The JBNA Constitution identifies environmental and quality of life issues.
Specifically, the JBNA is:
- To enable the community to be actively involved in the preservation, rehabilitation and planned development of James Bay so as to preserve and enhance the quality of the environment and life therein.
- To promote community awareness of and involvement in environmental issues and their impact on the community, and facilitate community input to the continuous review and upgrading of the James Bay Neighbourhood Plan.
- To be sensitive to community concerns, to educate and assist individuals and community groups with respect to environmental and ecological developments.
The three top concerns identified by residents during the 2010 Quality of Life survey were related to the growing cruise-industry and aircraft activities. The survey, with 573 respondents, provided direction to the JBNA in forwarding positions on air quality and other quality of life issues. On going monitoring, assessment and reports include:
JBNA has been actively promoting environmental stewardship through its Development Review Committee discussions with developers. For example, over the past several years, JBNA has promoted the minimising of hard-surface coverage and the use of permeable materials, including permeable concrete, for driveway construction.
JBNA has participated in City initiatives including the Urban Forest Plan and specific Park MasterPlans. JBNA played a key role in the development of Fisherman’s Wharf Park from 2009 through 2012.
Since 2016, JBNA has stewarded a City of Victoria Garden initiative within James Bay, creating an active public gardening program.