In line with measures taken at Beacon Hill Park and on Dallas Road, the city of Victoria is imposing temporary parking restrictions in James Bay.
During her daily briefing on Monday, Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps announced temporary on-street parking restrictions in the James Bay neighbourhood to allow pedestrians more space to practice physical distancing directives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We want people to be safe and comfortable when they are out and about,” said Helps. “By creating additional designated pedestrian zones near important services, we can relieve pinch points and allow people to remain active.”
As of Thursday, April 23rd, on-street parking will be temporarily restricted on Simcoe Street, between Government and Oswego, and for half a block of Menzies Street approaching the Five Corners retail complex.
The changes will be demarcated with bollards, signs, and paint and letters will be sent to residents and business in the area to inform them about the measures.
The City of Victoria is also looking at introducing similar measures in other city neighbourhoods near areas with grocery stores, pharmacies and other essential services, and in Quadra Village, Cook Street Village, Fairfield, and Vic West in the coming weeks.
The municipal transportation department is working with private development sites to provide more space to pedestrians next to construction zones.
Staff will also be installing new signs at transit shelters and at the Johnson Street Bridge multi-use and pedestrian pathways to promote physical distancing.
High traffic locations with narrow sidewalks are being prioritized for these measures.
