Public Input
Key decision to date regarding scope and funding to address the Johnson Street Bridge have been informed through extensive public input.
Throughout construction, the City will continue to provide information to the public and report on progress and challenges. The City will also seek public feedback where necessary to ensure that the new bridge is reflective of the Victoria community.
Those who are directly affected by construction will be consulted on mitigation strategies.
Between now and early 2012, the City will be consulting with the public and stakeholders in regards to final design elements including landscaping, public spaces and accessibility.
Opportunities for public input will be posted here. You can subscribe to the RSS feeds in the What’s New section to receive updates by email.
Johnson Street Bridge Public Engagement Plan – Pre-Construction Phase (until Dec 2012)
Johnson Street Bridge Replacement Project Charter
Past events / public input
2011
- Johnson Street Bridge Information Session for Victoria West Residents, Tuesday, October 25 at 7 p.m at Victoria West Community Centre, 521 Craigflower Road
- Johnson Street Bridge Information Session for Downtown Residents, Tuesday, October 18 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Silver Threads, 1728 Douglas Street
2010
On August 12, 2010, the City of Victoria Council voted to borrow $49.2 million to replace the Johnson Street Bridge.
City Council made its decision after reviewing extensive public consultation including:
- over 325 emails or letters;
- hundreds of phone calls requesting information or asking questions about options;
- personal contact with citizens during open houses, at local markets and at the bridge;
- a representative survey of businesses in Downtown Victoria;
- a representative survey of residents of Victoria;
- and 2600 Mail-in Surveys.
On the November 20, 2010 referendum Victoria voters chose to approve the borrowing to replace the Johnson Street Bridge.
In order to provide more information, and to respond to any questions on the project and the borrowing referendum, a number of public events were scheduled before the November referendum.
Those events included:
- Designing a Landmark Bridge: Meet the Architects at the Victoria Conference Centre, on Monday, October 25 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- The Big Picture: Why Borrowing Makes Good Sense, at Victoria City Hall, on Wednesday, November 3 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Guided Bridge Tours on Saturday, October 23, and Saturday, November 6. Space is limited. Please call 250.361.0288 to register.
- Johnson Street Bridge Open House: Have questions? We have answers, at Victoria City Hall, on Saturday, November 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Learn Why Replacing the Bridge is the Sustainable Option, at Victoria City Hall, on Wednesday, November 17, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Other opportunities included:
- City of Victoria Connect newsletter delivered to Victoria households three times each year
- Discussions with Citizen Advisory committee members and City Councillors
- Displays at community facilities and popular public spaces such as malls, recreation centres and community associations
- Media coverage and call-in talk shows with City Council
- “Mall chats” in neighbourhood malls
- 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
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.
