With the popularity of the Banfield floating dock in Vic West this summer, the City is planning more similar swimming areas around Victoria. According to Victoria city councillor Jeremy Caradonna, the City has projects slated for Ogden Point in James Bay and Bridges Park near the Bay Street Bridge. More details are expected to emerge over the next year.
“The intention is to diversify access to waterways across the city and to use an equity lens so that we’re investing across multiple neighbourhoods,” he told Daily Hive. Since the dock expansion this spring, Banfield Park has been bustling with residents looking to hang out, swim, or paddleboard in this revitalized area of Victoria — . John Roe, a founder of Veins of Life Watershed Society (VOLWS), .
VOLWS initiated numerous community cleanup projects that vastly improved the water quality of Victoria’s Gorge Waterway. In 2016, the and regulate the stormwater and sewer flow into the Gorge Waterway. Now, almost a decade later, Banfield Park has become the best hotspot for swimming, and one of the best examples of City Council’s plans to establish more swimming areas in Victoria.
The executive director for the Victoria West Community Centre, Jaymie Humber, says the popularity of Banfield Park has, overall, been received positively. She told Daily Hive it really underscores how important it has been for cooling down during heat warnings. “Its popularity has surged in tandem with the recent heat warning, underlining the importance of ensuring adequate cooling resources across neighbourhoods during times of heat stress,” she said.
Humber is also hoping for additional infrastructure to support Banfield Park, such as bike storage, a nearby washroom and changing room, and improved grip on the water access stairs. Earlier this month, the City of Victoria sent an advisory about potential pollutants entering the Gorge via Cecilia Creek, and those claims are being investigated by the Capital Regional District. Humber says they’ve been made aware of the pollutants.
“We are deeply concerned about, and closely following, the recent reports,” she said. There have been some concerns from neighbours about a lack of parking too. Humber hopes that residents travelling from outside the area can take advantage of Banfield’s proximity to the Galloping Goose trail, or take the #14 bus route.
“The overwhelming sentiment is positive, and we look forward to enjoying the dock for many summers to come,” Humber added. Are you excited about more swimming areas like Banfield? Comment below with your thoughts..
