Referendum for Victoria’s Johnson Street Bridge

Victoria, B.C. – A referendum on borrowing money to either refurbish or replace Victoria’s Johnson Street Bridge likely will be held in late November.

Technical work on the refurbishment option and a report comparing refurbishment versus replacement are now nearing completion, city councillors were told at a committee meeting this morning. That information will be completed June 1.

Results of surveys of 600 residents and 200 businesses conducted by Ipsos Reid on their understanding of the bridge issue and the preferred public consultation process will be presented to council May 20.

After receiving that information, the city will consult the public on their preferred option before deciding whether to replace or refurbish the bridge. Council will then schedule the vote on borrowing for the preferred option.

Victoria’s plans to borrow $42 million of the $63 million estimated cost to replace the bridge were blocked earlier this year when more than 10 per cent of eligble voters signed petitions demanding a vote on the borrowing.

More to come.