Victoria’s Official Community Plan survives first round of tweaking

Posted on July 22, 2012 by Ben

By Roszan Holmen, Victoria News, July 22, 2012

Ben successfully proposed an amendment to emphasize the "public realm" benefits rather than "development opportunities" of city land on Victoria Harbour

The words “development opportunities” on the waterfront have taken a back seat to “public realm” enhancements in Victoria’s draft Official Community Plan.

City council debated that wording change and others during a four-hour debate last week. Based on feedback received at a public hearing June 27, councillors took turns bringing forward small, but significant tweaks to the 258-page document.

Coun. Ben Isitt suggested changing the direction to “realize development opportunities for public land west of Wharf Street.” Guidelines for that waterfront land should be to “enhance the public realm,” he said.

Council voted on a compromise: to enhance the public realm on city-owned waterfront land, and to complete the Harbour Pathway in partnership with development, where appropriate.

“We’re taking the ‘for sale signs’ off those lots,” Isitt said.

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Victoria Harbour: Public Asset or Developers’ Land Bank?

Posted on July 17, 2012 by Ben

Citizens and the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority have called for protection of the delicate water-land connection that makes Victoria unique, urging against residential development along the waterfront

This month, Victoria City Council is debating amendments to the draft Official Community Plan, including changes I have proposed to protect publicly owned lands around the Inner Harbour. These amendments touch on a fundamental clash of values and visions in our community: whether lands surrounding Victoria Harbour should remain public and be enhanced as community green space, or whether they belong to a lucrative ”land bank” for private developers, underutilized and awaiting “development potential” to generate profit.

A map of the City of Victoria reveals that the vast majority of this finite, 20-square-kilometre landbase surrounded by water and neighbouring municipalities is privately owned and built-out. Beyond Beacon Hill and Topaz Parks, the Ross Bay Cemetery, and school fields, there is very little public land. Victoria Harbour is one of the few areas in the City where the public continues to own a large proportion of land. However, recent federal decisions and proposed provincial land sales have revealed the real threat to the public realm around Victoria Harbour.

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Fernwood Walking Tour: Paul Phillips’ Legacy

Posted on July 3, 2012 by Ben

Open a PDF for this Self-Guided Walking Tour of Fernwood, following the legacy of community builder Paul Phillips. Learn more and listen to Paul describe these community projects here.

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Paul Phillips: Community Builder (1933-2012)

Posted on June 28, 2012 by Ben

Fernwood resident Paul Phillips died peacefully in his home on May 17, 2012 — a community builder and troublemaker to the end. Here are excerpts of an interview with Paul and a biography that I wrote for the Fernwood News in 2006.

Paul discusses purchasing Little Fernwood Hall, street closures and creating Fernwood Square

Link to Paul’s interview on the purchase of Little Fernwood Hall, street closures, and the creation of Fernwood Square


Download Podcast

Creation of the Spring Ridge Housing Co-op

Link to Paul’s interview on the creation of the Spring Ridge Housing Co-op


Download Podcast

On politicians, revolution and Fernwood’s spirit

Link to Paul’s interview on politicians, revolution and Fernwood’s spirit


Download Podcast

*                                  *                                  *

Paul Phillips (1933-2012) restored this 1890 heritage home at the corner of Balmoral and Camosun – part of a lasting legacy to Fernwood and the wider community

FERNWOOD, BC — The corner of Balmoral and Camosun may resemble a disaster zone some days, but the owner of the 1890 yellow character home that rises out of the rubble has earned his place in Fernwood history.

“I’m always astonished by the gentleness and the niceness of the people here,” says Paul Phillips, age 73, whose recollections are coloured by his sharp Welsh tongue. “The spirit of this place—through all the mess-ups, all the interference from outside sources—they’ll all fall by the wayside and sooner or later this place will demonstrate its spirit.”

He should know. Thirty years ago, Phillips was a key player in Fernwood’s Neighbourhood Improvement Program (NIP), leveraging a million dollars in federal money that spawned both the FCA and FCC buildings, and ‘pocket park’ street closures on Queens, Chambers, Grant, Pembroke and Gladstone.

