The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority is hosting an open house on Wednesday to reveal the fourth and final phase of the Ogden Point Master Plan.
The plan, which will be rolled out over the next 25 years, features a number of changes to Ogden Point - including a new cruise terminal, a pedestrian and bike only gateway that will encourage stronger community access as well as a potential commercial and retail space.
“It’s going to bring a lot of vibrancy and life to Ogden Point,” GVHA CEO Ian Robertson, said. “Right now Ogden Point’s alive pretty much five months of the year, the cruise season, but the rest of the year not much happens, it’s basically a parking lot.”
According to Robertson, the goal is to open up the space and make it inviting year-round.
“We see a phenomenal opportunity to open it up to the public, to provide a space that residents from Greater Victoria can come down to and enjoy the different types of facilities that will be here,” Robertson told CTV News.
Another key aspect of the master plan is the possibility of an area dedicated to First Nations.
“This is an opportunity to perhaps create a First Nations village, which allows both the Esquimalt Nation and Songhees the opportunity to celebrate their culture, tell their story,” Robertson said.
After numerous meeting with the Esquimalt Nation, current ideas for the village include:
- Creating a canoe landing area for Tribal Sea Journeys with an appropriate welcoming and ceremonial area
- Creating a place for business education for First Nation youth
- Continuing to reinforce the history of the Lekwungen Peoples - the “water people”
The master plan is the outcome of more than 27 meetings and open houses.
“This has the potential to be one of the biggest development projects that’s ever occurred in Victoria,” Robertson said.
Based on initial estimates, Robertson says the site would cost well in excess of $300 million.
The open house will take place at Ogden Point Pier B on Dallas Rd. from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
