Terms of Reference
INTRODUCTION
On November 20, 2010, Victoria electors voted in a referendum to approve $49.2 million of borrowing so that the City of Victoria can undertake the replacement of the aging Johnson Street Bridge. This vote followed an extensive period of community consultation and involvement, including an in depth study of whether to proceed with a replacement bridge or to rehabilitate the current span.
To assist City staff at various stages of this process a Citizens Advisory Panel comprised of members of the community with various expertise has been convened by the City Manager, and has been an integral part of the development of the current plans.
1. PURPOSE OF THE PANEL
To work with staff in providing advice to City staff regarding the Johnson Street Bridge Project, including advice on the socio-cultural, economic, and environmental sustainability of the project, through to its completion, prior to 2016.
2. GOAL
To replace the Johnson Street Bridge and providing alternative transportation infrastructure that supports not only the City’s needs, but that of the entire Region, for both today and future generations.
3. OBJECTIVES
The project will:
• be completed on-time and on-budget
• comply with all City, Provincial, and Federal guidelines, regulatory and legislative requirements
• will provide sustainable alternative transportation options with a primary focus on accessibility, pedestrians, cyclists and will support transit and [future] passenger rail service into the downtown
• be considerate and respectful of all City guiding documents and plans, in particular the Old Town Guidelines and Harbour Pathway Plan
• will complement and enhance the urban form and design elements of the surrounding area and integration of those elements
• will enhance safety, aesthetics and accessibility
• will minimize impact and disruptions to the immediate area and beyond during construction
• will meet the Community’s needs for both today and future generations
4. COMPOSITION OF THE PANEL
The Citizens Advisory Panel will be comprised of members of the community with various expertise along with City staff, including the City Manager who serves as the Chair of the Panel. The Members of the Panel are as follows;
Community Members:
• Community Representative – 2
• Cycling/Pedestrian Representative – 1
• Architect/Urban Designer – 2
• Sustainability Representative – 1
• Heritage Representative – 1
• Business Representative – 1
• Engineering Representative – 1
• Development Representative – 1
City Staff Members and Chair of the Panel:
• City Manager – Chair
• General Manager, Corporate Services
• General Manager, Operations
• Director, Engineering & Public Works
• Director, Corporate Communications
• Director, Finance
• Project Director
5. TERM OF APPOINTMENT
The Citizens Advisory Panel is appointed for the duration of the Project (36 to 48 months). If vacancies should arise during the term, the Chair of the Panel will select new members, as required.
6. MEETINGS AND ATTENDANCE
Meetings will be convened by the City Manager (Chair) as required. Meeting frequency may vary during the course of the Project. It is possible that more meetings may be required as the Project proceeds to the implementation phase. The meetings would then taper to a monthly basis or as required based on achieving key milestones.
In order to be a Member in good standing, regular attendance at the meetings is required. A member who is absent from the meeting for three consecutive meetings without notification will be removed from the Panel.
7. COMPENSATION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Members of the Citizens Advisory Panel serve on a voluntary basis. No compensation will be made to Members for their participation.
However, Members of the Panel will be recognized and acknowledged for their contribution to the project.
8. CONFLICT OF INTEREST
All Panel Members will be asked to confirm and declare any conflict of interest given that individual’s circumstances may change from time-to-time.
9. COMMUNICATIONS
The Chair of the Panel is the spokesperson for the Panel. All external communication will be managed through the Corporate Communications office regarding the progress of the project, key milestones and major decisions made by the Panel.