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A Celebration of the Life of Paul Phillips

Posted on June 28, 2012 by Ben

  Saturday, June 30th, 1 pm
The Little Fernwood Hall 1923 Fernwood Rd.


Potluck luncheon, open mic/speakers, and music,
followed by a procession through Fernwood to 1613 Camosun St for more music and a bonfire.
Bring pots and pans for the procession, a potluck item, and something to roast on the fire.

  For more information call Bobby 250-995-1477

*       *      *

Paul Phillips, Community Builder 1933-2012

On May 17, 2012 Paul Phillips, prominent community activist, eco-builder, gardener, musician, and co-operative organizer, passed away in his Fernwood home at the age of 79. He will be remembered fondly as a rare, magnanimous, colourful individual with great creative vision, eloquence, relentless determination, a boisterous presence, uproarious laughter, warmth and joie de vivre.

He gave his heart and soul to his community and epitomized pride and passion for the Fernwood neighbourhood, in which he worked tirelessly over decades pioneering grassroots projects well ahead of their time: to enhance community space, provide job-skills to youth, affordable housing for low-income peoples, independent media, food security, car-free zones, neighbourhood beautification and a better quality of life for all Fernwood residents. He was an inveterate recycler of building materials and saved many homes from the wrecking ball.

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June Update

Posted on June 26, 2012 by Ben

As summer arrives, and many of us transition toward outdoor recreational and cultural pursuits, I want to provide an update on happenings in the city and region.

 

Victoria comes alive with summer festivals, such as the annual Moss Street Paint-In. Click the photo for Victoria’s Festival Guide

1. Outdoor Culture and Recreation

First, I would like to draw your attention to the CityVibe guide, listing dozens of festivals and cultural events taking place this summer sponsored by the City of Victoria. I would also like to draw your attention to the range of recreational opportunities in our expansive CRD Parks system, from swimming and hiking to dog walking, canoeing and picnicking on a beach.

 

2. Public Hearing on Victoria’s Official Community Plan

This Wednesday, June 27, at 7:30pm, City Council will hold an important Public Hearing on Victoria’s new Official Community Plan. You can read the plan here and share your views with City Council at the public hearing at City Hall or by email: councillors@victoria.ca. This document will guide land use and transportation for the next 30 years, so have your say. While I support much of the vision in the document, I believe certain areas require amendment, particularly the idea that public land around Victoria Harbour should be developed rather than protected and enhanced as community greenspace. I think a children’s playground and outdoor amphitheatre would be a great addition to two City lots below Wharf Street on the Inner Harbour.

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Toward a City Land Policy

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Ben

Parcels of land owned by the City of Victoria, May 2012

Thanks to members of our community who attended the May 9th public forum on “Selling City-Owned Land.” Your views and commitment to the City can help shape a stronger Land Policy to guide current and future decisions by City Council.

As several speakers suggested, strengthening City of Victoria policy and procedures can provide an example of “best practices” to inform the actions of other public authorities with respect to their sizeable land holdings in the City and region — including the Capital Regional District, neighbouring municipalities, and the provincial and federal governments.

Here are resources to inform public discussion on a City Land Policy:

Audio recording of the May 9th Public Forum (courtesy of Janine Bandcroft):

Link to Audio from May 9th Public Forum on Selling City-Owned Land, May 9, 2012


Download Podcast from public forum

 

Share your views with City Council, from basic principles to specific details to include in the Land Acquisition and Sale Policy. Email Councillors@Victoria.ca or Address a Council Meeting.

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Selling Point Hope?

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Ben

Should the City of Victoria sell four parcels of City-owned land on the western side of Victoria Harbour to the Ralmax group of companies? While I support our working harbour and family-supporting jobs provided at the Point Hope Shipyard, I think the question of land ownership needs to be given serious consideration.

