Ogden Point Master Plan and Breakwater Development

Ogden Point Master Plan and Breakwater Development is a significant project that has been ongoing for several years. The master plan aims to revitalize the area and make it more accessible to the public.

The breakwater, a 1.2-kilometer-long seawall, has been a key component of the project. It provides a safe harbor for boats and protects the surrounding area from strong ocean currents.

The breakwater has undergone significant upgrades in recent years, including the installation of new lighting and the creation of a new fishing pier. These upgrades have improved the overall experience for visitors and fishermen alike.

The master plan also includes plans for a new seawall extension, which will provide additional protection for the area and allow for the creation of new public spaces.

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Ogden Point has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. The piers at Ogden Point were built in the early 20th century by the city of Victoria in anticipation of a growth in shipping due to the opening of the Panama Canal.

The area has been used for various purposes over the years, including as a shipyard and a cruise ship terminal. In 1916, the US Hydrographic Office published a Coast Pilots guide that referred to the piers as the "Ocean Docks".

The breakwater south of Pier A was completed in 1916, and the piers were finished in 1918. Later, in the 1960s, Victoria Machinery Depot built some of the first vessels for BC Ferries and other customers using Ogden Point.

Ogden Point has become a popular destination for cruise ships, with over 400,000 visitors arriving in 2009. The facility was extensively rebranded in 2008 with the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority's red, grey, and black colour scheme.

The property was sold to George McFadden in 1922, and later passed to his niece, Mrs. Edward Browning, who consulted with landscape architect Beatrix Jones Farrand to restore the original plantings.

Ogden Point has a 12-hectare port facility with two finger piers, Pier A and Pier B, each with North and South berths. Pier A has a South berth that extends 335 meters, while North A extends 243 meters.

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Berth capacities are impressive, with each able to accommodate a vessel with a draft exceeding 10 meters at low tide. This allows for larger ships to dock and unload their cargo.

There are four berths in total, but due to their close proximity, only three ships can be accommodated in port at any one time. This is due to the overlap of North A and South B.

Canada Border Services Agency facilities are conveniently located at each pier, making it easy for customs and immigration officials to process passengers and cargo.

The facility also features a 9,290-square-meter warehouse on Pier A, complete with cable ship spooling apparatus and cable storage facilities.

Here is a summary of the helipads at the Camel Point heliport:

The heliport is operated by Pacific Heliport Services and is located just northeast of Pier B.

The Ogden Point Breakwater is a popular walk near downtown Victoria that follows the cement structure from Dallas Road out towards the Juan de Fuca Strait to a lighthouse on its furthest end. This scenic route offers a unique perspective on Victoria's busy harbour traffic.

You'll see cruise ships, ferries, sailboats, float planes, helicopters, and more all pass through the area to reach Victoria. It's not uncommon to spot wildlife like seagulls and seals along the breakwater.

The path along the breakwater was only recently improved with the installation of railings in 2013, making it safer for walkers. Be sure to take a moment to look back and admire the harbour views in both directions.

As you walk along the breakwater, you'll notice an increase in marine traffic coming and going from the Victoria harbour area. The breakwater curves right, offering a glimpse of the busy harbour activity.

The lighthouse at the end of the breakwater provides stunning views looking south to the Juan de Fuca Strait, west to Macaulay Point Park in Esquimalt, and north towards the James Bay area.

The Ogden Point Master Plan proposes an elevated cruise-ship terminal with bus parking below, an expanded warehouse, and year-round amenities like a brewpub and a First Nations Cultural Centre.

This plan also envisions a hotel near the head of the breakwater walkway, which would tie in with the GVHA's goal of expanding Ogden Point as a home port for smaller cruise ships carrying between 800 and 1,200 passengers.

The Master Plan seeks the city's approval for three regulatory documents, including an amendment to the City of Victoria's Official Community Plan and a new comprehensive development zone.

The GVHA is planning to generate revenue through the implementation of the master plan, which will help pay for maintenance and upgrades to its properties, including Ship Point and Fisherman's Wharf, without relying on public funding.

The future of Ogden Point is looking bright, with a proposed elevated cruise-ship terminal that will not only improve the visitor experience but also generate revenue for the GVHA.

The plan involves creating a home port for smaller cruise ships carrying between 800 and 1,200 passengers, which will not only bring in new visitors but also provide a new source of income for the GVHA.

A hotel is also planned near the head of the breakwater walkway, which will cater to the needs of cruise ship passengers and provide additional revenue streams.

The GVHA is aiming to diversify its revenue streams, as currently Ogden Point is its single largest revenue generator, and it's estimated that in 15 to 20 years, the GVHA would run into a challenge if it doesn't do so.

The plan also includes a revitalized marine services area, allowing for small yacht storage and a boat-lift operation, which will cater to the needs of local boaters and sailors.

Robertson says revenue generated through the implementation of the master plan will also help pay for an estimated $40 million to $60 million in maintenance and upgrades to its properties, including Ship Point and Fisherman's Wharf.

The GVHA's goal is to create a thriving waterfront destination that benefits both the local community and visitors, and it seems like the Ogden Point Master Plan is a step in the right direction.

The plan is still in the early stages, with the GVHA seeking the city's approval for three interrelated regulatory and policy documents, including an amendment to the City of Victoria's Official Community Plan and the creation of a new comprehensive development zone.

Getting it right is crucial in planning and development. The GVHA is taking a cautious approach with the Ogden Point Master Plan, requesting a more detailed market-feasibility analysis and in-depth traffic studies before making any recommendations to Victoria council.

The plan has been stalled since it was submitted 20 months ago, awaiting the completion of these studies. This delay is not uncommon in large-scale development projects, and it's a testament to the GVHA's commitment to getting it right.

Marg Gardiner, president of the James Bay Neighbourhood Association, has expressed concerns about the potential impact of the development on the downtown area. She fears it could destroy downtown if not done correctly.

The GVHA is working to alleviate these concerns by emphasizing that the development will be designed to appeal to residents, not just cruise-ship passengers. They envision a space similar to Granville Island or Seattle's Pike Place Market, with a mix of industrial and consumer-friendly shops.

Robertson says they're taking a community-focused approach, seeking to create a site that everyone in Victoria can be proud of.

The problem with Ogden Point is that it's facing a major issue with its aging infrastructure.

The Point's seawall is in dire need of repair, with some sections showing significant signs of damage and erosion.

This is due to the constant pounding of the ocean waves, which have worn down the concrete and steel structures over the years.

The seawall's condition has become a safety concern, particularly for the fishermen and boaters who use the Point regularly.

The Point's harbor is also experiencing problems with sedimentation, which is causing issues with navigation and water quality.

This sedimentation is a result of the nearby Sooke River's sediment being carried into the harbor by tidal currents.