Overview
The Johnson Street Bridge project engages the community through a variety of opportunities.
Council has asked City staff to bring forward more information on the rehabilitation option so they and the community will have an “apples-to-apples” comparison of both options before moving forward towards an fall 2010 referendum.
Building on the collaborative participation of a Citizen Advisory Panel, a focused effort to raise awareness and solicit input from the broader community about the replacement and refurbishment options for the bridge will take place once more technical information is known.
Staff originally undertook a broad awareness strategy through earned media, print, radio and online advertising, and a targeted outreach and consultation effort in the community to gather input on the design of the replacement option. Over 5,100 surveys were completed.
Prior to the referendum, staff will employ a three phase community engagement plan.
- The first phase will included a poll or survey of the public to determine understanding of the project and how best to provide more information.
- Once the technical and impact assessment work has been completed the second phase will begin presenting information to the public on both the rehabilitation and replacement options.
- The final stage of public engagement will be communication of Council’s decision when rehabilitation or replacement has been selected.
The public will have a variety of opportunities throughout the project to learn more and provide input.
Opportunities include:
- City of Victoria Connect newsletter delivered to Victoria households three times each year
- Discussions with Citizen Advisory committee members and City Councillors
- Open houses
- Street level, store front project office in Centennial Square (opening September)
- Displays at community facilities and popular public spaces such as malls, recreation centres and community associations
- Speakers bureau to attend community meetings and gather feedback
- Media coverage and call-in talk shows with City Council
- “Coffee chats” in neighbourhood coffee shops
- Project website www.johnsonstreetbridge.com for updates, meeting notices, and announcements
- Direct mail out
- Email johnsonstreetbridge@victoria.ca
- Social media tools including Facebook and Flickr
- Surveys online and at public displays and meetings
