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Harbour Pathway Project Frequently Asked Questions

What is the harbour pathway?
The harbour pathway is a continuous pedestrian and cyclist pathway that connects Ogden Point to Rock Bay. Although some pieces of a harbour pathway currently exist, there are major gaps in some areas and many of the pathways are not up to the appropriate standard and require significant improvement.

City staff is working with a team of consultants which includes Hotson Bakker Boniface Haden Architects, Landeca Consulting and Urbanistes to develop the overall plan. This pathway is a key component and a major initiative originating from Victoria's Greenways Plan.

What is Victoria's Greenways Plan?
Victoria's Greenways Plan, adopted by City Council in 2003, provides a framework and a series of strategies to establish a Greenway system throughout Victoria. This is a long-term plan that will be implemented over the next 50 years.

The Greenways Vision is "to provide a superb, human-scaled, people-friendly environment so that pedestrians, cyclists and other non-motorized users, will be rewarded with a safe, enjoyable and engaging experience as they use Greenways".

What is a greenway?
A greenway is a pedestrian and cyclist-friendly route or pathway, intended for recreational use. Greenways link important areas of the city together such as parks and open spaces, boulevards, schools, village centres, natural areas and cultural sites.

What is proposed?
The proposed seven-metre-wide harbour pathway will provide pedestrians and cyclists with access to Victoria's world-class harbour waterfront. In the industrial areas where properties require water access, the surrounding street system will be enhanced to connect the corridor until future opportunities arise from changes in land use.

The project suggests two types of routes. The first is the "path of least resistance", running inland along streets and around sites that are either privately owned, industrial, or too difficult to obtain access in the short-term. The other approach is to locate the path along the waterfront. Where the City does not currently own the land, it will need to acquire access easements or negotiate other forms of agreements allowing public access.

The project also proposes that a bridge for pedestrians and cyclists be re-established between the sites beyond the foot of Store Street to Bridge Street. Historically, there was a bridge located there and that is how Bridge Street got its name. A number of short bridge spans are also proposed along other parts of the route.

Who is the pathway designed for?
The pathway is designed specifically for pedestrians and recreational cyclists. It is not meant to be a commuter route for cyclists.

Will there be parking lots available along the pathway?
Parking lots are not envisioned for the pathway, however, there are many parking areas that currently exist in close proximity to the proposed pathway route.

What are the benefits or opportunities of such a project?
To walk the existing path, which is non-continuous from Fisherman's Wharf to Discovery Street, one must know where to veer off the waterfront and where to reconnect further on. Visitors as well as residents, have difficulty navigating the current path, specifically around Johnson Street Bridge and Belleville Terminal, where the path appears to come to an abrupt end. The City of Victoria is already working to develop First Nations interpretative signage for some parts of the pathway.

Gaps in the existing path at Fisherman's Wharf, Heron Cove, Belleville Street, Ship Point, and several locations between Ship Point and Chatham Street (including at the Johnson Street Bridge) and at Rock Bay, have been identified and addressed in the proposed design.

Consistent design elements, such as signage and street furniture are proposed to create a unique public amenity for Victoria. Installing the pathway along non-industrial private property may also provide new retail opportunities for some property owners.

Why is a harbour pathway important?
Creating a continuous pathway for pedestrians and cyclists that links Ogden Point to Rock Bay, is an opportunity for the City of Victoria to provide an interpretive, recreational greenway that residents and tourists can easily access and enjoy. There are physical and mental health benefits as well as benefits to the environment.

Does the project face any challenges?
A key challenge will be acquiring the land or easements for the pathway. While the City of Victoria owns some of the land along the proposed pathway, other parts are owned by senior governments, the Provincial Capital Commission and the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority. There are also stretches of privately owned land.

Integrating public access with uses, such as transportation terminals and industrial operations, is particularly challenging and unique design solutions will need to be developed in consultation with those operating these types of uses.

What is the history behind the project?
The idea for a harbour pathway was first proposed in 2001, and was included in the City of Victoria's 2003 Greenways Plan. A report titled Harbour Pathway Environmental and Land Use Inventory and Analysis was completed in January 2007 by Westland Resource Group. The document is available on the City's website and forms the backbone for the project.

How much money will the pathway cost?
An economic consultant is currently looking at the acquisition costs for some of the private lands. A final budget will not be known until all cost estimates for design, land, and construction are finalized. Construction costs of the various design scenarios are also being calculated so that the City can plan and budget for the eventual construction of the path.

How will the harbour pathway be funded?
Funding for the harbour pathway will come from the City of Victoria's Buildings and Infrastructure Reserve. Other funding opportunities such as grants and partnerships will also be pursued.

How can I find out more information about the harbour pathway?
For more information, contact:

Doug DeMarzo
Senior Planner
Parks, Recreation and Culture Department
City of Victoria
250.361.0617
E-mail Doug Demarzo

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