Presentation to Victoria City Council
by Kevin Sytsma
For the Aria Strata Council
Thursday, August 21, 2008

Ms. Mayor, Chairperson, and Council,

On behalf of the ARIA Strata, we strongly disagree with the current direction of the city, and stand united with the Cridge Park Rescue Group to oppose the City of Victoria’s proposal to develop Cridge Park, including the historic Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling Green. Cridge Park is shared space.  The ARIA, one of the immediate neighbours of this space, wishes to formally ask that the City kindly reverse the path they are taking.

The ARIA believes it unwise to destroy the existing historic significance of this site by replacing it with ANY building.  The City’s responsibility to both creating park space, and preserving parks should remain a priority. Any development on designated green space surely flies in the face of the province’s environmental “Green” Plan.  This rapidly developing Humboldt Valley neighbourhood needs to have a balance of green space, and structures.  The current proposal to develop Cridge Park upsets that balance; not to mention the proposal to greatly increase the density at the former site of the Crystal Court Motel.  We, the ARIA hope to think that the city is not short sighted by removing neighbourhood parks before nearly 1000 new residents form a vibrant Humboldt Valley community.

We certainly understand the appeal of the proposed location. So did the well-meaning civic leaders at the turn of the 20th century. But along with the Cridge Park Rescue Group, we at the ARIA believe that Cridge Park founders intended Cridge Park to be left a park for ALL to enjoy. We don’t believe they intended to exempt buildings merely because they’re popular with the public.

Personally speaking, as a future member of the Downtown Residents Association and current resident of the ARIA our family of three, bought into the property; in part; knowing that Cridge Park was going to be beautified by the developer as a result of the City’s leadership in planning.  It was this park (including the Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling Club) we were looking forward to play with our toddler son.  It was so important to us; that when we were profiled in the ARIA’s newsletter in the fall of 2007, it was noted.  We have sadly learned that the agreement between Alpha Developments and the City has been significantly modified.  It also needs to be noted that this modification was initiated by the City of Victoria.  This modification threatens the parks existence, and effectively has paved the way for future development.  The promenade between St Anne’s Academy and the Inner Harbour is in jeopardy.  What was the motivation of the city to modify such a solid positive plan?

Consider this:

In delivering his annual address at the start of his third consecutive term in December 2005, Mayor Allan Lowe’s discussed his vision for Victoria, one that is based on proactive leadership in the following areas:

What part of the Victoria‘s budget is affected by the city’s new desire to develop upon this park?  Who in the city council authorized such a bold move in a clandestine manner without considering public consultation?

The ARIA Strata strongly disagrees with the current direction of the city, and opposes the City of Victoria’s proposal to develop Cridge Park, including the historic Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling Green. At the end of the day, we the ARIA hope to give a standing ovation on the City’s leadership when they no longer enable development on park land, and/ or historically significant properties.

If I could borrow the theme of a popular credit card marketing campaign,

There are some things money can’t buy.

Thank you very much for your time allowing me to express the ARIA Strata’s concerns.