to address Council through Legislative Services. Your request must be submitted the day before any council meeting (by 11am) along with your name and address & a brief description of your concern & you will be allowed 5 min. Comments: ~When in 2012 do the emissions standards take effect? Councilor Hunter didn’t know. Member said August. ~Member requested City get back $5,000 grant to GVHA – Councilor Hunter said “No” it is contributing to community concerns ~ Member stated that the committee requested by Council of Transport Canada already exists, and has for almost 10 years. ~ Regarding GVHA water lot zoning – Member and Councilor Hunter had lengthy exchange regarding expansion, dock realignment and rezoning. In conclusion, the proposed GVHA rezoning will increase the overall inner harbour waterlot zoning of properties which are zoned to accommodate float plane docks. ~ JBNA board member requested $5000 Shore Power funding to GVHA not go forward – should go to monitoring of EPA standards – there is no enforcement program in place. ~ Attendee mentioned there will be a special City Council non-statutory meeting tomorrow night to adopt Downtown Core Plan-for next 30yrs-people not properly informed of this meeting. Regarding Land Use Planning, she stated that the floatplane terminal location was to be temporary not permanent. Councilor Hunter reiterated City support of floatplanes – the Inner Harbour is a commercial harbour and the floatplanes are part of this. Member added that all transportation originally was to be at Belleville side of harbour (customs). ~ Further to the public hearing for rezoning of water airport terminal/docks, the sign advising of the public hearing on the Otter Restaurant did not have any date listed. Will there be a larger building? What are the plans? Councilor Hunter said they are not yet approved. ~ Board member is concerned that Harbour Air promoting people flying from one place to another is one thing, but promoting “come bring your friends and go for a joy ride” is cause for concern of expanding number of flights. Kenmore Air is going to new terminal – there’s another operator – all slips being consolidated? Regent Hotel site still licensed. Transport Canada can double flights with new terminal, plus existing slips, so it does represent an expansion of Westcoast Air/Harbour Air – no limits in place. ~ Member reiterates expansion seems apparent when capping of flights is what is wanted! ~ Member advised extending floatplane docks into middle of Inner Harbour, dominating & compromising the size of our beautiful Inner Harbour ~ Regarding Cruise ships, member said the City did not seem to expect much from the Cruise ship industry, and because of the Jones Act, we can demand more (accountability/benefit) of them, so don’t be so soft-handed. Councilor did not agree with member’s interpretation. ~ Board member noted re: letter sent to NWCCA – JBNA received NWCCA flat refusal to contribute to the costs for air monitoring – very disappointing! Polluter should pay! Emergency Preparedness Presentation – Rob Johns, City of Victoria ~ Mr Johns presented a summary of the city’s emergency preparedness program. ~ 30 known hazards from high to low risk: earthquake, storm, fire, flood, infestations, aircraft crash, MVA, etc. ~ Focus on EQ: 1 in 3 chance of a damaging EQ in the next 50 yrs (crustal or Cascadia subduction zone). Our older infrastructure will perform poorly in a close proximity EQ. Referring to New Zealand’s recent earthquake damage – they will be in recovery for a generation. ~ Victoria has recently completed soil mapping, tsunami mapping for Victoria ~ 2 CRD commissions support day-to-day planning activities. Regional Disaster Mutual Aid agreement exists, and Inter-municipal Emergency Plan. ~ Referred to Emergency Program Bylaw 2004, Emergency Program Act and Emergency Management Act. Emergency Plan has been updated this year. There is a Reception Center Plan and a Group Lodging Plan. BCERMS (British Columbia Emergency Response Management System) response goals: life and safety FIRST; volunteer teams within VEMA: amateur radio operators (looking for volunteers); evacuee assistance; urban search and rescue, public education including Great BC Shake Out which began in Victoria. ~ Remember in the event of an earthquake DROP, COVER & HOLD. Don’t run out of a building unless you KNOW it is safe to do so, move away from falling things. Re: Tsunami: One minute or more of shaking where you cannot stand, move to higher ground – you may have up to 90 minutes Comments: ~ discussion of neighbourhood emergency containers – Q.who has access? A. rescuers. ~ Q.Having a high # of floatplanes with no proper legal clearance – is there a plan in the event of aircraft engine failure? A. Rob Johns advised protocols will be followed. ~ Rob Johns recommended everyone check out www.prepareVictoria.ca there is a lot of helpful information on this website. ~ Member said it’s important for everyone to prepare so that in the event of a disaster, you will know what to do automatically as in an earthquake you will be startled & you may go into shock. Chair thanked Mr. Johns for his informative and important presentation. GVHA Strategic Directions: Curtis Grad, CEO, GVHA ~ Where we have been and where we are going: ~ Highlights – emphasis on upkeep and improvement of key working harbour infrastructure reflecting GVHA mandate to pursue best marine & related use and development of whole harbour while optimizing current and future harbour assets. Invested 2.5 mil. ~ Total value of assets 2002-25 mil. 2010/2011-66.5 mil. ~ Busiest Cruise Ship Port-of-Call in Canada with 200+ calls and 400,000 passengers ~ FW- marina facilities improved – docks being replaced and reconfigured. ~ Property Management: (property based revenue 20%) ~ FW-visioning: marina development strategy facility plan – building on unique character ~ Ogden Point (OP) Master Plan: preserve OP as a working port facility with sustainable/flexible options, adaptable to changing markets – Project status: Phase 1-technical assessment; Phase 2-market assessment; Phase 3-rezoning; Phase 4-implementation strategy, ~ OP Cruise Transportation Strategy: seeks solutions for efficient people movement – Project status: RFI complete with input received under evaluation – RFP to be launched in 2nd quarter of 2012 with new contract to be in place for 2013 cruise season. Options under evaluation: water shuttles; electric buses ~ Shore power Study: (feasibility) Grant from City of Victoria-$5,000, VIHA-$5,000, Municipality of Esquimalt-$1,000. Project status: RFP complete with calculation and selection underway – anticipated to be completed by 4th quarter 2011. ~ Sustainability framework: Goal- to integrate GVHA’s sustainability principals policy planning and operations. Scope: environmental, social and financial. ~ JBNA/GVHA Working Groups to develop joint strategies: Harbour Pathway, Cruise ship related traffic solutions; noise measurement study – working together better. ~ JBNA/GVHA working groups (GVHA has met with JBNA more than any other group) CEO ON BOARD ~ 1st 90 days-absorbing history, collective vision and institutional memory ~ focus on team building, identifying key strategies & opportunities, familiarization with business fundamentals including strategic plan, Master Plan, Business Plan and Financial Plan ~ Introduced to local government leadership including First Nations, neighbourhood association & community, and business community (Tourism Victoria, Chamber of Commerce, etc.) ~ Outreach to customer base operations: OP, FW, Causeway. ~ Initial observations: GVHA is a young organization founded in 2002 – successful in improving condition of various distressed assets acquired from federal government ~ Protecting and enhancing its function as a working harbour and main transportation hub. ~ Future challenges and priorities: capital renewal & development with long-term financial, social, environmental sustainability of strategic harbour assets ~ Balancing/optimizing interests of GVHA/community – they are more property manager ~ Enhancing GVHA leadership role and profile with key stakeholders including Fed. Govt., First Nations, local government, community, business and industry Comments: ~ Member applauds C. Grad/GVHA for coming forward about impact on community which is of great concern: need transportation solutions (i.e. water taxis) Ans. Getting out of town to meet with cruise line companies, doesn’t want to be chasing business and wants to bring quality businesses providing value NOT extracting value. ~ Would the GVHA board work within parameters of performance based zoning – put on your list. Ans: Not familiar with performance zoning – will look into it. ~ Member thanked Curtis for his presentation about where GVHA has been and where it is going. Better dialogue is appreciated by JBNA. Regarding cruise ships: doesn’t understand who contracts with whom? Ans: Western Stevedoring is OP terminal operator and works for GVHA – terminal side outsourced – vessel operations deal directly with WS and King Bros is agent of operators and licensed to do bus transportation on property. ~ Member asked if one wanted cruise industry to behave in a different way i.e. most boats choosing to come in on Thur/Fri/Sat. Some arrive in the daytime which is better than short evening visits (they are regulated to come here). Does GVHA have contractual power as we would prefer more daytime visits – better economically and evening traffic is more disruptive. 3 ships show up at the same time with 10,000 people flooding the community/city – not great for GVHA either – more stressful. Ans: It’s not the # of ships but the handling of people more effectively – blending traffic or extending stay – one value, over that value ~ Member disappointed GVHA doesn’t have any open houses to show interest in residents of the community. Ans: Wants to hold# of open houses before year end. ~ Member asked if GVHA would give back the $5,000 grant to the City Ans: GVHA accepted the $5,000 grant with pride and dignity, so sorry, he is siding with Councilor Hunter on this issue. ~ Attendee says City’s past promotion slogan “follow the birds to Victoria”. Victoria is known as the walkabout city– we need a continuous route with no buildings blocking the view – what is your response? Ans: He first noticed the harbour pathway as a visitor, walking around the harbour and kept running into dead ends. GVHA is committed to finishing the harbour pathway plan (walk from Beacon Hill all around Dallas to the Inner Harbour and all the way to Esquimalt). There will be development, but the right development. ~ Who has contract with Cruise ships? Ans: We don’t have a contract for who comes in but we contract the use of the facilities. ~ Re: SO2 earlier graphs don’t show the difference in the size of ships which are bigger now and have a greater impact on the community. Ans: Yes, bigger ships declared using Victoria as a port-of-call. ~ Curtis Grad introduced John Briant (new manager of Western Stevedoring) to all present. ~Member complained about the stink of horse(s) waste at Ogden Point. Ans: Yes, GVHA received complaints early in the season, jumped on it, and it is now a lot better. ~ Chairman thanked Curtis Grad for his presentation – we have moved forward in the 3 months you’ve been on board, more than in the last 9 years. JBNA appreciates being acknowledged and treated with respect. Ans: Thank you – believes his staff has done a great job. I’ve got 100 ideas, and 99 have already been thought of, and I’m hoping to materialize them. Community Concerns ~ Laura Neil, who had brought a development to the JBNA last year, thanked the DRC committee for their help regarding the rezoning of the property. Adjournment (9:15pm) &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& September Director’s Report jbna Reply to sender to list From: jbna@vcn.bc.ca To: jbna-members@vancouvercommunity.net Subject: September Director’s Report Date: Thu, 22 Sep 2011 09:57:19 -0700 (PDT) JBNA Directors September 2011 Report Parks & Boulevards: Fishermans Wharf Park – come, weed, and harvest – at a park near you Work will begin on the Phase 2, Fishermans Wharf Park, in a few weeks – we hope. By next spring, phase 2 should be completed. The south-east corner, near St Lawrence and Erie, will contain plantings of herbs and fig and hazelnut trees. Doug DeMarzo will present final plans at the October 12 JBNA meeting. Harbour Pathway – Belleville: Doug DeMarzo will also discuss the redevelopment of the Belleville St sidewalk by the Clipper Terminal at the October 12 JBNA meeting. Environmental Issues: Air Quality – Cruises ship Companies & GVHA The JBNA Board has been informed by a representative of the cruise ship companies who were contacted regarding financing air monitoring equipment, that not only will they not provide funding to monitor the pollution they create, but they won’t even “entertain” the request. As the cruise ship season draws to its end (September 26), BC Ministry of the Environment will assess the Erie St SO2 monitoring. Results are expected in either October or November. Float Plane – Air & Noise Pollution Aerodrome Noise, Emissions & Safety – Victoria Harbour, a JBNA position paper, has been completed and posted on www.jbna.org The City Public Hearing on the GVHA application to rezone part of its Wharf St waterlot to accommodate float planes is scheduled for Sept. 22nd. Harbour Air may be presenting their expansion plans at the October 12 JBNA meeting. GVHA Noise Study JBNA arranged for 3 of the 4 noise monitoring sites to facilitate the project underway. Discussions are ongoing to determine the project scope (yes, the cart is before the horse!). City Streets – Vehicles and Pedestrians JBNA Board members met with Brad Dellebuur, City Transportation, to discuss streets and pedestrian needs. The City did a traffic numbers count in late August at several locations in James Bay. Results will be discussed in a few weeks. City Downtown Core Area Plan On Thursday, September 15th, there is a public hearing on the Downtown Core Area Plan. JBNA will be presenting comment. Development Status Report (Note: may not be complete – contact Kevin King, City Planning @ 250-361-0523 for details) JBNA On-going: Ogden Point (Update meeting expected in the fall) GVHA’s Fisherman’s Wharf (community meetings begin September) In the City process: 152 Dallas Rd. (coming to JBNA in October), 646 Simcoe, Shoal Point,68 Gov’t/579Niagara, 403/405/411 Kingston Completed process: 640 