3308 replies to this topic

[AllseeingEye]

Speaking of Ogden Pt does anyone know what ever became of that proposal envisioned to redevelop the cruise terminal lands? I believe it was Stantec Engineering that initially released a draft paper outlining a vision for that plan perhaps 6-8 years ago. I remember the initial fanfare but since then its disappeared entirely off the radar. Does it still have a pulse or was it just a pie in the sky idea which arrived DOA - anyone know anything in regards?

[Victoria Watcher]

Speaking of Ogden Pt does anyone know what ever became of that proposal envisioned to redevelop the cruise terminal lands? I believe it was Stantec Engineering that initially released a draft paper outlining a vision for that plan perhaps 6-8 years ago. I remember the initial fanfare but since then its disappeared entirely off the radar. Does it still have a pulse or was it just a pie in the sky idea which arrived DOA - anyone know anything in regards?

 

 

The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) submitted a request to the City of Victoria Mayor & Council for an extension to the process for the Master Plan for The Breakwater District at Ogden Point.

 

The request included an extension to the Memorandum of Understanding between GVHA and the City of Victoria to Dec. 31, 2025. This extension will allow GVHA to further develop an overall ‘development narrative’ consistent with the James Bay Neighbourhood Plan (once developed) and pursue appropriate master plan development opportunities that are consistent with GVHA’s 10-Year Strategic Plan.

 

Within this request for extension, GVHA outlines the need to shift resources away from the development of the Master Plan for The Breakwater District due to investments in environmental priorities.

 

 

 

https://gvha.ca/abou...point-planning/

 

 

 

 

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 05 April 2023 - 09:07 PM.

[AllseeingEye]

Thanks for that VW; it seems that bullet item # 1 is now resolved given the announcement from the province today re shore power. Carry on........!

[Victoria Watcher]

Thanks for that VW; it seems that bullet item # 1 is now resolved given the announcement from the province today re shore power. Carry on........!

 

Not so sure federal money is here though.

 

 

 

 

The total cost and timeline aren’t yet known, but advocates are hoping for federal funding to install shore power at two berths.

[Mike K.]

I suspect some development will be taking place:

This extension will allow GVHA to further develop an overall ‘development narrative’ consistent with the James Bay Neighbourhood Plan (once developed) and pursue appropriate master plan development opportunities…

[Stephen James]

Not so sure federal money is here though.

 

 

 

 

The total cost and timeline aren’t yet known, but advocates are hoping for federal funding to install shore power at two berths.

I've discussed this with relevant ppl. They're making it more complicated than they need to and know it... the financing is childishly simple and, yes, the plan WAS cost recovery in the same way costs are recovered it you build a still in Duncan: hydro requires a deposit for the cap cost, or recovers on your utility bill.

 

The idea that you and I would pay out of pocket for one of the most successful, tax-sheltered and polluting industries that exist to use shore power was never considered, at least when these plans were hatched. It should not be considered. I've done financial analysis on this industry and they do not need or deserve the taxpayer gift.

 

What's not reported is this: yes, cruise ships use a lot of diesel to generate all that power but the harbour has acknowledged they will not require ANY commercial, non-cruise ships to plug in. The commercial ships (including that converted container ship the Navy has, Asterix) have the loudest, dirtiest generators because it's assumed they will be at anchor or serviced in an industrial port area. (Not next to the densest pop on Vancouver Island.) They have no plans or timeline for complete shore power.

 

It's barely a sop.

[Barrrister]

Frankly, I would be just as happy if they got rid of the cruise ships altogether. In terms of actual spending they dont leave that many dollars here in town when weighted against the costs and disruption. 

[Victoria Watcher]

Indeed $24 million might be better spent subsidizing a car ferry to Seattle. Every overnight stay is a big money generator, compared to a 4-hour cruise ship visitor.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 06 April 2023 - 10:10 AM.

[Nparker]

Frankly, I would be just as happy if they got rid of the cruise ships altogether. In terms of actual spending they dont leave that many dollars here in town when weighted against the costs and disruption. 

You don't come downtown. How do 6 months of cruise ship visits disrupt your life?

[Barrrister]

Nparker, how does spending millions in tax money that could be put to better use benefit my life. 

 

But let me rephrase, I believe that it would be better public policy to end cruise ship visits. I personally dont walk down Pandora either so should I also not care about all the druggies on the street?

 

Your arguments usually are often well made on policy grounds so I am rather surprised about the personalized rebuttal which is something I would expect from people like Alto or Helps.

[Nparker]

I think cruise ships visits to Victoria offer sufficient benefits that they are worthy of government investment. 

[Nparker]

My cruise eDocs and luggage tags arrived today. 

 

[todd]

^Don’t forget to check your vaccination records

[LJ]

You don't need a Sea Pass anymore, they use facial rec now.

[Nparker]

I will also be able to access almost everything I want on board, including the daily itineraries, dining reservations and even the lighting and temperature in my cabin from the Celebrity app on my phone.

[Victoria Watcher]

This coming Tuesday will bring the first cruise ship of a 2023 Victoria season that is projected to welcome 320 vessels and 850,000 visitors.

[todd]

I think cruise ships visits to Victoria offer sufficient benefits

well has there been a study done on this for Victoria that you can quote?

Lots of shopping on the ships, food is usually included on the ship, sometimes not the alcohol. So purchases in town that likely leaves a few small trinkets and a couple drinks at the bar. Then the “tourist traps” which we don’t have that many of anymore

Large volume of people though, they often don’t stay long though


Vancouver embarking and disembarking they’d likely stay a couple nights in a hotel. I suppose we benefit from a healthy Vancouver

[Victoria Watcher]

well has there been a study done on this for Victoria that you can quote?

 

[todd]

^See, you’re just a romantic.

[Nparker]

...Large volume of people though, they often don’t stay long though...

People who, if Victoria makes the effort to market itself properly, may choose to return for longer stays. I have made several extended stays in places I first visited as ports of call on a cruise.

Show me the studies that prove our local tourism industry benefits if cruises stay away from Victoria.