Planners refining Ogden Point redevelopment

The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority is seeking further professional help to craft plans to redevelop Ogden Point.

A call for proposals was issued this week to “develop and define a category of uses appropriate for the near, medium and long-term” at the James Bay site.

A draft master plan for Odgen Point, which is a hub for cruise ships, was sent to Victoria City Hall last December. The site is 13.7 hectares and could host $300 million worth of development over several years.

“We’ve been working through the plan with the city planners as part of a process for the development of the site,” Ian Robertson, harbour authority chief executive, said Thursday.

“Planners have asked us to refine our market outlook for that proposed space along Dallas Road because that is the section of the plan that we would be seeking some rezoning on.”

After submitting the plan, more analysis was completed and the city then asked for more detailed analysis, Robertson said.

The consultant’s study is looking at the entire site, he said.

Ogden Point is a long-established industrial property in Victoria. As years passed, the surrounding neighbourhood has become more densely populated and residents have complained about emissions from cruise ships, traffic and noise resulting from ship visits.

The harbour authority started putting together a plan for the site in 2008, eventually coming up with a proposal that focuses on retaining the site’s industrial and marine character.

At the same time, the plan envisions other types of uses along Dallas Road. It has the potential to bring in more income for commercial, retail, temporary accommodations and possible institutional and training uses, according to the call for proposals.

The harbour authority said it wants a “comprehensive and clear analysis of market opportunity and mix for the Ogden Point property for the next 20-plus years.”

The new study would examine the impacts and benefits of the site’s mix of real estate to the surrounding areas.

Phase options and financial models are also required.

The closing date to submit a proposal is Dec. 12 and the final report is expected Feb. 28.

Robertson is aiming to be at city hall in late spring or early summer to seek approval for the master plan. He hopes to see rezoning approved by early 2019.