Michigan, Pendray, Ladysmith, Laren House, 21 Pilot, 334 Niagara, 257 Belleville,468 Belleville (RBC Museum), 555 Niagara Abandoned or unknown: 337 St James Other: SIPS – Request to lift covenant approved (Liquor sales permitted) 152 Dallas – Request to lift heritage and use related covenant denied 427 Belleville (Swiftsure) – Request to alter Liquor Licence approved 426/330 St Lawrence – Mayhew Properties – Heritage designation &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& September Agenda & August Minutes jbna Reply to sender to list From: jbna@vcn.bc.ca To: jbna-members@vancouvercommunity.net Subject: September Agenda & August Minutes Date: Fri, 2 Sep 2011 06:33:32 -0700 (PDT) JAMES BAY NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION Monthly Meeting Agenda 7 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 14, 2011 James Bay New Horizons – 234 Menzies St Agenda Welcome 7:00 pm Approval of Agenda Minutes of previous meeting Correspondence/Announcements · Circulating Correspondence file Councilor Hunter 7:10 pm Emergency Preparedness: Rob Johns, City of Victoria 7:20 pm GVHA Strategic Directions: Curtis Grad, CEO, GVHA Where we have been, and where we are going 8:00 pm Community Concerns (time permitting) 8:40 pm Adjournment NOTE: If you wish to have something put on the agenda, the cutoff date is fifteen (15) days prior to the regular monthly meeting (held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month). JAMES BAY NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION MINUTES – General Meeting August 10th, 2011 Welcome (31 in attendance) 7:10pm Approval of Agenda M/S/C Approval of July13, 2011 Minutes M/S/C Correspondence – correspondence/announcements circulated. Councillor Hunter ~ Summer in the city – a lot going on (the Dragon Boat Festival, Harrison Pond sculpture unveiling) ~ Welcome committee met with visiting group from Nagoya, Japan and emergency preparedness was discussed in relation to Japan’s earthquake. ~ Completion of OCP will be in early 2012. City Council decided more time/effort over the next 4 months to review (6000 engaged so far) – Check website Shapeyourfuture@victoria.ca ~ Johnson Street Bridge now have obtained permits from Transport Canada to dismantle rail-bridge – hope to start work in January Comments: ~ Member objected to the City funding GVHA for study of emissions from cruise ships – cruise ships should pay; Motion: “The City should recover funding provided to GVHA for a study of emissions by cruise ships as the cruise ship industry should pay for study of emissions.” M/S/C – one abstention. ~ Member stated cold ironing is no solution to air pollution problem as the majority of emissions occur as cruise ships arrive and leave – SO2 only being tested by Min. of Environment ~ Member asked if the E&N rail link is still in the picture. Councillor Hunter answered No, the rail-bed is seriously deficient and the VIA rail station will be moved to a new location west of the JSB (Catherine Street?). ~ Member expressed how important it is that the railway be funded and maintained. Councillor Hunter stated the City has committed to have E&N part of commuter rail and it is proposed that the train will run from Nanaimo in the morning and leave Victoria in the evening. The Island Corridor Foundation has received assurance of Provincial Govt. funding contingent on Federal funding. ~ Member commented on the city spending millions to remove the bridge and build a 3-lane bridge – wouldn’t it make sense to have a 4-lane bridge? Councillor Hunter wants to make it clear transportation is about more than cars/trucks and every lane you add, adds more millions to the cost – have to make tough decisions. She added CMHC providing loan. Aerodrome – Floatplane Operation Expansion – Powerpoint presentation by Marg Gardiner Slideshow presented showing the timeline of floatplane operations beginning in the 1930’s when floatplanes were moved from Esquimalt Harbour to Inner Harbour 1950-60’s – major residential development in James Bay 1970’s – commercial floatplane flights scheduled 1980’s – plans to develop Songhees area 1981 – CHMC Policy – NEF formalized 1986 Helijet operations moved from Songhees to Ogden Point – 16 flights daily 1989 – approx. 5313 floatplane movements per year – 38 daily schedule floatplane flights and 19 scheduled helicopter flights daily 1997 – City proposed Memo of Cooperation 1999 – More of the same – Noise Management Plan, etc. 2000 – April – Airport certified with “draft Regulations” and altered Traffic scheme – Noise Management and Air Quality Committee created. Shift runways west. 2002 – Q850 Document (Risk Assessment) 2005-2008 TC Noise and Air Quality meetings 2009 – Realtors include “without extreme noise and fumes of floatplanes 2009 – city Standing Committee Response 2010 – Qualatech Aero Consulting Ltd. Report ~ Aircraft movements – Max to date is 34,732 floatplane movements/year (27/hr-216/day) ~ Air Quality Studies of VOC’s – JBQAS recommended more studies of floatplane emissions (as well as emissions of helicopters and diesel buses) ~ Noise – impulse noise – in 2009 study showed 101.9 decibels – several studies private and by TC ~ Need for safety and risk assessment regarding the questionable application of “coffin zoning” for floatplanes. ~ Many ‘players’ are involved: Operators: Hyack Air, Harbour Air, Kenmore Air Transport Canada & NavCanada City of Victoria – Landlord-Harbour Air & Planning, zoning (Municipal Act ‘Nuisance’)) GVHA Board – Landlord (Regent – Hyack and proposed water lot) & board membership Tourism Victoria, Chamber of Commerce ~ GVHA rezoning proposal from Harbour Air (prepared by City Spaces) – 20yr proposed term (with 5yr reviews) – consultation with businesses (19,372 SF lot lease) ~ April 8, 2011 – JBNA request to City; May 25 Planning Report; June 16, 2011 City PLUSC – GVHA proposal change – no longer restricted to one terminal ~ Winners & Losers Industry benefits (floatplane operators) Losers – residents – health and property values Others who pay – Govt. subsidies TC & NavCan & City of Victoria – opportunity cost & property tax Responsibilities: City & transport Canada (GVHA NOT an authority –Landlord) ~During municipal election campaign responses indicated support for possibility of reduction of floatplanes to mitigate noise and air pollution JBNA requests (Jan & June 2011) and independent Aeronautical Study and Risk Assessment; a full examination of air pollution (VOS monitoring), the implementation of noise mitigation /standards/monitoring and improved community consultation (already established 10 years ago??) Comments: ~ Member stated that our busy Inner Harbour is constrained by floatplane activity ~ Member noted after all these years residents are still not being listened to regarding environmental impacts of floatplanes ~ Member questioned what is meant by “coffin zoning”. Capt. Jack Bragg explained that “coffin zoning” (vertical zoning), normally used in remote locations such as logging/fishing camps, was applied to our Inner Harbour as the required regulations for clearance (300ft) could not be met. Member requested more information on the difference between decibel levels of 50 to 100. It was explained that each increase in decibel level is exponentially far greater. ~ Member said in 1970’s the Reid site development was stopped to save the waterfront for public enjoyment ~ Member stated nothing should be built to block pedestrian(s) view around the harbour waterfront ~ Member wants floatplane docks moved to Ogden point and keep Ships Point as park for public use – board member responded that we now have a more complete understanding of the winds, and floatplanes at OP would create even more pollution on residents east of OP, so JBNA could not support this recommendation – West Bay might be more acceptable. ~ Member asked if it has been proposed that floatplanes be moved to Outer Harbour as we cannot live with more VOC’s ~ Member proposed a motion to write a letter to GVHA/TC/City of Victoria regarding marine safety regulations, air & noise pollution, (everyone is turning a blind eye). M/S/C JBNA Priorities – Overview – Brian Scarfe ~ Work Plan items: continue working with GVHA to build a stronger/better relationship Work on environmental impact mitigation Work on mitigation of floatplane noise & VOC monitoring spread message about SO2 emission levels and Lmax levels Mobility & Transportation in James Bay: Improve pedestrian safety/work with BC Transit to improve services in JB/work with City to more effectively plan for & mitigate impact of special events in JB Comments: Member asked what JBNA is doing for the homeless – motions proposed (no seconder) ~ President said the board is active and concerned with protecting housing in JB Brian moved that members endorse JBNA Board priorities – M/S/C (1 opposed) NOTE: The 2011-12 JBNA Board Priorities are posted at www.jbna.org on the Organization page BC Transit – due to absence of BC Transit rep, Tom Coyle, JBNA-VP spoke Design charettes and surveys involving JB residents resulted in recommendations: Priorities in surveys were – frequency/coverage/focus on 5-corners/smaller buses preferred with better connections to buses downtown key issues: community bus service, lack of connections to town centre and continued use of Erie St. as terminus (179 buses daily) JBNA actions: meet with BC Transit to review proposed plans, express concerns of key issues and most importantly, keep communication OPEN. NOTE: BC Transit is presenting a high-level plan to the Victoria Transit Commission Sept. 13th Comments: ~ Member expressed fear/concern that JB will be used as terminus as part of long range plan ~ Member advised to watch out for reduction of service to JB ~ Member hoped service may be provided to elderly who are less mobile Community Concerns ~ Member concerned about horse droppings/waste and asked for copy of past motion in minutes regarding horse droppings and clean-up. ~ Member spoke of a complaint to the City about standing pools of horse urine as Ogden Point – drains are not connected to the City drains but go directly into the ocean. President, Tim V. advised there is ongoing dialogue regarding the lack of cleanliness at OP (bylaw) ~ Member reminded everyone JBNA position is “polluter to pay” re: monitoring of air pollution ~ Member advised there is a petition against taxis speeding on Montreal/Niagara/Superior. Adjournment – 9:05pm NOTE: Agenda item No.7 City of Victoria – Bylaw Enforcement will be moved to a future meeting as well as Item No.8 City of Victoria Special Events Coordination. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& August Director’s Report jbna Reply to sender to list From: jbna@vcn.bc.ca To: jbna-members@vancouvercommunity.net Subject: August Director’s Report Date: Tue, 16 Aug 2011 08:53:39 -0700 (PDT) JBNA Directors August 2011 Report Parks & Boulevards: Holland Point Park The official opening of a “playful public artwork” sculpture titled Glass Half Full will take place on August 19, at 11:15 a.m. The sculpture is by the Harrison Yacht Pond in Holland Point Park. According to the City, it was designed for children to play on and to enhance this public space. A metal plaque on the ground east of the path features a poem by the City’s poet laureate. Fishermans Wharf Park In a meeting with Parks Director Kate Friars and Planner Doug DeMarzo, JBNA representatives urged that construction of phase two of the park re-development begin this fall. DeMarzo said the earliest this might occur is late October/November beginning with excavation. The project may be delayed until spring. Design drawings are 90% completed. If the city does the work, with only one excavator, work stops during the winter. If contractors are hired, the job could be finished by spring but the cost would be higher to work through the winter. Harbour Pathway – Belleville: JBNA Board members met with Doug DeMarzo this week to discuss various projects including a redevelopment of the Belleville St sidewalk by the Clipper Terminal. DeMarzo will present updates on all projects at an early fall JBNA meeting. Environmental Issues: Air Quality – Cruises ship Companies & GVHA The JBNA Board wrote to cruise ship companies to request funding for three air quality monitoring sites (“Polluter Pay Principle”) and has asked GVHA to fund or secure funding for three air quality monitoring sites. GVHA has said “no”. With predominant westerly winds, JBNA has received complaints concerning adverse reactions to sulphur dioxide pollution including sore throats, burning eyes and lung breathing/pain problems. Float Plane – Air & Noise Pollution GVHA, on behalf of Harbour Air, has submitted a request for rezoning a GVHA inner harbour waterlot to provide additional float plane docks. JBNA has requested the City to delay the proposal until noise and air pollution are limited/controlled and a Safety Case is completed. The City is proceeding with the proposal. GVHA Reputational Survey GVHA provided JBNA with the data from the recent GVHA Reputational Survey. The data have been analysed to determine responses from James Bay residents. As might be expected, results showed differences between JB resident, and other resident, responses in areas of knowledge of GVHA activities and dissatisfaction with the management of cruise tourism. The analysis will be posted on the www.jbna.org Environment web-site page. Development Status Report (Note: may not be complete – contact Kevin King, City Planning @ 250-361-0523 for details) JBNA On-going: Ogden Point (Update meeting expected in the fall) In the City process: 646 Simcoe, Shoal Point, 68 Gov’t/579Niagara, 403/405/411 Kingston Completed process: 640 Michigan, Pendray, Ladysmith, Laren House, 21 Pilot, 334 Niagara, 257 Belleville, 468 Belleville (RBC Museum), 555 Niagara Abandoned or unknown: 337 St James Other: SIPS – Request to lift covenant approved (Liquor sales permitted) 152 Dallas – Request to lift heritage and use related covenant denied 427 Belleville (Swiftsure) – Request to alter Liquor Licence approved 426/330 St Lawrence – Mayhew Properties – Heritage designation &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& JBNA August Agenda & July Minutes jbna Reply to sender to list From: jbna@vcn.bc.ca To: jbna-members@vancouvercommunity.net Subject: JBNA August Agenda & July Minutes Date: Sun, 31 Jul 2011 06:48:32 -0700 (PDT) JAMES BAY NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION Monthly Meeting Agenda 7 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 10, 2011 James Bay New Horizons – 234 Menzies St Agenda Welcome 7:00 pm Approval of Agenda Minutes of previous meeting Correspondence/Announcements • Circulating Correspondence file Councilor Hunter 7:05 pm Aerodrome – Float Plane Operation Expansion – discussion 7:15 pm City of Victoria – ByLaw Enforcement 7:30 pm Mark Hayden, Manager, ByLaw Enforcement & Licensing City of Victoria – Special Events Coordination 8:00 pm Jeff Day, City Events Liaison BC Transit – Changes (no community bus) 8:25 pm Darin Ramsay, Sr Transportation Planner Community Concerns (time permitting) 8:50 pm Adjournment NOTE: If you wish to have something put on the agenda, the cutoff date is fifteen (15) days prior to the regular monthly meeting (held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month). JAMES BAY NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION MINUTES – General Meeting July 13th, 2011 Welcome ( 39 in attendance) 7:03pm ~ Special guest Curtis Grad, CEO of GVHA was introduced Approval of June 8th, 2011 Minutes M/S/C Approval of Agenda M/S/C Correspondence – correspondence circulated. JBNA QoL Traffic/Streets Review Summary Slideshow presentation by Dr. Brian Scarfe ~an overview of social/environmental impacts ~JB resident’s transportation priorities: quantity of tour buses; tour buses noise; motorcycles; cruise ships emissions; what has been measured. Good tourism interacts-bad tourism impacts. The Streets of James Bay Slideshow presentation by Dwayne Kalynchuk, Director, Engineering & Public Works with Brad Dellabuur, Transportation Planner for the City of Victoria An overview of JB transportation network was presented ~Street classification by level of vehicle usage– arterial (18,000+), secondary arterial (5,000-20,000), collector (3,000-8,000), secondary collector (1,000-4,000), local street (less than 1,000) ~Trucks – up to 22,680kg allowed on all roads, and above 22,680kg use truck routes only ~Traffic volumes (2010) graph showed JB transportation volume at 61,600 and it was stated the volume has remained the same over the past 10 years ~Speed data location – averages – speed limits are appropriate for JB & 85% of traffic following limits (or less) ~ Parking regulations – Resident Parking Only (RPO) – on most residential streets ~Greenway Corridor – designated improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, etc. (50 yr. plan) ~Cruise ship routes to downtown – 35 min. walk to downtown ~Slides shown of Pedestrian Master plan, Sidewalk Master plan, Bicycle Master plan (bikeway network), and horse drawn carriage area of operations Moving Forward ~ Working with GVHA groups to update and evaluate ~ Review noise data ~ Provide input to GVHA in evaluation of alternate transportation methods from Ogden Pt. to downtown Comments: ~ Ladysmith St. resident has petitioned for RPO as residents/guests are unable to find parking on Ladysmith as Coast Guard employees are using Ladysmith – D. Kalynchuk asked resident to contact him directly to resolve this issue. ~member – Since the C G started charging employees for parking, the resident parking being consumed by that organization’s employees is now an issue for the whole west side of James Bay. ~ Member asked for analysis of “Resident Parking Only” parking in JB ~ Traffic volumes have changed! Please update data of past volume studies ~ Although Simcoe St. was identified as a key link in the JB portion of the program, work towards addressing the problems of Simcoe St. (sidewalk problems) were not identified within even 20 years, or more? ~ Member concerned about noise & pollution and using out-of-date hwy buses in JB. -Dwayne Kalynchuk answered that if buses are licensed by the province, they can run anywhere, and his department does not study noise. ~ The presentation and statistics were about physical capacity of the roads whereas the social and environmental capacity are the interests of residents ~ The arterial road slide indicated that Cook St had the same physical capacity for traffic as Dallas/Belleville etc. Perhaps, as suggested by the GVHA Chair, this should be the preferred routing of many tour buses to Butchart and trucks because it would greatly relieve Douglas Street ~ member says the streets identified as truck route have 9 corners – lots of noise from gearing up and down and use of air brakes ~ member stated the truck route used maximizes the number of residents impacted by the noise/emissions of trucks and other large vehicles ~ member pointed out that much of the data presented is old, from the 1990’s onwards. Since then there have been significant changes in resident behaviour and expectations. JB residents are pedestrians and cyclists, and expectations regarding noise and emissions (particulate matter) have changed. ~ Member has lived in JB for 20 yrs has noticed the volume of traffic has greatly increased and types of vehicles has changed – larger, noisier with more stinky emissions and this is ruining her peace and enjoyment of living in the community. ~ Member commented that screening reflects the # of vehicles but not the type of vehicles and the type of vehicles has changed over the years – more buses/trucks. ~ Member noted that in the past, many vehicle counts were attributable to civil servants who came into JB and parked, but today vehicles are going through the community to/from Ogden Point. ~ Member said shuttle/tour service – what’s wrong with that – we live in a port and traffic has to get there and back. ~ Member reminded city representatives that a harbor pathway is to go around the whole harbour – D. Kalynchuk agreed that the plan for the harbour pathway to be connected. Tour de Victoria 2011 Kim Van Bruggen, APR and Seamus McGrath of Tour de Victoria apologized for communication and signage shortcomings in their 1st year. The race was a huge success and they will work on improvements to the logistics (route) to increase access and exit of JB during the race. Comments: ~ Member commented on the difficult task for traffic getting out of or into JB during the race and noted alternate routes have worked better in the past. ~Resident suggested that the race itself didn’t have to go through JB even if the ceremonies are held at the Legislative Buildings – creative solutions could be found! ~ Resident had the need to get out of JB, and was concerned about getting to work on time, attended the race registration desk. After asking for a map at the, there was no map available and referred resident to the race website. The map online was illegible. ~ Resident noted that this event conflicted with Swiftsure! There was difficulty for people to access Clover Point to watch the start of the Swiftsure races. ~ Member said regarding the City’s scheduling of events, often use James Bay. JBNA not consulted – was it due to staff changes at city hall? ~ Resident said both Government and Douglas Streets blocked. Also, the following day there were no notices or signs for the Bicycle Race in Bastion Square. ~ Resident was unable to get out of her residence on Sunday until after 2:00pm and even then had to follow detours, going out of my way to leave JB. ~ Resident suggested re-routing this race would be a good idea. ~ PWWS has to be able to move big tankers through JB ~Councillor Hunter agreed the Tour de Victoria race can’t happen that way again Renewable Power Generation: Ogden Point – presentation by Jordan Fisher of Jordan Fisher & Associates Ltd. – a slideshow covering feasibility of energy alternatives: solar, wind, tidal wave, ocean thermal, biomass, geo-exchange. Shore power not practical. Renewable power generation potential for Ogden Point– new and existing buildings (not about cruise ships) is to be developed as part of Ogden Point Master Plan. Comments: ~ The only thing missing was conservation! Conservation should be the first priority. ~ Reminded that B.C. Hydro is mandated to become carbon neutral. ~ Thanks for presentation and considering impacts and feasibility. ~ Curtis Grad introduced himself as the new CEO of GVHA and commented they are looking at all the possibilities. He looked forward to attending and speaking to JBNA in the near future. Adjournment – 9:15pm NOTE: Due to time constraints, we were unable to address all items on agenda which will be moved forward to the next meeting: ~Aerodrome – float plane operation expansion – discussion & item ~ Councillor Hunter’s report ~ Community concerns &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& July Director’s Report jbna Reply to sender to list From: jbna@vcn.bc.ca To: jbna-members@vancouvercommunity.net Subject: July Director’s Report Date: Sat, 23 Jul 2011 12:56:27 -0700 (PDT) JBNA Directors July 2011 Report Parks & Boulevards Fisherman’s Wharf Park: Phase 2 development of Fisherman’s Wharf Park should begin this fall. Instead of stream daylighting, the park will include a “rain garden” feature, new pathways, trees and shrubs. Beacon Hill Park: Benches at the Cameron Bandshell now sit on concrete bases. Holland Park (West of Harrison pond) Circular concrete foundations have poured in preparation for the “Playful Public Artwork”. St. Lawrence Street The realignment of St. Lawrence Street is done. Boulevard plantings/work will proceed. B.C. Transit BC Transit has cancelled or indefinitely put-off a James Bay community bus service. Environmental Issues: Air Quality The BC Ministry of the Environment now posts one hour sulphur dioxide (SO2) readings for Erie Street at St Lawrence. Residents should be aware that the reading may, or may not, be indicative of sulphur dioxide levels near homes. (See complaints – correspondence file) Current SO2 levels are found at ~ www.bcairquality.ca/readings/index.html – click onto Victoria/Saanich ~ Click Victoria/James Bay at bottom of map; then click onto the Sulphur Dioxide reading. JBNA would appreciate being copied on correspondence to government officials. At the April JBNA meeting, GVHA staff stated that GVHA has not required, and does not intend to require, cruise ships to burn lower sulfur fuels while berthed on GVHA waterlots. GVHA The Board has had useful conversations with Curtis Grad, CEO, GVHA. A meeting to discuss mutual matters is scheduled for later this week. NWCCA (North West & Canada Cruise Association) At the request of the President, Cruise Industry Association of BC, who is a member of JBNA, Board members agreed to meet with an industry representative, VP of Tours for Royal Caribbean. Unfortunately, the meeting was not for the purposes we had thought; discussion was perfunctory. In all, not a worthwhile meeting. Development Status Report (Note: may not be complete – contact Kevin King, City Planning @ 250-361-0523 for details) JBNA On-going: Ogden Point (Update meeting expected in the fall) In the City process: 646 Simcoe, Shoal Point, 68 Gov’t/579Niagara, 403/405/411 Kingston Completed process: 640 Michigan, Pendray, Ladysmith, Laren House, 21 Pilot, 334 Niagara, 257 Belleville, 468 Belleville (RBC Museum), 555 Niagara Abandoned or unknown: 337 St James, Other: SIPS – Request to lift covenant approved (Liquor sales permitted) 152 Dallas – Request to lift heritage and use related covenant denied 427 Belleville (Swiftsure) – Request to alter Liquor Licence – approved 426/330 St Lawrence – Mayhew Properties – heritage designation &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& JBNA July 13th General Meeting Agenda jbna Reply to sender to list From: jbna@vcn.bc.ca To: jbna-members@vancouvercommunity.net Subject: JBNA July 13th General Meeting Agenda Date: Mon, 4 Jul 2011 12:00:51 -0700 (PDT) Please note that the July Beacon went to press before we were able to confirm the summer meeting agenda. The July meeting will include 2-3 presentations and targeted discussions. Dwayne Kalynchuk will present an overview of James Bay streets, permitted uses, walkway and crosswalk plans and studies underway. Jordan Fisher has completed, and will present, a study done for GVHA on possible energy generation opportunities for Ogden Point. Special Events and their impacts on the streets of James Bay will be on the agenda on both the July and August meetings. On July 13, a representative of the Tour de Victoria (May 28 event) will discuss the cycling event while on August 10, Jeff Day, Victoria Special Events Coordinator, will discuss all (or any) special events. The August 10 JBNA meeting will include a discussion with: ~ BC Transit about transit intentions for James Bay (note: we have been informed that there will not be a community bus in the foreseeable future). Minutes for the June meeting have not been included. The meeting was cancelled. JAMES BAY NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION Monthly Meeting Agenda 7 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 13, 2011 James Bay New Horizons – 234 Menzies St Agenda Welcome 7:00 pm Approval of Agenda Minutes of previous meeting Correspondence/Announcements • Circulating Correspondence file JBNA QoL Traffic/Streets Review/Summary 7:05 pm The Streets of James Bay Dwayne Kalynchuk, Director, Engineering & Public Works 7:10 pm Tour de Victoria – Kim Van Bruggen, APR 7:40 pm “Renewable Power Generation: Ogden Point” Jordan Fisher of Jordan Fisher & Associates Ltd. 7:55 pm Aerodrome – float plane operation expansion – discussion 8:25 pm Councilor Hunter: 8:35 pm Community Concerns (time permitting) 8:45 pm Adjournment NOTE: If you wish to have something put on the agenda, the cutoff date is fifteen (15) days prior to the regular monthly meeting (held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month). &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& June JBNA Meeting Agenda and May Minutes jbna Reply to sender to list From: jbna@vcn.bc.ca To: jbna-members@vancouvercommunity.net Subject: June JBNA Meeting Agenda and May Minutes Date: Wed, 25 May 2011 12:30:24 -0700 (PDT) JAMES BAY NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION Monthly Meeting Agenda 7 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Wednesday June 8, 2011 James Bay New Horizons – 234 Menzies Street Agenda Welcome 7:00 pm Approval of Agenda Minutes of previous meeting Correspondence/Announcements • Circulating Correspondence file Emergency Preparedness – Presentation by City of Victoria’s 7:05 pm Emergency Management Agency Councilor Hunter 8:05 pm Community Concerns 8:15 pm Adjournment 9:00 pm NOTE: If you wish to have something put on the agenda, the cutoff date is fifteen (15) days prior to the regular monthly meeting (held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month). JAMES BAY NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION MINUTES – General Meeting May 11, 2011 Welcome (~ 70 in attendance) 7:00 p.m. Approval of Agenda Member’s motion to add agenda item was denied Approval of April Minutes M/S/C Correspondence/ Announcements Correspondence circulated Development Proposal: 646 Simcoe (House of All Sorts) Representative of owner, Peter Willis provided a description of project to upgrade the House of Sorts. The proposal will affect primarily the inside of the residence with some exterior upgrade to the building but no changes to property, backyard, height or setbacks. The Emily Carr artwork on the roof rafters is to be highlighted and made more available for viewing. The interior space renovation would see an increase of one unit of transient accommodation in the basement. Q: Is this a Site – specific zooming. A: Yes Comment: Opposed for that reason C: This building should be designated as a Heritage building as it is part of Victoria’s history A: That is one step in the process. Will be done. Comment : In favour of project Q: Neighbour from across the street enquired about on-site parking. A: Cannot access rear yard for parking, hence there will be no more provided on site. There is usually ample street parking here. Want to keep Carr’s apple tree in back yard and space for tenants to garden if they wish. Q: Resident from St Andrews – within notification area. Currently backyard is beautiful. Hopes it will not be altered. Will restoration take exterior walls to cedar shingles. A: yes Comment: In favour of this project. Great project. 