The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority wants to hear your ideas on the future of Ogden Point.
The non-profit organization that owns and operates the 30-acre cruise-ship port at the entrance to Victoria Harbour has launched Phase 3 of its Ogden Point Master Plan. It begins with community consultations and public engagement events that will continue to November.
The process includes comments from the public online at ogdenpointmasterplan.mindmixer.com. There will also be information sessions, open houses, meetings with key stakeholders and groups and workshops planned.
The harbour authority said it is seeking input from James Bay residents, First Nations, businesses, the tourism industry and residents from across Greater Victoria as it works to develop a master plan. It is looking for insights on potential on-site public amenities, transportation, accessibility and pedestrian circulation, existing facilities and potential industrial, marine, institutional and commercial uses.
The authority has already completed the first two phases of the master plan, a technical feasibility study and a market assessment.
Phase 4 is the final step and involves creating a master plan document. That will take place between this November and December 2016.
“The master plan focuses on the detailed development of the preferred strategic plan for Ogden Point and will comprise of an illustrated plan of the property over the near, medium and long term,” the harbour authority said.
“This will be supported by development guidelines and controls for architecture, landscape and infrastructure. An implementation plan will also be included to provide guidance of when and how development will likely occur over the next 30-plus years.”
In parallel with the master plan, a rezoning application will be prepared and submitted to the City of Victoria.
The harbour authority said its master plan vision sees Ogden Point continuing “to serve as a working port facility, with sustainable, flexible options that can respond to the ever-changing opportunities and challenges of the future. Development at Ogden Point will be financially successful and serve as an economic development engine for GVHA, the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations and the region.”
Ogden Point, named for Hudson’s Bay Company official Peter Skene Ogden, was developed in 1916 with a granite breakwater in anticipation of increased shipping activity. It has been home to a grain terminal, fish processing plant and warehouses that exported lumber and other products over the years. Since 2001, cruise ship dockings have been the port’s main economic activity.
