Link to letter on the Times Colonist website
James Bay tower will destroy neighbourhood
On July 11, Victoria council voted 5–4 in favour of a proposal for development of a site on Montreal Street in James Bay.
The density of the proposal is opposed by the James Bay Neighbourhood Association and, contrary to the claims of some councillors, the city’s own planners.
It includes a building that would tower over everything around it. It would remove the possibility of using the site to enhance a part of Victoria that greets visitors. Apart from the developer, only the five city councillors support it.
Because the change to the Official Community Plan is so egregious, residents and owners within 200 metres of the site—nearly 1,000 individuals—must be consulted.
Those thousand people pay between $2 million and $3 million in property taxes every year. Add the taxes paid by people who live more than 200 metres from the site.
For comparison, the developer is offering a one-time contribution of $2.18 million to “amenities,” based on a generous valuation of in-kind benefits. Whose wishes should prevail?
To the people in James Bay who will be consulted: Please tell the city what you want to happen (or not happen).
To those councillors who supported the development: Why do you want to sell off our neighbourhood and quality of life at a knock-down price so that a developer can make a pile of money?
This goes against your promises when you were elected.
—Roland Clift, James Bay