257 Belleville – Presentation by Concerned Residents of Laurel Point: (Not part of CALUC process) Residents of Laurel Point presented a slideshow of renderings for the proposed project, James Bay-OCP rezoning/traffic arteries, City Hall GPC documentation, as well as photographs of the site and surrounding area to show their concerns about the impact on residents by this proposed development. Residents are concerned with many aspects of the proposal including: lack of proper setbacks; loss of views; traffic congestion (entering, exiting Laurel Point), and the impact on area traffic by the proposed treatment (narrowing) of Pendray Street. The Harbour Pathway treatment of the proposed Gateway Plaza also raised concerns. Representative of the developers raised objection as to the accuracy of the information, and that a letter had been sent to each resident of Laurel Point with an invitation to meet privately. A Laurel Point resident advised the representative of the developer that owners/residents need to meet with the developer together, not individually. Cruise Tourism: Cost/Benefit presentation: Brian Scarfe presented the Cost/Benefit study which formed the fifth and final pillar of the cruise tourism impact study started by the JBNA a few years ago. The other pillars are Residents survey, traffic volume study, air quality study, and noise study. Comments/discussion included ~ condo units not impacted by noise are more saleable ~ LRT from Ogden to downtown needed ~ why does Victoria take-in waste products from the ships? ~ spoke to a marine operator who told him his offer to transport passengers by boat was rejected by GVHAS ~ assertion that report was biased ~ issue was not ships – but management of ships. GVHA was not responding adequately to environmental and social impacts City of Victoria Official Community Plan Cameron Scott, assisted by Helen Cain of City Planning, provided an overview of the OCP and encouraged residents to submit responses. Hard copies of plan are available at City Hall and also can be viewed on City web site Comments/discussion included need standards and targets to deal with conflicts and make plan real some plans overlap for example James Bay and Downtown so you need local level plans to bubble up to area plans. Please include neighbourhood associations in area plans concerned there was too much focus on growth and it should be spread out need resident input into Harbour Plan which is not included in OCP Community Concerns: Resident enquired as to what could be built and what control did City have on the 257 Belleville site if the current proposal is denied. Adjourned May Director’s Report jbna Reply to sender to list From: jbna@vcn.bc.ca To: jbna-members@vancouvercommunity.net Subject: May Director’s Report Date: Mon, 23 May 2011 16:07:53 -0700 (PDT) JBNA Directors’ Report, Wednesday, May 11, 2011 Quality of Life Costs & Benefits of Cruise Ship Visits: Cruise Tourism and Victoria was the topic of a JBNA sponsored presentation to the City of Victoria Standing Committee on Environment and Infrastructure, Thursday, April 14. Dr Brian Scarfe presented his study report entitled Victoria as a Port-of-Call: the Costs and Benefits of Cruise Ship Visits. The report was the final component of the 5-pillars forming an impact study of cruise tourism in Victoria. Earlier reports included the Residents Survey, Traffic Volume, Noise, and Air Quality. Copies of the report and a summary report are available at www.jbna.org. On April 27, a brief presentation was also provided to the CRD Planning, Transportation & Protective Services Committee. Air Quality Monitoring (MoE): The Ministry of the Environment monitoring will soon be available on-line. The Weather Network would not accommodate the inclusion of data – hence the BC Air Quality Index is where the current 1-hour SO2 level information will be posted – bcairquality.ca. GVHA The GVHA- JBNA Board consultation process remains stalled. Transportation Providers and Cruise Ship Services On May 10, members of the JBNA Board met with representatives from Cruise Victoria (CVS), Ellice Recycle and Peninsula Waste Water Services, to discuss ways to mitigate noise impacts from their vehicles. Development Status Report (Note: may not be complete – contact Kevin King, City Planning @ 250-361-0523 for details) Upcoming: 70 Pilot JBNA On-going: Ogden Point (Update meeting expected in the fall) In the City process: 646 Simcoe, RBC Museum, 257 Belleville, 337 St James, Shoal Point, 68 Government/Niagara,Kingston, 334 Niagara Completed process: Michigan, Pendray, Ladysmith, Laren House, 21 Pilot, 555 Niagara Other: SIPS – Request to lift covenant approved (Liquor sales permitted) 152 Dallas – Request to lift heritage and use related covenant denied Contact JBNA at jbna@vcn.bc.ca or via mail at JBNA, 234 Menzies St., Victoria V8V 2G7 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Reminder of May JBNA General Meeting Wed May 11 jbna Reply to sender to list From: jbna@vcn.bc.ca To: jbna-members@vancouvercommunity.net Subject: Reminder of May JBNA General Meeting Wed May 11 Date: Tue, 10 May 2011 10:04:19 -0700 (PDT) JAMES BAY NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION Monthly Meeting Agenda 7 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Wednesday May 11, 2011 James Bay New Horizons – 234 Menzies Street Agenda Welcome 7:00 pm Approval of Agenda Minutes of previous meeting Correspondence/Announcements · Circulating Correspondence file Development Proposal: 646 Simcoe (House of All Sorts) 7:05 pm A Discussion: 257 Belleville – Laurel Point residents 7:20 pm Costs & Benefits of Cruise Ship Visits Presentation by Brian Scarfe 7:35 pm City of Victoria 3 Official Community Plan – Cameron Scott 8:05 pm Councilor Hunter: (Time permitting) 8:45 pm Community Concerns (Time permitting) 8:55 pm Adjournment &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& May 11 General Meeting Agenda and April Minutes jbna Reply to sender to list From: jbna@vcn.bc.ca To: jbna-members@vancouvercommunity.net Subject: May 11 General Meeting Agenda and April Minutes Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2011 18:49:44 -0700 (PDT) JAMES BAY NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION Monthly Meeting Agenda 7 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Wednesday May 11, 2011 James Bay New Horizons – 234 Menzies Street Agenda Welcome 7:00 pm Approval of Agenda Minutes of previous meeting Correspondence/Announcements · Circulating Correspondence file Development Proposal: 646 Simcoe (House of All Sorts) 7:05 pm A Discussion: 257 Belleville – Laurel Point residents 7:20 pm Costs & Benefits of Cruise Ship Visits Presentation by Brian Scarfe 7:35 pm City of Victoria – Official Community Plan – Cameron Scott 8:05 pm Councilor Hunter: (Time permitting) 8:45 pm Community Concerns (Time permitting) 8:55 pm Adjournment NOTE: If you wish to have something put on the agenda, the cutoff date is fifteen (15) days prior to the regular monthly meeting (held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month). JAMES BAY NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION MINUTES – General Meeting April 13, 2011 Welcome (~ 60 in attendance) 7:00 p.m. Approval of Agenda Member’s motion to amend the order of the Agenda M/S DEFEATED (6 in favour/11 opposed) Agenda Adopted M/S/C (1 opposed) Approval of March Minutes M/S/C Prior to voting on the approval of the minutes, a member commented on too much cross-talking and speakers talking too long. The Chair stated he is doing his best in this regard, and that the JBNA wants discourse especially regarding developments involving direct neighbours. Correspondence/ Announcements Correspondence circulated Development Proposal: 334 Niagara Street Barry Horne of 332 Niagara Street presented his schematic and elevation drawings for a new home to be built at 334 Niagara Street, an old run-down house (just down the street) on a lot which is 30 x 111 ft (3300SF). The Zoning is RJ, the lot is smaller than required by approximately 3 ft (10M requirement-the lot is 9.15M). The proposed building will front onto Niagara Street with a separate garage at the back with access from Beckley Street. Both structures will have similar exterior finishes – hardy-board paneling/cedar shingles. The design shape has been selected for transmission of light to both adjoining properties (being a good neighbour) and the space between houses is maximized. The project meets all bylaws/zoning requirements except for the width of the lot, and therefore it is non-conforming. Zoned R-J, the width requirement is 10m and this lot is 9.15m, so he must apply to the City for a Variance. Context: Neighbours on the West side, Duplex – on the East side, Victorian house. Comments: Q Wondering why there is a big blank wall facing neighbour on East Side A He met with DRC and it was recommended adding something in the side yard to make it more pleasant for neighbours – trellis, etc. Met with neighbours and they are generally supportive. Q Interested in what will happen to the Cherry tree? AHe wants to save the Cherry tree. Q I live across the street, met with Barry and I am generally in favour of the project and support the request for a Variance. Please make sure the trellis/plantings are non-invasive. Regarding aesthetics – vertical hardiboard planking looks too industrial – what colour is it? A Celadon Green Neighbour (West) supports the variance, recommends moving ahead – existing house is a fire trap. Neighbour (West) Happy with what Barry is doing and wishes him success. Resident asked what size the house will be. A. 1900SF Resident – doesn’t find the design appealing. Resident – Interesting architecture on Niagara St. – variation is good. Niagara St. resident loves heritage but friends/visitors say variety adds interest. GVHA Presentation of Current Business Plan & 2011 Cruiseship Season (Rebecca Penz, Manager of Communications/Sonterra Ross, Acting CEO) 2011-2012 Strategic Business Plans Key initiatives Environmental stewardship -Air monitoring with VIHA – paying for installation of SO2 monitoring equipment First Nations Partnership; Net revenue sharing model Support customers and staff Ogden Point Master Plan – delayed until fall Will approach Cruise-ships to request they use better fuel in harbour working on reward program and how to track fuel use Considering use of alternative technologies to reduce SO2 levels GVHA is working on what they can do to lessen the impact of Cruise Passengers Looking at muffling technologies to reduce noise of buses Joint committee with JBNA – Cruise/Tourism – Advisory Group Fisherman’s Wharf – Growth viability development – rezoning of upland side GVHA requested by JBNA to not have Hop-on/Hop-off buses at Fisherman’s Wharf – advised bus co. would not have a license for Fisherman’s Wharf They are still working on details for an appropriate place drop-off/pick-up passengers. Rebecca encouraged everyone to sign-up on their website to receive the GVHA newsletter Comments: Dallas Rd. resident: Thank you for your presentation. Wants action taken now to deal with the old noisy, smelly buses and pollution from cruise-ships. It’s not acceptable to residents of James Bay. Has been diagnosed with emphysema and has never smoked – the poor air quality affecting health. Resident: Noise of buses racing for the cruise-ships; floatplanes should not be flying from the Inner Harbour, floatplanes operating on a ‘Draft Operation license for the past11 years. Would like to see the floatplanes moved to Esquimalt Harbour. Q A float-home owner asked about the results of the Review of Customer Satisfaction at Fisherman’s Wharf? A The results will be released tomorrow – Report shows they do have happy customers but GVHA has a lot of work to do to. Q Regarding Fisherman’s wharf – what part of the upland side – what is planned? A Can’t talk about possibilities. Constraints of parking, development plans, rezoning of parking – need to broaden to improve quality of life. Q Dr Stanwick, VIHA, recommended that GVHA use contract power to demand ships use lower sulphur fuels. Will GVHA ask for 0.5% sulphur content? A. No, used 1.8% last year, will be using 1.5% this year same as Seattle. Q GVHA has just issued a RFP for Fishermans Wharf. But GVHA had also contracted City Spaces to do a site development recommendation. Was the City Spaces study provided to respondents of the RFP? A. Contracted with City Spaces for a basic analysis –moving forward once they receive their proposal. Q GVHA has committed to providing land/waterlot for a floatplane terminal. GVHA states they do Triple Bottom Line assessment. What environmental and social review did GVHA do for the terminal? A. Has not signed lease with floatplanes for the new terminal. Building materials will be good. Q What about the environmental and social costs for the residents, especially VOC and noise impacts? A. It will be better for the customers Q Did GVHA do an environmental and social costs assessment of the impact on residents? A No Q Is it possible to get handrails on the breakwater? (beneficial for those with mobility problems) A Looking at costs now Q Is the GVHA Master Plan the same as presented by Paul Servos A Yes, it hasn’t changed Comment from Turner St. resident: Concerned for family due to speeding taxis, wants more police presence A GVHA will pull permits if staff catches them with speed reader board Comment from Ontario St. resident: Fed-up with the stink of the buses, a ticket won’t stop taxis. Has been a resident for 31 years, raised 2 children and feels fortunate to live and work in James Bay – a jewel. He keeps one million bees. Q Why some docks are blocked off by new gates at Fisherman’s Wharf? Objects to loss of public docks. A GVHA as owner/operator of Fisherman’s Wharf and gates were requested by clients for their security. They are open in the daytime. Quebec St. resident: Concerned how little has changed – still working on the same cruise ship issues. You say cruise ships generate 150 million for our city. How much has gone into improving transportation issues? A There are many limitations – shore power is twice the cost here compared to Vancouver. 