The Gift of Silence

Construction is a fact of life in James Bay. Already one of the densest residential areas in Victoria, it is becoming even more dense, with new developments scattered around the community. Three of them are very close; one is across the street! So -- if a person wants to live in James Bay -- daytime construction noise is something that has to be accepted. Fortunately, most nights are quiet, since there's no through traffic in what is essentially a peninsula.

The crane of one of three projects near us

Ogden Point in James Bay was originally industrial in nature, so there's also noise associated with a busy harbour and heliport -- from float planes and helicopters, to cruise ships and the humming motors of the "Cable Innovator" ship which lays cable in the ocean.

But I find noise to be wearing. I need breaks of quiet to keep my mental balance. Here are some of the places I go to for silence. The first photos are of places I can walk to. The second section gives a few of the places that I have found where I get into a vehicle and drive to them.

This shoreline is perhaps 25 feet below Dallas Road, so road noise from above can't be heard. On this calm morning, with low tide, the ocean was a peaceful place. I feel very fortunate I can access it in just a few minutes walk from home.

I like the wild areas of Beacon Hill Park, although some sound from nearby roads is inevitable. This bench is near the top of the hill, and secluded enough that it's often a private place to sit. This too, is close to home.

Here is another bench in the Garry Oak meadows of Beacon Hill Park.

I've enjoyed sitting here numerous times, spotting birds flitting among the Garry Oaks, like the tree behind the bench.

The biggest source of widespread noise in James Bay, as in any urban area, is from traffic. James Bay is fortunate in that it is at the end of the road, so does not suffer from through traffic noise. It also has road closures a few times a year due to running and cycling events, which change the neighbourhood's atmosphere.

What a treat when Dallas road was closed for a bike race! After most of the riders had whizzed by, I walked the road, and had the pleasure of walking without vehicle noise. 

Here is the view down Dallas Road during the bike race. I have a daydream: to close the road to vehicles once a week, so that walkers and cyclists can enjoy it without the noisy energy of cars, trucks and busses.

Enjoying Dallas Road sans noisy vehicles. What bliss!

Given that it's unrealistic to shut down a busy road like Dallas most of the time, the next best thing is traffic control. Speed bumps in residential areas help slow traffic down and reduce noise.

This speed bump is on Montreal Street, where there are many blocks of speed bumps. There are also speed bumps on Government Street, Dock Street, and sections of Niagara and Simcoe Streets. I'd like to see other streets in James Bay have speed bumps to slow traffic and reduce noise.

Creative street design can provide other options for slowing down traffic and reducing noise. Here are a couple I've seen.

This planted peninsula near the Royal Jubilee Hospital reduces traffic to single lane, with vehicles having to yield to each other. A great way of slowing them down -- and reducing noise in the process!

Here is another way of slowing traffic down:

This barrier, on Memorial Crescent in Fairfield, forces traffic to take turns advancing, in effect forcing it to slow.

Despite the busy harbour and construction noise, there are actually many quiet streets in James Bay, especially in the "interior" of the community. An example follows.

Even though it's only a block off Douglas Street, this short stretch of road is peaceful, with the houses blocking street noise from Douglas.

I mentioned Beacon Hill Park at the outset. Here's another section that I enjoy.

One of the more peaceful sections of Beacon Hill Park. This trail used to be called "Lover's Lane". The trees block some vehicle noise from Dallas Road, although not completely. This area of the park is home to Cooper's hawks, chestnut-backed chickadees, red-breasted nuthatches, and spotted Towhees, among others.

James Bay has other small areas where I sometimes stop for a moment of quiet.

The peaceful community garden on Montreal Street.

This bench, adjacent to the Birdcage Grocery store, is an enjoyable place to sit and enjoy a treat from the store. Vehicles going down Government Street are slowed by speed bumps, and the store is located at a four-way stop sign so traffic is fairly quiet.

Around the corner at the Birdcage Confectionary. Another relatively quiet place to sit.

I've discovered a few streets in James Bay that have been closed to through traffic. As well as making the street much quieter, closing to through traffic creates a different "vibe", one that is more people-centred, than vehicle-centred.

This street has been closed to access from Government Street, which makes it essentially a quiet cul-de-sac, oriented to pedestrians for walking.

There are some days though, when I crave getting off the pavement and into the forest, for real, soul-nourishing, quiet. The grounds at Royal Roads provide quiet respite, within Greater Victoria. They are accessible by bike, bus, and private vehicle.

Forest on the grounds at Royal Roads University. Royal Roads has enough forested land that it is possible to escape traffic noise.

And, for longer walks, there are large second-growth forest areas which can be explored, all within three hours driving distance. I've found a few options, including Cowichan, Comox, and Campbell River. All require a private vehicle to access these areas. (Note that I've not spent much time walking in East Sooke Park, so I'm excluding it from this discussion, although it is a great hiking destination. The walks I've covered here are more gentle in nature.)

