Victoria council to vote on Official Community Plan on Thursday that could change face of city

James Bay is Victoria’s oldest neighbourhood, where character homes are a common feature.

But the neighbourhood could see many changes in the future.

After two years of consultations, Victoria’s city council is voting Thursday night whether or not to approve the updated Official Community Plan, which will streamline the rezoning process, and streamline development.

Long time James Bay resident Mariann Burka says she is concerned.

“Our main concern is that, as I’ve said to city council, the wrong plan building the wrong houses in the wrong places for the wrong reasons,” Burka said Thursday.

She’s concerned future developments could replace heritage homes.

“Our concern is that it is inequitable. For example, in James Bay it ignores our unique character, it ignores our diversity and our