Ben and Councillor Shellie Gudgeon voted against a motion to consider selling City-owned land to the Ralmax Group of Companies, believing public consultation was required at the outset

The site, on which the Songhees Indian Reservation once stood, has been home to ship-building for the past century. Now, a majority on City Council have voted in favour of a motion to consider an offer from the Ralmax group of companies to purchase the lands. City staff are currently negotiating the terms of sale with Ralmax.

I believe City Council has inadequate information to pursue this land sale. The decision to consider an offer from Ralmax was made at 11:30PM on the night of Thursday, April 12, in the absence of any written report from staff on the benefits and rationale for selling the land at Point Hope. I moved a motion to postpone consideration to allow more time for discussion, but this motion was narrowly defeated on a 5-4 vote. The main motion to consider the offer from Ralmax carried 7-2, with only Councillor Shellie Gudgeon and I opposed.

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Day of Mourning

Posted on April 28, 2012 by Ben

Here is the text of the speech I gave at Victoria’s Day of Mourning ceremony for workers killed or injured on the job, held on April 28, 2012 and organized by the Victoria Labour Council and Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 50:

DAY OF MOURNING SPEECH, VICTORIA, BC
April 28, 2012

Ben addressed 200 people at the annual Day of Mourning in Victoria for workers killed or injured on the job

As an elected official, let me start by thanking CUPE Local 50 and the Victoria Labour Council for organizing today’s event.

They have reminded us that the health, safety and wellbeing of workers must remain a central concern and responsibility of the labour movement itself.

*   *   *

Over time, we have seen employer and government initiatives to replace the self-activity of workers with cumbersome bureaucratic procedures.

Too often, these new procedures are designed to serve the interests of employers, rather than workers.

For example, Workers’ Compensation emerged a hundred years ago to limit the legal liability of employers.

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Spring update from City Hall and the CRD

Posted on April 28, 2012 by Ben

Spring time is here. I hope you are taking time to enjoy the warmer, drier weather and explore the natural areas and cultural activities in our city and region.

We are emerging from a busy time at Victoria City Hall and the CRD, marked by annual budgeting and cyclical priority setting. While working to contain the tax burden on residents, I have taken steps to protect and improve our highly valued, quality public services.

Here is a summary of some recent initiatives:

CITY

  • Successfully advocated to protect funding for Greenways in the 2012 budget, while initiating a motion to extend Council’s budget deliberations, which made further tax savings possible;
  • Voted against a $16-million increase in the Johnson Street Bridge project, while proposing a design change to contain costs and accommodate cycling/walking amenities and commuter rail;
  • Initiated a discussion between citizens and City staff to improve safety of pedestrian crosswalks;
  • Spearheaded a unanimous motion in favour of a harm reduction approach to drug use;
  • Facilitated the communication of the City’s new Official Community Plan to neighbhourhood associations.
  • Met with Oaklands residents and City and CRD housing staff to explore options for community uses of the St. Alban’s Church property.

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Vancouver Island’s rail heritage and future

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Ben


Watch Youtube video

This 8mm film footage shows Vancouver Island’s Esquimalt & Nanaimo railroad in the 1950s, shortly after the introduction of diesel. As we consider the future of rail on the island in the 21st century, I urge my fellow Victoria City Councillors to exercise foresight and plan for the future — by ensuring that the new Johnson Street Bridge is strong enough to accommodate rail.

Toronto's Bloor Viaduct

Ben suggested the city show foresight and build a "bridge for the future" -- capable of future adaptation for commuter rail, as Toronto did with its Bloor Viaduct. Fellow councillors Lisa Helps and Shellie Gudgeon joined Ben in voting for a more functional design.

While this would entail a modest increase in design and material costs today, it would remove the need to build a second bridge (for $35-million) to accommodate rail at some point in the future. Moreover, building a rail-capable bridge today will maintain continuity of this vital, historic link on Vancouver Island.

Guided by the hopeful principle, “If we build it, they will come,” Victoria can join with the Island Corridor Foundation and citizens and public-office holders from across the Capital Region and communities up-island to build a strong, sustainable alternative for inter-city and commuter transport.

