Easter and the poor
Dandelion hosts special service for homeless Page A3
BUSINESS: Victoria gaming studio shines in U.S. /A3 ARTS: Music renaissance proves right /A14 SPORTS: Royals run comes to quick end /A15
VICTORIANEWS Wednesday, April 16, 2014
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Special performance James Bay was treated to an impromptu performance by Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra fiddler Mack Shields, 27, who sat down on a Menzies Street bench on Thursday and simply began to play. The band is currently on a cross-country tour and performed in Victoria last week. Photo by Nate Clark
New development will change face of James Bay Plaza and offices envisioned for South Block property facing B.C. legislature Daniel Palmer News staff
James Bay residents are cautiously optimistic about a mega project that will transform the gateway of their neighbourhood. The South Block development, a joint venture between Jawl Properties and Concert Properties, will transform 2.3 hectares of parking
lots, government office buildings and heritage homes near the B.C. legislature into mixed residential, retail and office space. “People forget, James Bay is as big as Sidney,” said Marg Gardiner, president of the James Bay Neighbourhood Association. “We’re more densely populated than any neighbourhood in Victoria, yet we don’t have that much in the way
of amenities. That’s what many residents want and we hope it’s what we’ll get. We’ll be participating with great interest.” A survey conducted by the neighbourhood association in December shows locals are largely supportive of South Block, while retail opportunities like a hardware store and a restaurant or pub with outdoor seating were suggested as appealing tenants. Jawl and Concert finalized the land purchase from the B.C. government on March 21, while devel-
opers stopped by the James Bay Neighbourhood Association April 9 to address resident concerns. “Given the site’s profile and prominence in the James Bay community, I know there was a fair bit of curiosity around, even at the conceptual level, where the design was heading,” said developer Robert Jawl. The province has committed to leasing about 180,000 square feet of office space on a 20-year term beginning in 2017. Jawl said design and engi-
neering teams are now in place to assist with conceptual and detailed work for the building and landscape design. One of those contractors, Vancouver-based PWL Partnership, has designed projects from Deer Lake Park in Burnaby to CBC Plaza in downtown Vancouver, with a focus on public space and environmentally progressive landscaping. PlEASE SEE: Residents watching, Page A4
Help Esquimalt shine for your chance to WIN! Prizes for top 3 in each of the six categories including “People’s Choice”. Draw prize entry for all participants.
Contest details and to enter: www.esquimalt.ca/blooming