The City of Victoria’s skyline is undergoing significant changes; cranes pepper the downtown core and new developments are sprouting up every month.
There are dozens of residential units being built and many more awaiting approval, but other large landmarks have also appeared in the past year.
The most recognizable addition to the city is the new Johnson Street Bridge, which officially opened on March 31, 2018. By June 8, 2018 the last remnants of the old Bridge were carried away, and on Aug. 28, 2018 the final portion of the new bridge opened to pedestrians.
WATCH: Bye-bye, Johnson Street Bridge
Since then, surrounding plazas on either side of the bridge have been built, and the surrounding area continues to transform as the expansion of the David Foster Walkway and renovations for the neighbouring Reeson Park continue.
Let’s not forget the adjoining bike lanes, which are opening shortly along Wharf and Humboldt streets, with the most recent addition to the bike network opening along Fort Street in May 2018. More bike lanes are slated to open in 2019 along Vancouver Street, Harbour Road and the Hillside-Quadra area.
WATCH: Grand opening of the sxʷeŋxʷəŋ təŋəxʷ James Bay Branch Library
Additionally, this year the sxʷeŋxʷəŋ təŋəxʷ James Bay Library Branch is celebrating its first anniversary since opening on May 26, 2018.
Since opening, over 199,000 items have been checked out. The library celebrated its anniversary with the installation of a new art piece by Victoria’s artist-in-residence, Luke Ramsey.
ALSO READ: Local and international artists paint murals across Victoria
Ramsey was also a participant in the a city-wide effort to bring colour to the city in the form of murals.
Murals have appeared throughout Victoria, with a heavy concentration on the industrial Rock Bay area, which was featured in the city’s “Concrete Canvas” initiative in April 2018. The project saw artists from across Canada and the world bring their craft to 16 walls near the bridge on Bay Street.
ALSO READ: Eastbound traffic closure on Bay Street Bridge starts May 21
That bridge, formally known as the Point Ellice Bridge, is now under construction to accommodate infrastructural updates. Construction on the bridge began on May 21 and is slated for completion in October.
What’s your favourite addition to the city? Send us a Tweet @VictoriaNews.
Send a Tweet: @NicoleCrescenzi
Like us on Facebook Â