150 million benefits generated for the area not GVHA. Montreal St. resident: The cruise ships, the buses, the floatplanes pollution leaves a black coating on deck at home, and no doubt is getting into my lungs. Wants action to decrease the air pollution. Comment: I work in the marine industry in James Bay since 1974. At the end of the day this is a port, a working harbour. Q What is the contact number to find out emissions levels when I think there is a serious problem? A There is no phone number – will check into it. Air monitoring will be live on website B.C. Transit – Presentation – Darin Ramsay (40 in attendance) The results of B.C. Transit’s consultations with the James Bay residents through 2 Open Houses and a charrette of invited residents was presented in the form of three proposals to improve transit service to our community: External Service, Internal Service and Service Quality, structured around Peak and Off-Peak-9-3pm & 6-10pm time periods. An internal community bus service – a figure eight route – using 2 buses/2 loops, one serving the East side and the other serving the West side of James Bay. The routes suggested have challenges of buses maneuverability at corners and finding safe places for ‘stops’. Some streets in order to be used would have to have parking removed, etc. A new Seniors Bus was proposed which would have a fixed route, specific destinations (eg. Hillside Centre, Oak Bay) and offer curbside pick-up. A smaller bus would be used – neither a handy dart nor a regular bus. For Seniors but anyone can ride. Transit Constraints: Priorities, existing passengers 1500/day, existing roads and stops, all subject to a bus driver being available. Comments: Several residents raised concerns about too many buses at Erie St. – need to find another turn-a-round location Some residents suggested the West loop of the Internal community bus route be moved northward (even one block) to be closer to the residents north of Superior St. Resident suggested additional destinations for the Seniors Bus – Capital Iron, Chinatown – travel up Government to Johnson St. Resident suggested moving Dallas Rd. route/‘stops’ in one block – can be a very cold place to stand to wait for a bus. Stops used to be one block in – out of the wind – that would serve residents better. Councillor Hunter Report – City Hall Official Community Plan (OCP) – ‘Draft’ mailout is also available online at www.shapeyourfuture.ca. Encouraged everyone to examine it and give feedback. -Johnson Street Bridge – deteriorating right on schedule – rail bridge closed – not safe. Victoria Youth Survey – to identify issues for youth Beacon Hill Park – new interactive artwork – GAMALON – would like feedback -attended celebration of revitalization of Cridge Park with Pam Madoff – a jewel CP Terminal – 3 proposals submitted – all refused. Process ongoing. Q Would the City object strongly if the PCC want to put a Casino? A The PCC makes the decision Q Can the advertising/boarding be removed (UGLY) – it’s such a lovely building Comment: Resident wants the Undersea Gardens to be moved out of the Inner Harbour! Poor experience for children or adults. Q What action has been taken regarding JBNA motion to place health advisory signs in McDonald Park? Has it gone to council yet? A There are jurisdictional challenges: signage etc. believes signage province responsibility. Comment: Resident was told by VIHA that signage is a city responsibility. MOTION TO ADJOURN M/S/C 9:20pm &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& April Director’s Report jbna Reply to sender to list From: jbna@vcn.bc.ca To: jbna-members@vancouvercommunity.net Subject: April Director’s Report Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2011 16:44:12 -0700 (PDT) JBNA Directors’ Report, Wednesday, April, 2011 Quality of Life Costs & Benefits of Cruise Ship Visits: Cruise Tourism and Victoria was the topic of a JBNA sponsored presentation to the City of Victoria Standing Committee on Environment and Infrastructure, Thursday, April 14. Dr Brian Scarfe presented his study report entitled Victoria as a Port-of-Call: the Costs and Benefits of Cruise Ship Visits. The report was the final component of the 5-pillars forming an impact study of cruise tourism in Victoria. Earlier reports included the Residents Survey, Traffic Volume, Noise, and Air Quality. Copies of the report and a summary report are available at www.jbna.org. Air Quality Monitoring (MoE): The Ministry of the Environment has entered into a 3-year agreement with Daniels Electric on Erie street to host the James Bay SO2 monitoring equipment. Current SO2 levels will be posted on bcairquality.ca by the end of the month. Parks Fisherman’s Wharf Park: Scott Murdock of Murdoch de Greeff Inc., and Rob Warren of Kerr Wood Leidal Associates Ltd, consultants working on a landscape plan for FW Park, have completed concept drawings. The FWP Advisory Committee met on April 12 to review the schematics. Plans are for a lawn area just east of the playground. The focus of the area further east would be a “rain garden” with riparian and rain garden landscaping, sedges, rushes and rougher grasses. Close to 100 trees, including Garry Oaks, are planned for the park. Pathways will permit walkers to pass through, or to relax in, various areas. Work is expected to resume this fall, assuming project approval by Council. MacDonald Park: A picnic table has been installed near Niagara St. at Pilot St. More will be added if first picnic table is successful. Victoria City Police – Community Forum Victoria City police have created a new web site for communities to look at recent crime activity. Tom Coyle thanked Victoria Police for responding to policing in parks. He also highlighted the need for additional policing of speeders in JB during cruise ship season. GVHA The GVHA- JBNA Board consultation process remains stalled, despite JBNA’s continuing efforts to get a joint committee established. Development Status Report (Note: may not be complete – contact Kevin King, City Planning @ 250-361-0523 for details) Upcoming: 646 Simcoe – House of All Sorts (May) JBNA On-going: Ogden Point (Update meeting expected in the fall) In the City process: RBC Museum, 257 Belleville, St James, 68 Government/Niagara, Kingston, 555 Niagara, Shoal Point, 334 Niagara Completed process: Michigan, Pendray, Ladysmith, Laren House, Pilot Other: SIPS – Request to lift covenant approved (Liquor sales permitted) 152 Dallas – Request to lift heritage and use related covenant denied Contact JBNA at jbna@vcn.bc.ca or via mail at JBNA, 234 Menzies St., Victoria V8V 2G7 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& April 13, 2011, General Meeting Agenda jbna Reply to sender to list From: jbna@vcn.bc.ca To: jbna-members@vancouvercommunity.net Subject: April 13, 2011, General Meeting Agenda Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2011 20:51:47 -0700 (PDT) Note – there are two JBNA meetings on April 13, 2011. The AGM begins at 6:15 pm and the General Meeting begins at 7 pm. Following is the agenda for the General Meeting. The AGM agenda will be in a separate e-mail JAMES BAY NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION Monthly Meeting Agenda 7 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Wednesday April 13, 2011 James Bay New Horizons – 234 Menzies Street Note: Meeting will start at 7 am or directly after the AGM. Agenda Welcome 7:00 pm Approval of Agenda Minutes of previous meeting Correspondence/Announcements · Circulating Correspondence file Development Proposal: 334 Niagara Street 7:10 pm GVHA – Rebecca Penz, Manager of Communications, GVHA Current Business Plan and 2011 Cruise ship Season. 7:30 pm BC Transit – Proposed James Bay Route – Darin Ramsay 8:05 pm Councilor Hunter: (Time permitting) 8:45 pm Community Concerns (Time permitting) 8:55 pm Adjournment NOTE: If you wish to have something put on the agenda, the cutoff date is fifteen (15) days prior to the regular monthly meeting (held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month). JAMES BAY NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION Minutes: General Meeting – March 9th, 2011 Welcome (~38 in attendance) Approval of Agenda: M/S/C Minutes of February meeting: One item, namely 6-Community Garden Policy, required 2 amendments. 1) Carole Elliott, not Ned Easton, requested the tabling of the motion to accept, and 2) The minutes should state that members of known community gardening enthusiasts were consulted with regards to the Garden Policy. Minutes accepted as amended M/S/C Correspondence and announcements: These were circulated to the members Directors’ Report: Roles and Projects; Each Board member present spoke about his/her Board experiences and responsibilities. Brief Board position descriptions were distributed. JBNA Annual General Meeting Call: The date and time of the AGM was announced. 6:00 or 6:30 pm on April 13, to be held at New Horizons. (Now confirmed for 6:15) Positions up for election were identified in the distributed director position listing. Members were encouraged to consider volunteering. Councillor Hunter spoke about recent happenings in the City. She informed us that the decision had been made to proceed with the Johnson bridge project without rail. CRD and provincial funding had not been forthcoming. Other news has been reported in the press. Development proposal – 68 Government Street. Alan Lowe, Architect. Wayne Lee, owner. The proposal is to salvage a derelict house at Government/Niagara. The house is to be raised by 6 feet and a foundation to be placed 3 feet lower than the current foundation. The footprint is to remain the same and two 2-bedroom units are to be created. The issues which make the project complex, are that the house sits on 2 different lots and it is expected that the City will want to consolidate the 2 lots; and, a retail business, namely Niagara Grocery, sits on the west-most lot. Changes to Niagara Grocery are being contemplated. Currently, 2 rental suites are located above the store. The operator of Niagara grocery wishes to expand operations. The City’s response to the proposal is a great unknown. Comments – Q/A: Q: How will number of rental units, and existing units above the grocery be affected? A: There could, with both buildings, be 2-4 residences. The direction taken will de dependent upon the City response to the alternatives, the lot consolidation and rental unit considerations. Q: At time of Public Hearing would those within the notification area be notified as to intended treatment of rental units above the grocery. A: yes, change of use would be on the notification of Public Hearing. Q: What zoning will exist A: Need to work through that with City staff Q: Current house is in very bad shape. Is it usable, others had to be removed? Neighbour to South also concerned about appearance/character. A: House will be raised, siding removed, new windows, other changes and upgrades. Q: What will happen to Niagara Grocery A: Ken (owner of the Grocery operations) spoke. Oldest grocery in Victoria – established 101 years ago. Currently zoning is existing non-conforming. Q: Is it legal to have goods/product on the sidewalk? A: Ken has spoken to Bylaw enforcement and within 2 feet of building OK to display goods. Comments: Several residents expressed asked as to how they could assist in supporting the proposal and Niagara grocery expansion. A couple would like to see expansion outdoors with table/chairs. A: Write comments and submit them. Q: Tenant living about Niagara Grocery concerned about losing residence. Asked about process. Once proposal was firmed up – as to intent with floor above grocery – would the proposal be coming back to JBNA? A: Didn’t know what process City will require. Summary: Neighbours were enthusiastic for the project with 2 issues raised, namely the appearance of the new residence and the outcome of the rental units/tenants. The Tenant concern is obviously very important and personal for those directly affected (Note, about a dozen residents left the meeting following this presentation.) David Bratzer, of Scientific Victoria spoke about this new initiative. The organization is attempting to advocate for the consideration of science in local government decision making and to contribute ‘scientific’ advice to public debates/discussion. The organization has a Science Advisory group which consists of several scientists, each having either a Masters or PhD in a field of science. A strategic of governing committee is also being established. See http://www.scientificvictoria.org Community Concerns: AIR SHED POLLUTION: Sulphur Dioxide – Walter Kazuro A motion was put forward requesting that the JBNA Board ask the City to post signage in James Bay Parks, particularly in Parks where people exercise or participate in sports, informing people of the possibility of high levels of SO2 when cruise ships are in port. The motion was amended to specify the greenspaces which are within the predicted SO2 dispersion area as identified through the JBAQS. Discussion: Dr Stanwick of VIHA had identified the need to notify those who had vulnerable health of cruise ship activity so that, if need be, they could attempt to minimize exposure to SO2. Many people using McDonald Park are not from James Bay and may be unaware of the impact of cruise ships on air quality. People doing sports or other