James Bay is the oldest residential neighbourhood in Greater Victoria, considered one of the oldest residential neighbourhoods west of Winnipeg. It is also the most densely populated neighbourhood in Victoria. James Bay also has the distinction of being the Victoria neighbourhood most impacted by development, so much so, only a very small percentage of homes built from the 1850’s through the early 1900's remain. Many of the houses that stood until the 1950’s were demolished and replaced with three-story and high-rise apartments built. 

James Bay today is a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood, currently being pressured on all sides by developers. We are losing historic trees and buildings at a rapid rate.  We recognize and support the strong need for housing, in line with the concept of gentle densification, but it is critical that development be properly planned and cohesive with our community to be successful for all who use James Bay.

To ensure healthy development, and to maintain socio-economic, environmental and heritage values, it is crucial that the Local Area Plan for James Bay be updated, by working with the James Bay Neighbourhood Association and through community input and guidance, as outlined in the City of Victoria Official Community Plan. The Local Area Plan is currently in draft, as it was paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  The draft needs to be reviewed, revised and recirculated to the public before submission to the city.

As per the City of Victoria Official Community Plan: Section 20: Local Area Planning: Broad Objectives 20(f) That public engagement is central to the local area planning the James Bay Local Area Plan.

“I petition the City of Victoria to delay the review of any ongoing or new Development Proposals for James Bay requiring amendments to zoning, until such time that the Local Area Plan for James Bay has been updated, revised, and approved through the process outlined in the Official Community Plan.”