Say No to the Towers! Sign this petition to get the Message to City Council that Victoria residents do NOT support the construction of such proposed high-rise mixed-use towers (twice the current allowable height!) in James Bay. In particular, there is a current tower being proposed at a large site along tourist corridors at Montreal, Quebec, and Kingston St. We strongly oppose such tall mixed-use developments being built in James Bay. 

**Please note this action of signing the petition does not replace submitting Letters to the Times Colonist Editor on this issue - please do so at letters@timescolonist.com.**

***Please also note we are not asking for any donations / money. Any money requested or collected is by the petition platform Change.org - it does not go to our group and we are not asking for any money. The platform uses funds to promote the petition, but please no need to pay any money - ignore that if you wish. Your signature is important!***

Public Hearing to happen at Victoria City Hall 6:30 pm, in Council Chambers, 1 Centennial Square. Date in 2025 TBD. Kindly verify Victoria City website updates for time/date. 

Please show your support by signing this petition. You can also take further action as itemized on the website below (e.g., writing a letter for the City Council hearing, submitting a letter to the media).

• James Bay, our vibrant enclave, isn't just a neighborhood - it's a key gateway for tourism and community in the welcoming and beautiful city of Victoria. Over the years, we've proudly shared the aesthetic appeal of our town with thousands of visitors, enriching their visit with an authentic sense of our local kindness and culture. 
• Any rezoning or exemptions from the current OCP to allow a high tower mixed development in the James Bay region runs the risk of transforming our charming neighbourhood into a replica of the ever-prevalent glass city. Buildings such as these would dwarf our historic streetscape, overshadow local architecture and change the charm that defines us. Building density cannot and should not be prioritized over community values that we all hold dear.
• Hundreds of cities worldwide face the pressure of balancing growth and history. And numerous studies, including a report by the University of Waterloo, demonstrate the socio-cultural benefits of preserving the unique character of our neighbourhoods (University of Waterloo, "Cultural Heritage and the Challenge of Economic Development")
• Therefore, we urge the City Council to protect the unique spirit of our neighbourhood, to stand strong and reject the rezoning proposal for such a tall James Bay tall tower. Preserve the charm of our neighbourhood that is loved by residents and tourists alike! James Bay, Not Bay Street in Toronto dominated by glass towers.

Let us send a clear message to City Council: 

We urge Council to say "no" to rezoning James Bay to allow these too-tall and too-dense high-rise mixed use towers, as it sets a dangerous precedent.

Please sign this petition to help ensure that future generations, along with current residents including people of all ages, can experience the same charm and distinct atmospheric quality we witness in James Bay today. Let's protect its charm!

We, the undersigned, are vehemently opposed to the general proliferation of high-rise towers in residential areas of Victoria and to further densification of James Bay. Specifically, we urge Victoria City Council not to change the zoning the land bounded by Quebec, Montreal, and Kingston Streets in James Bay, noting that the current zoning is for residential use in keeping with neighbouring buildings.

Learn more: TooDenseNoSense.ca