To begin, a photo from the forest near Cowichan.

A beautiful cedar in the forest near Spring Beach Recreation Site in the Cowichan area. I took this photo in February just a few days after a snowfall.

Next, Seal Bay Nature Reserve. We first discovered this forest in Comox - Courtenay on a visit to the Island at least five years before we moved here. I fell in love with it, because of the silence I can find there. It is about 650 ha, second-growth mixed forest, with Douglas fir and many other species, including deciduous. 

Close up of the forest floor, Seal Bay Nature Reserve, Comox-Courtenay

One of the large second-growth fir trees in Seal Bay. I was intrigued by pattern made by the moss on the bark.

Spores on a fern, Seal Bay Nature Reserve.

The walking in Seal Bay varies, from coniferous to more open forest.

Trails in Seal Bay are well-marked; a map can be downloaded to your phone, and there are also printed copies at trailheads.

The third area where I've found quiet is a little further away than Seal Bay. The Beaver Lodge Forest Lands at Campbell River provide a lovely forest experience. The airport is in the vicinity, so plane noise was noticeable from time to time, so it's not entirely free of "traffic" noise. But for me, I can take a plane or two over non-stop vehicle traffic. The trails here have fewer signposts than Seal Bay, but there are maps at some trailheads. As well, a map can be downloaded to a phone.

We saw many trees growing out of nurse stumps like this.

Beaver Lodge Forest Lands, Campbell River. Some of these trees were BC's first tree plantation, dating back to the 1930s. 

The Beaver Lodge Forest Lands were first protected in 1931 with a donation of land by the Elk River Timber Company. Since then, the area in trust has expanded with additional donations; it's now approximately 520 ha, held in trust by the Greenways Land Trust.

Some parts of the forest had good numbers of bigger trees like this one.

The trails have a variety of forest, which makes for interesting walking. Some are on an old rail trail, and are straight, unlike the one pictured here.

Some of the Campbell River trails are also used by mountain bikers. We were able to pass under this tree, but a cyclist on a bike would indeed have to duck!

In September there were few birds calling, but I am sure that in the spring there would be more.

This post has been about silence, and the importance of forest areas for finding quiet. I am aware of the irony: for me to get to almost any of these areas, I must get into some kind of vehicle... and create noise.

I recall writing about silence a few years ago. Our cities have become much noisier, so that now, sirens have to be many decibels higher than several decades ago. With that much noise, we need silence. 

May the forest nurture you.

If I was a James Bay Tour Guide....

Pedi cabs, rickshaws, horse and carriage... there are ample ways to tour James Bay, and listen to commentary -- as well as, take a more conventional tour bus ride through the area. All are promoted as giving a balance of experience and education. 

Horse and carriage on Government Street.

When cruise ships are docked at Ogden Point, the pedi cabs and rickshaws start there.

Pedicabs at Ogden Point waiting for cruise ship passengers. The "Flower Mural Walk Way" beside the pedicabs was painted a few years ago by muralist Renée Audy.

"Experience melodic hoof beats as your eyes indulge in the natural ecosystem of Beacon Hill Park."

"Learn about the rich history of Western Canada's oldest neighborhood and its connection to the development of Victoria through the fur trade and the gold rushes that funded the construction of the beautiful homes still standing in the neighbourhood today."

"...Regale in stories of past and present while weaving through the historical streets of James Bay."

These foregoing descriptions are taken from the website of Victoria Carriage Tours. I've  heard guides talk about the houses of James Bay, the Olympic mountains across the strait of Juan de Fuca, the ferries that take passengers to the US. 

I think there are other stories, stories that could be told instead. These are some of the things I might focus upon, were I touring a group through James Bay and Beacon Hill Park.

Trees

I know I would talk about trees! Victoria is a city of trees, and has done a lot to protect them. 

Who cannot walk Victoria and not notice the wondrous trees... and the efforts that have been made to preserve them -- as here, where the tree has been pruned, but not removed, for hydro wires.

One more example of pruning, this time, a blooming horse chestnut.

The Giant Sequoias are an imposing presence in James Bay, and Beacon Hill Park. These two mark the entrance of Iriving Park. The park, which used to be part of the estate of the Irving family, has at least one other Giant Sequoia and a large Beech. And there is a popular Giant Sequoia in Beacon Hill park near the children's farm. It's the site of many photo opportunities with children sitting on a convenient horizontal branch.

The Giant Sequoia is non-native, imported from California. 

My tour would also pay homage to the native Garry Oak tree.

A beautiful Garry Oak along the Inner Harbour, north of the Huntington Hotel. 

Garry Oaks are host to multitudes of beneficial insects which depend upon them for sustenance. 

Garry Oak leaves late in the summer, showing how they've been chewed upon by a variety of insects.

On my tour, I'd show visitors the tree below in Beacon Hill Park, and point out how fallen trees are important for many forms of wildlife.

