Ogden Point Rezoning?
Ogden Point is a property owned by the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA). The site is located in Victoria's James Bay neighbourhood and includes the cruise ship terminal.
What about rezoning ogden point?
On June 25, 2026, City of Victoria Council, as part of their Zoning Bylaw Modernization, reviewed a proposal to apply Marine Industrial-1 (MI-1) zoning to all industrial waterfront properties, including Ogden Point. City staff also proposed a new definition of "Port" for the Ogden Point site. Potential uses allowed under the proposed zone included ship breaking and ship recycling.
For more information see Agenda item G.2 in the staff report.
Committee of the Whole - June 25, 2026
Was ogden point rezoned on june 25, 2026?
No. Many residents raised concerns about rezoning Ogden Point, including lack of advance notification and consultation and potential negative impacts on the neighbourhood. City Council subsequently decided to postpone rezoning the site until the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA), the owner of industrial waterfront property in James Bay, has completed their new master planning process. Council also voted to officially consult neighbourhood associations, including the James Bay Neighbourhood Association (JBNA), on new General Urban Design Guidelines which would apply to waterfront properties in James Bay.
Fair Sailing submitted the following comments to City Council prior to the meeting:
Dear Mayor and City Council,
Fair Sailing objects to changing Ogden Point’s current Light Industrial M-2 zoning to Marine Industrial MI-1 and to adding a new definition of “Port” for Ogden Point as part of Phase Two of the Zoning Bylaw Modernization. Uses allowed under the MI-1 zone, such as ship breaking and ship and marine vessel recycling, are inappropriate for the site.
Here are four reasons why Ogden Point rezoning should be postponed:
1) Timing is premature as the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) is currently conducting consultation, including with local residents, on a new Integrated Plan. The GVHA is expected to present their new plan to member agencies in 2027. That would be the appropriate time for a rezoning, if required.
2) Initial consultation on industrial zoning was based on targeted outreach to industrial landowners and businesses as part of the Industry, Arts and Innovation (IAI) District work, with limited public input. Subsequent consultation in 2026, after approval of the OCP excluded the public. More consultation with the public is needed.
3) The Public Notice of Hearing dated August 29, 2025, clearly identified Ogden Point as an Area not Affected by the Amendment to Zoning Bylaw 2018 in the 2025 OCP. The general public has not been consulted on the two new proposed zones and the revised MI-1 zone.
4) Ogden Point is currently zoned as M-2 light industrial district. The staff report states that properties with current light industrial zoning (e.g. M-1, M-2) would receive a new Light Industrial Zone (LI--1). This is inconsistent with the proposed MI-1 zoning.
The lack of public engagement on a change of this magnitude is concerning - residents of James Bay are vital stakeholders who must have a voice as Ogden Point evolves. This facility does not operate in isolation or apart from the community as many other industrial sites do. It is embedded in the neighbourhood, who already feel immense impacts from the noise, traffic, pollution, and overtourism during the cruise season.
Thank you for considering our submission.
What are the next steps?
Fair Sailing will keep you updated. The GVHA is currently conducting consultation on its new Integrated Plan which will include engagement opportunities with the James Bay neighbourhood. Please also check the JBNA website for more information at JBNA - James Bay Neighbourhood Association