strenuous activities breathe more deeply and may be affected by high SO2 levels. One member stated that it signage would be fear-mongering and that there was no evidence that SO2 affected anyone’s health. Others who spoke on the motion were supportive of the motion. One resident expressed concern for those using public spaces outside parks – i.e. sidewalks/streets. One resident raised the concern that others in Victoria, outside James Bay are impacted by SO2. Several suggestions were made as to who should be copied on any letter/request to thencity: VIHA, MoE, School Board, other neighbourhood associations M/S/C (one opposed) JBNA GOVERNANCE – Victoria Adams Victoria presented her view of the JBNA Board’s performance vis a vis the JBNA Constitution and the need for JBNA Board members to fulfill positional responsibilities. She suggested she was JBNA’s “Socrates”. She spoke of the constitution’s “words not lived up to in deeds” by the Board. She stated that Board meetings were not well publicized – not on website. Representation of the Board was questioned in terms of demographics, financial status, and housing type. Others present spoke of the need to work within the budget of the JBNA and the need for anyone concerned about the neighbourhood to work towards bettering the community and that any volunteer organization has cycles in participation. One resident complimented the Board on their work and accomplishments over the past 3 years. One resident described the JBNA as being a “participatory” organization where those who were willing to participate did. Although he was not interested in participating more, he felt at ease at attending meetings and speaking his mind on any matter. Motion to adjourn at about 9:30p.m. : M/S/C &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& JBNA 2011 AGM and Minutes of 2010 AGM jbna Reply to sender to list From: jbna@vcn.bc.ca To: jbna-members@vancouvercommunity.net Subject: JBNA 2011 AGM and Minutes of 2010 AGM Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2011 20:42:19 -0700 (PDT) Note – there are two JBNA meetings on April 13, 2011. The AGM begins at 6:15 pm and the General Meeting begins at 7 pm. Following is the agenda for the Annual General Meeting. The regular meeting agenda will be in a separate e-mail James Bay Neighbourhood Association ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Wednesday, April 13, 2011 – 6:15 P.M. Note: Meeting registration begins at 6:00 P.M. James Bay New Horizons – 234 Menzies St. Notice The 2011 JBNA AGM is scheduled for April 13. The meeting will start promptly at 6:15 pm. Members who wish to stand for a position or who wish to nominate a member for an available position on the Board may submit a notice to Tim VanAlstine and Marg Gardiner or c/o JBNA, New Horizons, 234 Menzies St., V8V 2G7. Nominations from the floor at the AGM are acceptable. You may contact Tim and Marg at: Tim VanAlstine timothyvanalstine@gmail.com 250-384-5334 Marg Gardiner margbrian@shaw.ca Several Board positions are to be filled. Positions available and length of terms are: Vice-Chair – 2 years; Secretary – 2 years; Information Director – 2 years; Membership Director – 1 year; Directors-at-large (2 positions available) – 1 year terms. Any member wishing to propose an amendment to the Constitution must ensure that the amendment is recieved before noon, March 28, by Tim VanAlstine or Tom Coyle (coyle.tom@gmail.com 250-294-5331), or c/o JBNA, New Horizons, 234 Menzies St., V8V 2G7. Currently, no amendments have been proposed. Should any member propose an amendment prior to noon, March 28, an amended AGM Agenda will be distributed. Note that items 4 and 5 of the agenda may be moved forward to efficiently utilize meeting time while ballots may be counted during the Election of Officers. Agenda Minutes of Previous Meeting: Special Resolutions (submitted by members, if any): Election of Officers: Treasurer’s Report: Board of Directors Report: Motion to adjourn. James Bay Neighbourhood Association ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Wednesday, April 14, 2010 – 6:30 P.M. James Bay New Horizons – 234 Menzies St. Minutes Brian Scarfe, meeting chair, welcomed members. 17 members (out of a membership of 72) being present at the opening of the meeting met quorum. AGM declared open. During the meeting, other people arrived. There were up to 37 people present. Minutes of Previous Meeting: Motion to accept M/S/C Special Resolutions (¾ vote required for amendments): ByLaw Resolutions – Amendments to the Constitution Resolution A: presented and moved by the Board Whereas ~ Section Part 4, 16(3) of the BC Society Act states “A quorum is 3 members present or a greater number that the members may determine at a general meeting.”, and ~ Section Part 2, 2.3c of the JBNA Constitution states “A special meeting may be convened provided it is constituted of a minimum of 10% or more of the voting membership and subject to compliance with Bylaw 2.3a and 2.3b”, AND ~ Section Part 3, 3.3 states “Quorum: A quorum for the annual general meeting, a regular meeting, or an extraordinary general meeting shall be a minimum of 20% of the number of voting members on the last available official membership list or fifteen (15) voting members, whichever is less, Be it resolved that to bring uniformity to the matter of quorum and convening of a meeting, Part 3, 3.3 be amended to read “Quorum: A quorum for the annual general meeting, a regular meeting, or an extraordinary general meeting shall be a minimum of 10% of the number of voting members on the last available official membership list or fifteen (15) voting members, whichever is less.” Discussion: ~ Member Chris Doyle objected to meeting on the grounds that the proposed amendments were not announced at the last general meeting and that he had only just received the notice. ~ It was explained that written notice/intent was provided to all members through mailings or e-mail mailings three weeks prior to the meeting, on March 23. One letter had been mailed to Chris on that date and a second copy delivered to him at the meeting. The JBNA is not responsible for when Chris picked up his mail. ~ Chris stated that he will be lodging a complaint/objection with the Registrar of Societies. Question called on the motion: One vote against the motion, all others in support M/S/C Resolution B Whereas ~ Section Part 1, 1.3 of the JBNA Constitution states “A member will lose their voting membership if they fail to attend at least two regular meetings during the 12 months following the date on which membership was established, or for established members, during the 12 months from the anniversary date of their membership.” Be it resolved that to bring clarity to the section Part 1, 1.3 be amended to read “A membership lapses when the member fails to attend at least two regular meetings during the 12 months following the date on which membership was established.” Following the distribution of the notice of motion on March 23, a member had suggested that the wording was still unclear. Changes were made to further delineate when membership lapses would occur in years subsequent to a member’s first year of membership. The Board proposed an amendment to the resolution which did not change or alter in any way the intent of the original resolution. Resolution B Amendment “A membership lapses when the member attends fewer than two regular meetings in the twelve-month period commencing on the date on which membership was established (the “membership date”) or in any subsequent twelve-month period commencing on the membership date.” Carole Elliott stated that she thought the amendment did not clarify further. Chris Doyle objected as per rationale above and stated intent to file an objection with the Registrar of Societies. Question called on the amendment to the motion: One vote against, all others in support M/S/C Question called on the motion: One vote against, all others in support M/S/C Special Resolutions (none submitted by members): Election of Officers: The meeting chair identified the positions to be elected. For each position, nominations from the floor were called three times. Nominations were made/accepted for five of the seven positions (Tim VanAlstine had submitted a letter stating his willingness to stand for office). Since not more than one nomination was made for any position, the five positions were filled by acclamation. The following members were declared elected as Board members for 2010/2011. Chair – 2 year term Tim VanAlstine Vice-Chair – 1 year term Tom Coyle Treasurer – 2 year term Marg Gardiner Directors-at-large (2 positions available) – 1 year terms Janis Ringuette & Marlene Hunter The positions of Secretary and Membership Director were not filled. Carolle Elliot, with Miriam Nelson acting as her substitute when required, volunteered to carry out the Membership Director duties for an interim period. Treasurer’s Report: See attached Chris Doyle enquired about the web-site training budget item. It was explained that there was no budget for this item in 2010/2011, and that the funding had been moved to web maintenance. Motion: To accept the Financial Statements for 2009-2010 M/S/C Motion: To accept the Budget for 2010-2011 M/S/C Board of Directors Report: See attached Motion to adjourn: M/S/C The meeting adjourned at 7:05 pm. Minutes signed off by: Secretary/Treasurer Information Officer, Chair for AGM Financial Statements signed off by: &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& JBNA March 9 Agenda and February Minutes jbna Reply to sender to list From: jbna@vcn.bc.ca To: jbna-members@vancouvercommunity.net Subject: JBNA March 9 Agenda and February Minutes Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2011 21:13:05 -0800 (PST) JAMES BAY NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION Monthly Meeting Agenda 7 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Wednesday March 9, 2010 James Bay New Horizons – 234 Menzies Street Agenda Welcome 7:00 pm Approval of Agenda Minutes of previous meeting Correspondence/Announcements · Circulating Correspondence file Directors Report: Roles and Projects 7:10 pm JBNA Annual General Meeting Call Councilor Hunter: City Response 7:30 pm CALUC Proposal: 68 Government Street Re-development 7:40 pm Scientific Victoria: David Bratzer 8:10 pm Community Concerns 8:35 pm ~ Walter Kazuro: Environmental Issues ~ Victoria Adams: Governance Adjournment The JBNA Annual General Meeting will be held on April 13, at 6:30 p.m. Should any member wish to move a change to the Constitution, please forward motion(s) to jbna@vcn.bc.ca as soon as possible. Several JBNA Board positions will be open for election and some current members have stated their intent to retire. Please contact any Board member for information about specific position responsibilities. There will be one year and two year positions available. NOTE: If you wish to have something put on the agenda, the cutoff date is fifteen (15) days prior to the regular monthly meeting (held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month). JAMES BAY NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION – February, 2011 (> 40 in attendance) Welcome and explanation of JBNA as an “Advisory Body” Approval of Agenda: M/S/C Minutes of January meeting: Chris Doyle provided comments regarding detail provided by the Police at the January meeting. He disagreed with Police statements about crime. The January minutes were approved as circulated: M/S/C Correspondence and announcements: These were circulated to the members Directors’ Report: this was also circulated to the members Community Garden Policy: Janis Ringuette made the following important comments and suggestions: • JBNA Parks Committee and Board support the policy. • The policy refers only to public greenspace areas. • The City policy is outdated; our own policy does not conflict. • Two James Bay Allotment Garden societies were contacted regarding interest in possible expansion of community gardens. • City Policy is to be redone within the next couple of years. • There is a community collective garden in Beacon Hill Park. • Comments from the members re: questions regarding public and private property; competition for space; a hope for a more widespread expression by the people and a wider proposal re: “Communal Gardening”; comment that JBNA is only proposing one kind of park information—the speaker felt that only one model is supported by the JBNA, but the response was that this is not true. • There is nothing to preclude changes in the policy. Further issues/discussions regarding James Bay: Marg commented on the reason for the policy development. The St Lawrence re-alignment gave an opportunity for urban agriculture – perhaps fruit and nut trees. Regarding a possible use of land space. The JBNA is very careful regarding proposals and the policy of the residents of James Bay Victoria Adams and Ned Easton commented that they had written questions which had not yet been answered regarding the policy process. Proposal by member Tom Coyle re: ratify the policy: M/S Ned Easton requested that the item be tabled. M/S/Defeated (8-16) Proposal to ratify: Carried (17-5) Lynn Hunter was unable to come to the meeting because of other obligations. Excellent presentation and information from Darin Ramsay, BC Transit: a James Bay transit review – all possible changes to be on the table. The discussion included: • A special vehicle for Seniors: normal fare, specific destinations. • Question re: institution of route in James Bay: discussion of transfers and frequency. • Comment: Now must walk further than previously; also thanked the transit representative for his presentation and for listening to her concerns. • Comment re: routes; there are two routes which are leaving too close together. • Comment on routes from years ago – the routes now are not as helpful. • Comment re: public demand and the work that B.C. Transit does. • Further question/discussion re: the route of present transit. • Smaller buses will be used within James Bay. • Comment re: James Bay “just being a turn around place” – we need new routes and smaller buses. • Comment: thanked the presenter and commented routes in and out of James Bay • Question regarding the usefulness of larger bus numbers/signage for those whose vision is impaired. • Comment re: “looping buses” – also specific routes for seniors, and also for the type of bus. • “Thank you” from a member of the audience for the presenter coming • Comment re: buses not leaving on time, the timing of the buses, and maybe not always the need for transfer. • Compliment for 31 bus route; also change for the James Bay route, and possible free bus fare for those who live in James Bay. • Several commented on the inappropriate Ogden Point buses and need to address the problems they create • Re: “mind set” that Victoria bus system has; comments re: Europe; not enough information for the passengers. • Comment re: bus stop in front of his house; interested in concept of “village area” buses. • Comment: regarding community importance and changes, etc. • Appreciative for looking forward; in a small community, small buses really would be preferred. • Comment re: cyclists connecting with buses; • Comment re: special service for seniors—perhaps small, frequent buses? • Transit future plans out side city? Bus directly to Airport, please!