Sign on a downed tree at Beacon Hill Park

I would highlight how Victoria goes out of its way to protect trees during summer drought, giving many trees a good soaking with an ingenious portable water tank.

Portable water tank soaking the ground around a horse chestnut during the dry season.

The amazing native arbutus tree, renewing its bark. I love how it transforms from the bright green to copper. Depending on the time of the year, I'd find an arbutus tree to show visitors.

I'd also point out how trees are protected during construction.

Although I've not seen tours at the top of Beacon Hill, perhaps they do go there. I'd point out the historic importance of this hill to the Lekwungen peoples, as signified by these large rocks which had ceremonial significance. 

I'd also talk about the importance of the camas in the meadows as a food source for the Lekwungen who harvested the bulbs.

Blue Camas on the slopes of Beacon Hill

The final element of the "tree" part of my guided tour would be to  explore art that pays homage to trees. Here's one example, from along Dallas Road.

Painted onto the seawall steps, along Dallas Road. Mural by "Fua Collective".

Walkability

If I was a tour guide, I'd enjoy pointing out how there are always people walking the streets of James Bay. And I'd describe the ways Victoria is working to improve infrastructure for alternate modes of transport to automobiles -- making cycling and walking safer and more convenient. Many tourists come from areas where the "car is king" and may not have been introduced to other ways of thinking about walking and cycling. 

The cycle and pedestrian paths along Dallas Road are used so heavily that they could each have been double their width! Perhaps in the future, the lanes for vehicles will be reduced, and more space given over to self-propelled transportation.

Signage encourages cruise ship passengers to walk.

It's great to see the good signage for tourists who want to walk from the cruise ship terminal to downtown.

One of several instances where road access has been curtailed for vehicles, allowing only cyclists and pedestrians. This is at the end of St. Lawrence Street.

On my guided tour I would point to the many instances where public access by foot and bicycle have been prioritized. 

The pathway through Capital Park Development provides a great pedestrian shortcut for James Bay residents to access the downtown.

Speed bumps make the neighbourhood safer for walkers and cyclists.

I don't know how long ago Avalon Road was closed to access from Government Street.The end of Avalon Road is now a pleasant garden and sitting area, with a pedestrian pathway.

Another blocked-off road access converted to a sitting area and small garden. This is at the end of Montreal Street.

A pedestrian connection corridor. It's great to see these in Victoria; they show care and thoughtfulness for the experience of the pedestrian.

Diversity

I've posted before about the diversity of this area of Victoria -- including diversity of housing types and styles, diversity of land uses, diversity of demographics in the residents living here. James Bay is not a homogeneous suburb, and that makes it a rich experience for residents -- and one that should be of interest to visitors on a tour. I'd be sure to point out this diversity as I toured people around the neighbourhood.

High rises surrounding Irving Park

Attractive landscaping in front of a four story apartment building

Townhomes of Capital Park development

Mixed residential and commercial on Menzies Street

Some of the large houses in James Bay contain multiple units; the City calls them "house-plexes".

As well as a diversity of housing, there is a diversity of land uses in James Bay. It is never boring living here!

For Good Measure on Niagara Street sells bulk and specialty foods. I often see carriages and pedicabs rolling right by, on their way to Beacon Hill Park. I wonder if the tour guides point out how unusual it is to see a grocery store on its own in the middle of a residential area!

Another isolated small grocery store is Little Gems on Superior Street. The idea of a grocery store in the middle of a residential area might scare many people, yet not only do they work in James Bay, but they are an essential part of the community's livability.

A "corner" grocery store serving James Bay residents

Historically, Ogden Point was an industrial working site. Besides cruise ships, other craft moor at the point for various reasons, including repairs. If I was a tour guide, I'd point out both the benefits and the challenges to the community of this connection.

A busy day at Ogden Point -- three cruise ships and two pilot boats!

To conclude this post: yes, the Victorian-era houses of James Bay are beautiful and contribute to its ambience. And yes, the ocean and Beacon Hill Park are wonderful connections to nature available to all residents of the community. But there are some other unique aspects of the community that give it that ambience -- its trees, its walkability, and its diversity. In my dream tour, I'd make sure that visitors were given the opportunity to explore those other elements. They all contribute to sustainability, and in my dream tour, perhaps some visitors might take ideas back to their home communities.

As a final note, I use the word "community" advisedly. James Bay has several active neighbourhood groups. The James Bay Neighbourhood Association advocates on behalf of residents with regard to planning questions, and organizes services such as local recycling days and seed swaps. The James Bay Community Project provides services to support those in need, including things like a weekly lunch, and James Bay New Horizons offers a host of support and recreational services for seniors. And, the community has religious organizations, such as the very active United Church.

Kindness, justice, compassion ... yes!

Finishing my tour of James Bay on the side of kindness, justice and compassion seem appropriate themes to conclude with.