This project rendering shows the proposed mixed-use development and the refurbished Northern Junk buildings likely housing an eatery with waterfront views together with other commercial uses. Rendering © by Reliance Properties.

There has been much heated debate over the future of land near the historic Northern Junk buildings at the eastern foot of the Johnson Street Bridge in downtown Victoria.

Multiple contributors to VibrantVictoria’s dedicated discussion thread on the Northern Junk complex have questioned the loss of a tract of public space to make way for commercial and residential buildings enveloping to-be remediated heritage structures, while others have cheered the developer’s vision as representing the prospect of positive change to what is otherwise a crime-ridden nook of Old Town.

Developer Jon Stovell of Reliance Properties, the proponent of the project, has provided the public via VibrantVictoria’s forum multiple clarifications about the proposal in an effort to swing the debate from misinterpretation to fact.

Seemingly unbeknownst to those in opposition to the project’s use of public land, Stovell confirmed that the development will double the public space currently available within the immediate area while opening up access to the waterfront and contributing to the City’s vision for the Victoria Harbour Pathway.  Concern over the loss of a grassy median to make way for the project’s newly built mixed-use buildings was voiced, albeit the public land in its current form has the tendency to draw drug-related activity.

“In the proposal the open space (open to the public) is actually being doubled. It is also better open space being closer to, or actually on the water,” Stovell wrote.

A public plaza along the waterfront together with a connection to the Victoria Harbour Pathway are also envisioned and represent an integral component of the developer’s commitment to public access.  Stovell further confirmed that public access will be guaranteed through legal agreements with the City of Victoria with the only gated portions located at the building lobby.

The re-use of the land for mixed-use commercial and residential units has supporters (including the City of Victoria which welcomed Reliance’s vision for the public median in return for remediating two heritage structures), many of whom welcome the opportunity to reclaim an area of downtown that has both poor pedestrian infrastructure and lacks a sense of place.

A comparison of present-day public space within the vicinity of the Northern Junk proposal and the public space upon the project's completion. Reliance Properties claims their project will double public space and allow public access to the waterfront. Image reproduced from materials © by Reliance Properties.

The Northern Junk complex is proposed with some 56 residential units over 53,600 square feet and 14,600 square feet of street level commercial space spread over five floors.  The design is in the hands of Merrick Architecture, an internationally recognized architectural practice based in Victoria with proven experience designing heritage-sensitive projects.

To stay up to date on the Northern Junk complex, refer to VibrantVictoria’s discussion forum thread here.

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