—and to ferry. • Comment re: smaller, frequent service (seniors and others), and also size, and ability for people waiting to use their cell phones (and GPS) for information. • Need to advertize the March/April Charrette in Beacon or Victoria News. For information, there are 270 buses working in Victoria every day, and 30 Community Buses. Tim thanked the speaker for a very worthwhile presentation. Motion to adjourn: M/S/C &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& February Director’s Report jbna Reply to sender to list From: jbna@vcn.bc.ca To: jbna-members@vancouvercommunity.net Subject: February Director’s Report Date: Sun, 13 Feb 2011 12:09:08 -0800 (PST) JBNA Directors’ Report, Wednesday, February 09 2011 SIPS – lifting of covenant proposal When Spinnakers applied to open SIPS, there was considerable community objection to the addition of another liquor license in the 5-corners area. Liquor-related problems were an issue at Irving Park and elsewhere in James Bay. SIPS, upon approval, had a zoning agreement with covenants restricting sales to wine and beer and limited hours of operations. Recently, a resident alerted the JBNA Board to the Spinnakers application to lift the beer/wine covenant to permit the sale of hard spirits. The City Governance & Priorities Committee was to accept the application as a consent agenda item. The Board made a submission (see correspondence file) to have the process opened. As a result, there will be a public hearing – date not yet known. Parks Fisherman’s Wharf Park: City Parks is exploring alternatives to the “daylighted stream”. In January, consultants working on a landscape plan for FW Park visited the park to assess path routing/needs. We are hopeful that work on the park will resume this summer. Air Quality Monitoring (MoE) The Ministry of the Environment Air Quality Meteorologist has been examining secure sites fro the SO2 monitor. Site selection and equipment installation is to be completed within the next two to three months. GVHA The GVHA- JBNA Board consultation process remains stalled. The 2011 Cruise ship schedule has been released. 210 ships are expected from April 16 through September 26. From May through September, 101 days (out of 153) will see ships in port. A presentation concerning the Ogden Point rezoning proposal is expected at a spring JBNA general meeting. JBNA Board positions The JBNA AGM is held in April. Board positions will be available. After several years service, some current Board members will not be standing for re-election. If you are interested in joining the Board, or just curious and want to know about Board work, please contact any member of the Board. We would be pleased to discuss particular Board positions with you. Development Status Report (Note: may not be complete – contact Kevin King, City Planning @ 250-361-0523 for details) Upcoming in March: 68 Government (Note: 68 Government shares lot with Niagara Grocery). JBNA On-going: Ogden Point (Update meeting in February or March) In the City process: RBC Museum, 257 Belleville, St James, Pilot, Kingston, 555 Niagara, Shoal Point Public Hearing: Thursday, February 10 – Ladysmith; February 24 -138 Dallas Laren House. Completed process: Michigan, Pendray Contact JBNA at jbna@vcn.bc.ca or via mail at JBNA, 234 Menzies St., Victoria V8V 2G7 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& February 9 Meeting – BC Transit and Gardens jbna Reply to sender to list From: jbna@vcn.bc.ca To: jbna-members@vancouvercommunity.net Subject: February 9 Meeting – BC Transit and Gardens Date: Fri, 4 Feb 2011 09:42:28 -0800 (PST) At the upcoming JBNA meeting, BC Transit staff will be presenting their approach to a redesign of Transit operations within James Bay, and from James Bay to other neighbourhoods. Also on the agenda will be consideration of a Garden Policy. Following is the draft Garden Policy: JBNA Policy Paper To be presented to membership for ratification City of Victoria parks and greenspaces in James Bay The JBNA holds to the following principles: • Park land within James Bay is a precious public resource. • There must be no net loss of parkland within the community. • Existing parks and green spaces must be kept open for all residents to enjoy. • Additional green spaces should be acquired/re-claimed where possible. I. Community gardens in City of Victoria parks and greenspaces There are many possible community garden models. Community gardens can be food producing and/or ornamental. A garden could be an orchard of nut and/or fruit trees. Gardens can be located on private or public land. Gardens can be established in city parks under special circumstances, in an area of existing city greenspace, on reclaimed city land and on newly acquired land. There are two main types of community garden: “allotment” and collective”. Allotment gardens assign plots for exclusive use by individuals and/or a group. For that reason, allotment gardens are not appropriate in city parks because city parks should be open for the public to enjoy. Allotment gardens could be appropriate in small parcels of reclaimed land and other new green spaces. Collective gardens are maintained by volunteers but remain open to the public. Collective gardens do not assign plots to individuals. A “collective” community garden can be considered in a public park and also in small parcels of reclaimed and new green spaces. Higher standards of design and maintenance as well as year-round appeal would be required for community gardens in city parks as compared to small parcels of fringe public or private land. II. Existing James Bay Community Gardens in 2010 Allotment Gardens Two community allotment gardens currently exist in James Bay: the James Bay Allotment Garden on Montreal Street between Simcoe and Niagara, and Michigan Street Community Garden at the corner of Michigan and Menzies. Both have wait-lists for individual garden plots. Collective Gardens There is one community collective garden in James Bay. It is located in Beacon Hill Park north of Goodacre Lake at Arbutus Way. This garden, successful for 43 years, is a useful model for future gardens (see IV below). III. Establishing new community gardens A community garden must fulfill requirements as stated in the City of Victoria Community Gardens Policy, September 2005 (revised March 31, 2009), a ten-page document available online. Among other requirements, a garden must be sponsored by a non-profit society, be supported by the community, and volunteers must be willing to operate and manage the site. IV. A model community “collective” garden in James Bay The Rock and Alpine Garden Society garden in Beacon Hill Park is a community garden located in the City of Victoria’s largest public park. Organized in 1967, it continues to be well maintained by the same group in 2010, forty-three years later. This successful community garden can serve as a useful model for future gardens. This garden is a long-term success because: The garden was organized and funded by a well-established society which could guarantee a steady set of skilled volunteers over time. Garden volunteers had a depth of expertise in the plants and the type of garden they proposed to create and maintain. The garden was designed to look pleasing twelve months of the year. The garden is open to everyone. There are no fences, private plots or storage sheds. Paths lead walkers through the site. It is located in a rocky fringe area unlikely to be used for any other purpose. The garden added a positive feature to the park without competing with any other possible activities. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& BC Transit, February Agenda, January Minutes jbna Reply to sender to list From: jbna@vcn.bc.ca To: jbna-members@vancouvercommunity.net Subject: BC Transit, February Agenda, January Minutes Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2011 15:16:51 -0800 (PST) BC Transit wants to know your needs. In response to comments submitted by residents as part of the 2009 James Bay Residents Survey, the JBNA Board asked BC Transit to re-consider transit services within James Bay. BC transit listened. BC Transit will be presenting their approach to creating a new transit system serving James Bay at the February JBNA meeting and at Open House events later in the month, on February 19 and 23. JAMES BAY NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION Monthly Meeting Agenda 7 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Wednesday February 9, 2010 James Bay New Horizons – 234 Menzies Street Agenda Welcome 7:00 pm Approval of Agenda Minutes of previous meeting Correspondence/Announcements · Circulating Correspondence file Directors Report Community Garden Policy 7:10 pm Councilor Report: Lynn Hunter 7:20 pm BC Transit 7:25 pm Community Concerns 8:15 pm Adjournment NOTE: If you wish to have something put on the agenda, the cutoff date is fifteen (15) days prior to the regular monthly meeting (held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month). JBNA Monthly Meeting, 7-9 p.m., January 12, 2011 New Horizons – 47 in attendance Welcome and explanation of JBNA role as “Advisory Body” Approval of Agenda: M/S/discussion: Carried Discussion involved need for Recording Secretary: Marlene Hunter is serving as Interim secretary until another offer is presented, or until the end of the JBNA fiscal year (March, 2011) Minutes of previous meeting December 2010: Adopted as presented: M/S/C Correspondence/announcements and file: distributed to audience: M/S/C Directors’ report: there was a meeting with the ad hoc committee, regarding the need to enhance emergency preparedness; there is also a need to heighten general awareness in that regard. Councilor Lynn Hunter: Thanked the group for describing what people were interested in hearing, e.g. priorities re: transportation. Erin Pinkerton re: Rapid Transit; there had been a unanimous positive response of City Council, questions regarding south terminus, and also regarding the preference, e.g. JBNA regarding for light rail Traffic and transportation: further comments were regarding the pedestrian walkway along Dallas road, especially for those who live on Dallas Road regular meetings of the GVHA, including representatives from JBNA tanning not supported for under 18-year-olds buses regarding emissions, noise and fumes -4-way stop signs to be considered for improved pedestrian crossing IPSOS Reid survey priorities provide good response; the top issues are regarding social and transportation factors, but there are still issues regarding, e.g.homelessness 97% of Victoria citizens enjoy good quality of life; the City of Victoria website offers information. There will be an Open House regarding transit issues in James Bay in the near future. Presentation by Constable Mike Russell: He first gave his own background and then went on to describe his thoughts regarding James Bay; he made a point of stating that he would be very willing to help straighten out any problems regarding policing issues. He commented that the Chief has had many years experience, to help with current situations. There are about 100 members of the Force on control issues: in Esquimalt/Victoria, there are 14-20 police workers on patrol at any time. There are specialties, e.g. the undercover unit, B&E, detection, identification, the crime protection unit, etc. The 2007 survey showed that drugs were the most important policing situations; break-ins of cars are also frequent. About 65% of all emergency calls are in Esquimalt and Victoria, about 60,000 calls per year. These include theft calls. Police cars are frequently seen in James Bay, which is a positive thing. There are also “Retail cops”, e.g. business information. Homelessness is also prominent; many police are very dedicated to help; City Council is very supportive; there has been improvement in the 900-block on Pandora, and also improvement regarding homelessness. There has also been improvement regarding panhandling. James Bay has had only 3109 calls, out of 53000 during the year. Many of these are in regard of car theft; Police tell drivers to never leave anything open or unlocked. There are very few unusual or worrying calls. Fire and ambulance calls are met immediately. Assault calls are about 54 per year, which is a very low and positive number. B&E calls regarding cars usually come from a few groups; most of those involved, get arrested. Tim VanAlstine thanked Constable Russell for an excellent presentation, and the Constable thanked the JBNA for the invitation. J.C. Scott spoke regarding Shoal Point. A change of land use is proposed. The office now functions on the 2nd floor; this has created some hardships, but zoning prohibits offices on the 1st floor. There has been no change regarding use of the building. Comments: What is history.? History of zoning was reviewed. No other comments/questions. 555 Niagara Street—Development Proposal: There have been very few changes but there is a different look than that of the original proposal. The important factor is the design change from “apartment approach” to “prettier” design. It is the outside look that is somewhat different. Setbacks are normal and parking and 9 bike stalls are included. The number of windows has changed; the balcony has been removed to facilitate the area and lessen the impact on the neighbours. It is a triplex, with 4 parking spaces. It fits well into James Bay. There is green space at the back. Feedback was requested, but most attendees thought it was a good improvement. Comments from the floor: i. A proponent stated that units could not have suites added, and that windows be minimized to single family side ii. One resident opposed spot rezoning iii. One resident thought the design was greatly improved iv. There was a question re: tree retention response to the degree that they can and will be saved Community Concerns: Friday, March 4: meeting of the Rotarians Netherlands, Honduras and the Southern U.S. will be represented GVHA; discussion re: blasting at Ogden Point to facilitate docking of cruise ships. Comments regarding the surrounding buildings were mentioned. Fisherman’s Wharf Park: There has been delay due to expense, but the Park Staff are positive that Phase Two will commence soon. Move to adjourn: M/S/C Note: Draft of Community Garden Policy will be forwarded in the next couple of days. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& January Director’s Report jbna Reply to sender to list From: jbna@vcn.bc.ca To: jbna-members@vancouvercommunity.net Subject: January Director’s Report Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2011 20:35:29 -0800 (PST) JBNA Directors’ Report, Wednesday, January 12, 2011 Parks Holland Point Park: The artist is behind schedule in making the play-sculpture to be placed near Harrison Yacht pond. Installation should occur by the end of February. Fisherman’s Wharf Park: City Parks is reconvening the Fisherman’s Wharf Park Advisory Committee for a “Stream Concept Review”. Air Quality Monitoring (MoE) The VIHA recommended air monitoring project is stalled. MoE is waiting for concurrence from the GVHA Board. A response is expected in a week’s time. The City has appointed Dwayne Kalynchuk, Engineering, as the City liaison to the process. GVHA – JBNA Board Discussions The GVHA- JBNA Board consultation process has been stalled. GVHA appears concerned about meeting structures (Terms of Reference documents) for meetings with any groups. BC Transit Consultation – James Bay resident transit needs BC Transit is eager to receive your input on transit needs within and beyond James Bay. BC Transit will hold an information and consultation meeting next month at the JBNA Meeting on Wednesday, February 9. To enable as many residents as possible to detail their transportation needs, BC Transit will also be hosting two Open House events on Saturday, February 19, from 10 am to 4 pm and on Wednesday, February 23 from 2 pm to 7 pm. The three meetings will take place at New Horizons, 234 Menzies St. JBNA Meeting Recording Secretary and other Board positions The JBNA asks you to consider volunteering to be recording secretary for JBNA monthly general meetings. Duties to start with would be confined to the general meeting minutes. You need NOT be a voting member to volunteer for this role. The JBNA AGM is held in April. Board positions will be available. If you are interested in joining the Board, or just curious and want to know about Board work, please contact any member of the Board. Development Status Report (Note: may not be complete – contact Kevin King, City Planning @ 250-361-0523 for details) Since the December JBNA meeting, no new development proposal has been brought forward to the JBNA Development Review Committee. JBNA On-going – Ogden Point (Update meeting December 8) In the City process – RBC Museum, 257 Belleville, St James, Ladysmith, Kingston, 555 Niagara, Shoal Point PLUSC Thursday, January 13 – Pilot and Laren House Completed re-zoning process – Michigan, Pendray Director Representation at City/Community/GVHA Meetings GVHA Board Meeting – December 10 City Engineering – January 12 Contact JBNA at jbna@vcn.bc.ca or via mail at JBNA, 234 Menzies St., Victoria V8V 2G7 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& The Great British Columbia Shakeout jbna Reply to sender to list From: jbna@vcn.bc.ca To: jbna-members@vancouvercommunity.net Subject: The Great British Columbia Shakeout Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2011 16:19:04 -0800 (PST) The City of Victoria is proud to be participating the THE GREAT BRITISH COLUMBIA SHAKEOUT. PURPOSE To increase earthquake awareness and personal preparedness by conducting a locally driven, province-wide “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” earthquake drill on Wednesday, January 26, 2011. The drill is branded as The Great British Columbia ShakeOut (or ShakeOut BC), modelled after the highly successful California ShakeOut drill held each fall since 2008. BACKGROUND British Columbia is located in a seismically active region where a few thousand earthquakes occur each year in and adjacent to the province. The threat of a major earthquake in the province is real, therefore all British Columbians need to know how to be prepared. The Great British Columbia ShakeOut initiative is led by the BC Earthquake Alliance Society. The Alliance is working with members from emergency management, local, provincial and federal government, science and non-profit organizations, and businesses to raise awareness of the risk of a major earthquake and promote earthquake preparedness across British Columbia. The BC Earthquake Alliance has collaborated with the Earthquake Country Alliance of California, organizers of The Great California ShakeOut, to ensure a consistent message of earthquake preparedness is communicated throughout North America. One of the two co-chairs is Rob Johns, Emergency Coordinator for the Victoria Emergency Management Agency. The Great British Columbia ShakeOut is timed with the 311th anniversary of the Magnitude 9.0 Cascadia earthquake. On Wednesday, January 26, 2011, drill participants across BC will “Drop, Cover and Hold On” at 10 a.m. for up to two minutes. Drop, Cover and Hold On means: DROP to the floor Take COVER under a desk or sturdy piece of furniture and protect your head, and HOLD ON to the piece of furniture. In addition to participating in the earthquake drill, participants are encouraged to get prepared for an earthquake before January 2011. They can find the information they need at the ShakeOut BC website when they register online. Drill Participants Drill participants will include individuals and families, schools, businesses, health care providers, local authorities, First Nations, municipal, provincial and federal governments, not-for-profit and community organizations, and media. How to Get Involved Individuals, schools, businesses and local governments are invited to register their participation in the earthquake drill online at www.ShakeOutBC.ca This strategy is similar to that of Earth Hour, a popular, global initiative established in 2007, which invites the public to register online to “turn off the lights” for one hour to make a stand against climate change. Also see the Victoria Emergency Management Agency’s earthquake preparedness information at www.PrepareVictoria.ca &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& January 12 Meeting agenda and December Minutes jbna Reply to sender to list From: jbna@vcn.bc.ca To: jbna-members@vancouvercommunity.net Subject: January 12 Meeting agenda and December Minutes Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2011 11:55:10 -0800 (PST) JAMES BAY NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION Please note that the Victoria Police will be providing an update on police activities. This will be an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about police activities in James Bay. Monthly Meeting Agenda 7 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Wednesday; January 12, 2010 James Bay New Horizons – 234 Menzies Street Agenda Welcome 7:00 pm Approval of Agenda Minutes of previous meeting Correspondence/Announcements · Circulating Correspondence file Directors Report Councilor Report: Lynn Hunter 7:15 pm Victoria Police – activities update 7:20 pm Shoal Point – Change of Land Use: JC Scott 7:50 pm 555 Niagara Development Proposal 8:15 pm Community Concerns 8:45 pm Adjournment NOTE: If you wish to have something put on the agenda, the cutoff date is fifteen (15) days prior to the regular monthly meeting (held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month). James Bay Neighbourhood Association General Meeting New Horizons Minutes of December 8, 2010 Initial Attendance: Varied from 52, at beginning, to peak attendance of 60. Tim VanAlstine welcomed all meeting attendees and indicated how one obtained membership (7:05 p.m.). Approval of Agenda. M/S/C Approval of Minutes of JBNA meeting of November 10, 2010. M/S/C Correspondence/Announcements: the correspondence file was circulated and moved to be received. M/S/C Directors Report: a one-page report from the JBNA Board on recent committee-related activities was made available to meeting attendees. Marg Gardiner stated that the BC Environment Ministry intends to initiate an on-going air quality monitoring program this spring, with particular emphasis on sulphur dioxide emissions from cruise ships. Tim VanAlstine again put out a call for someone to volunteer to be recording secretary for JBNA general meetings, for at least the next few months. Earthquake/Emergency Preparedness: Judith Taylor provided an overview of the case for creating an emergency preparedness network to improve the resiliency of the James Bay neighbourhood to possible disasters, such as earthquakes. She indicated that this would not require “reinventing the wheel” because residents in this and other communities, with or without the assistance and/or leadership of the Emergency Management Agency, have already done considerable work on emergency preparedness. Community resilience in the face of possible disasters requires both preparedness and knowledge of the “how to” variety. She suggested that a series of Beacon articles, some volunteer workshops, and a neighbourhood preparedness inventory (or audit) might be included in the steps that the community could undertake in order to improve its resilience. She asked for expressions of interest from people who might want to get involved in these, or other, preparedness activities. St. Lawrence Street Realignment (Simcoe to Erie) Information Session: Three City staff members (Barry Norman of Engineering, Gary Darrah of Parks, and Keith Kresse of Transportation) presented a further overview (following an earlier presentation to JBNA last May) of the St. Lawrence Street Realignment Project. The project would convert unnecessary pavement into boulevard greenspace, improving liveability, accessibility, and street safety in the process. Comments/Questions/Responses: (a) A St Lawrence street resident and homeowner supported the street/boulevard project stating it was overdue but objected to the creation of community allotment gardens on the boulevards because she thought the gardens would result in a devaluation of her property. (b) The project should take into consideration the need for safer access across Erie Street to Fisherman’s Wharf Park. (c) The current “untaxed” status of the newly constructed boulevard areas implies that turf and/or shrubbery maintenance would fall to the adjacent residents, although the City would maintain any newly planted boulevard trees. (d) The City will be conducting a review of policies on “taxed” (City maintained) versus “untaxed” (resident maintained) boulevards and boulevard gardens (whether taking the community, allotment, or “guerilla” form) over the next eighteen months. (e) Native trees (which may require less upkeep) and/or food-producing trees should be planted along the boulevards. The boulevard could include a native plant area with a native plant group taking responsibility for it. (f) The issue whether or not the newly-created, but relatively small, St. Lawrence Street boulevard greenspace could, or should, be used for community or allotment gardens remains to be decided. (g) Issues were raised in relationship to other adjacent streets, and smaller sub-community discussions with City staff (about which JBNA has been provided little information) seem to have been undertaken. Although the resident raising the issues had attended the May presentation, he alleged that there had not been adequate opportunity for nearby resident input and that the City had not presented detailed schematics at the May meeting. Another resident refuted these points since, in addition to City delivered notifications to those most directly affected, both the May and December presentations had been announced in the Beacon (neighbourhood newspaper), the technical drawings in May were almost the same as the December meeting schematic, and the two presentations on the project provided more opportunity for resident input than most other projects coming before the public. (h) Tim Van Alstine thanked the three City staff members for their presentation and informative consultation process, and indicated that a further meeting was planned with City transportation staff early in the New Year. 403/411 Kingston Street Development Proposal: Dan Hagel presented his proposal to construct eight relatively-small strata-titled town-houses on the 403/411 Kingston Street site. This site was designated in the 1994 James Bay Neighbourhood Plan as being one that would be appropriate for densification, and conversion to multi-family zoning. Six of the town-houses would front onto Kingston Street, while two with lower overall height would be constructed to the rear of the current 411 Kingston Street property. Vehicle access to the property would be from Oswego Street, and twelve parking stalls would be provided. Comments/Questions: (a) Two immediate neighbours indicated that they were pleased with the project design, with the consultation process that the developer had undertaken, and with the developer’s willingness to make helpful alterations to the project design to accommodate shading and other concerns. (b) Tim Van Alstine read out loud a letter from another nearby resident, which contained a number of suggested design changes including the notion that the eight town-houses should be reduced to no more than five dwelling units (letter forwarded to City). (c) The developer provided an overview of some of the landscaping features of the project, and indicated that a “no rental restrictions” covenant would be instituted. Councilor Report: Councilor Hunter stated that an important BC Transit presentation would occur at Thursday’s Governance and Priorities Committee meeting, that an evening CRD meeting would be discussing cost allocations across municipalities with respect to the required sewage treatment project, and that she would soon be moving into James Bay. Community Concerns – Governance: Ned Easton indicated that he would be addressing his governance concerns to the JBNA Board. Adjournment (and breaking up into a brief social event): M/S/C at 8:35 p.m.