Here, you can listen to my interview on CBC Radio’s On the Island with Gregor Craigie, where I discuss the benefits of a rail-capable Johnson Street Bridge as well as potential cost savings from a simpler, more functional design:

Link to CBC Radio interview, February 9, 2012


Download CBC radio Podcast

Freight Train – Joan Baez


Download Joan Baez’s “Freight Train” Podcast

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The First Hundred Days

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Ben

Ben has tackled a number of issues in his first hundred days at Victoria City Hall. Photo by Pete Rockwell

It has been one hundred days since I took my oath of office and assumed my seat at Victoria City Council and the Capital Regional District Board.

Here are some issues I have been working on since my last update:

  • Successfully convinced City Council to retain backyard collection of solid waste, while moving toward a kitchen scraps program and exploring options to collect blue-box recycling as part of a unified (and low-carbon) waste collection system. The new system will cost $181/year per household rather than the current rate of $202/year; Media report | Radio interview
  • Advocated against cuts to greenways, bicycle lanes and bus shelters in the 2012 Budget, while taking aim at contracting out of road work, parking services and arbourist services with a view to capping tax increases at no more than 3.5%. Looking toward the 2013 budget, I will be proposing a review of all contracted services to ensure the City is spending finite tax dollars effectively; Media report
  • Facilitated a meeting between residents of the Gonzales neighbourhood and the City workers’ CUPE Local 50 to discuss opportunities for a volunteer work party to reduce costs associated with reopening the Chandler-Gonzales Pathway; Media report

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Solidarity with the Teachers

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Ben


Watch Youtube video

 

Avuva and Ben supporting teachers

Ben and his daughter Aviva show their support for teachers and our public education system

 

Mass Rally at the Legislature to Support BC’s Teachers

 

Date: Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Time: 11:00 am gather at Centennial Square, Victoria BC

12:00 pm Rally at the BC Legislature

More info

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Isitt challenges Victoria and Saanich to “think big and dream big” with “Midtown”

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Ben
Map of "Midtown"

Ben is calling for Victoria and Saanich to cooperate on a "Midtown Master Plan" - converting this under-utilized 1.8-square-kilometre area of car lots and strip malls into an innovative urban community

Victoria, BC – City councillor and CRD director Ben Isitt is challenging Victoria and Saanich councillors, residents, and the region’s construction community to “think big and dream big” in developing a Master Plan for the area of under-utilized land straddling the two municipalities, which he describes as “Midtown.” Isitt will urge joint action on a Midtown Master Plan at a joint meeting of Victoria and Saanich councils taking place at Saanich Municipal Hall on Wednesday, February 29 at 4PM.

Isitt defines “Midtown” as the 1.8-square kilometre area of car lots, strip malls and single-storey buildings bounded by Blanshard to the east, Caledonia/Chatham to the south, Government/Gorge/Whittier to the west, and Boleskine/Saanich to the north. He suggests there is value in moving beyond the term “Douglas Street Corridor,” which he describes as “too narrow geographically” and “hindered by unrealized proposals from the past.”

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Kicking the door open at City Hall

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Ben

Ben is proposing that council open up City Hall, by restricting the use of in-camera meetings and increasing opportunities for community consultation

I want to share my views on a delicate subject: secrecy at City Hall and the need for much greater community consultation and openness. While my views may ruffle some feathers, I think we need to begin a serious discussion on how the city operates. After sitting at the council table for six weeks, I strongly believe that greater openness and early, meaningful community consultation will result in better, more cost-effective decision-making.

A number of important issues have crossed my desk since I took the oath of office, including spirited debates over the sale of city land to Vancouver-based developer Reliance Properties for development adjacent to the historic Northern Junk buildings. Council’s current discretion is shaped by an in-camera January 2010 decision, in which the previous council agreed to sell the land to the developer. This decision was made in the absence of community consultation. Much of the controversy we see today could have been avoided by talking to the community at the outset.

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