Vancity Contributes $100,000 to David Foster Way

Victoria, BC. (May 2, 2013) -- The vision to advance Victoria’s waterfront pathway moved forward today. Vancity announced it will fund $100,000 towards the development of Heron Cove at Fisherman’s Wharf, one of 11 “special place” concepts the City has developed to make David Foster Way a spectacular landmark and a positive catalyst for investment in Victoria.

“We are excited to welcome Vancity as a significant community partner on this innovative project,” said Mayor Dean Fortin. “The concepts for David Foster Way create a vision for the tremendous potential this space holds for the community, and will take the energy and financial support of other levels of government, donors and private developers to achieve.”

Victoria’s Harbour is a prized asset and is a means to supporting green transportation, connectivity, vibrancy and investment downtown. The special place concepts for David Foster Way are the next thoughtful step in advancing the Harbour Pathway Plan that was developed with extensive public consultation and approved by City Council in 2008. The goal of the Plan is to develop a public amenity for the entire city that brings people together and spurs economic development.

“We are delighted to be partnering in the creation of a unique national landmark that will showcase exemplary habitat and shoreline restoration practices, honour the territory’s rich First Nations heritage and provide pedestrians and cyclists with one of the longest continuous harbour pathways in North America,” said Tamara Vrooman, Chief Executive Officer, Vancity. “In the plans for the walkway, we see a strong alignment with the values which underpin Vancity’s commitment to vibrant, sustainable and integrated local economies.”

The proposed design features for Heron Cove complement the rain garden at Fisherman’s Wharf Park and include a new bridge to connect commercial business with the waterfront and a new ramp for kayaks and small boats to enhance recreation opportunities. The design also includes shoreline restoration and the construction of intertidal pools in this natural tidal bay. New seating will encircle a stylized Heron Cove sign which will be anchored by a tall mast, providing a restful viewing area of Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

Once complete, David Foster Way will extend from Rock Bay to Ogden Point and will be one of the longest, continuous pedestrian and cycling harbour pathways in North America. The estimated cost to complete the project is $33 to $40 million. A group of local citizens is working with the City to identify opportunities for community partnerships and funding programs.

Advancing Victoria’s harbour pathway is one of Council’s strategic priorities and is supported by the City’s Greenways Plan, Downtown Core Area Plan, Economic Development Strategy, and Official Community Plan. For more information and to view the eight concept plans for David Foster Way, visit: www.victoria.ca.

Letter to the City of Victoria

About Vancity

Vancity is a values-based financial co-operative serving the needs of its more than 492,000 member-owners and their communities through 57 branches in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Victoria and Squamish. As Canada’s largest community credit union, Vancity uses its $17.1 billion in assets to help improve the financial wellbeing of its members while at the same time helping to develop healthy, sustainable communities. Member deposits enable the credit union to loan to other members, businesses and organizations that are creating positive economic, social and environmental impact in their communities. In addition, since 1994 Vancity has given more than $238 million to members through dividends and to communities through grants and community investment initiatives. Vancity is a Living Wage employer and a member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values, a network of the world’s leading sustainable banks sharing a commitment to achieving triple-bottom-line impact through responsible banking practices.

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Contact: mediarelations@vancity.com
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