Chris Causton introduced Mayor Dean Fortin. Dean Fortin became the 51st Mayor of Victoria when he was elected on November 15, 2008, and was sworn into office for a second term on December 8, 2011. Prior to being elected as Mayor, Dean served as a Victoria City Councillor for two terms, from 2002 to 2008. Dean spent 17 years as Executive Director of the Burnside Gorge Community Centre before taking on full time mayoral duties.Prior to his political and executive experience, Dean practiced family and criminal law, worked with the Victoria Association for Street Kids (now known as the Youth Empowerment Society) and was a seasonal sawmill worker in Kamloops.

 

Mayor Dean Fortin’s Presentation on the Future of Victoria’s Inner Harbour

Victoria Harbourside was pleased to welcome Mayor Dean Fortin who let us know what the City has been up to in terms of future plans for our wonderful inner harbour! We learned this is more then just the “Blue Bridge!” There are 3 key strategic sites around the harbour that are being looked at:

1)   Belleville Terminal

2)   Ships Point

3)   Lower Wharf St. area ( Northern Junk buildings )

There is also David Foster Way – which is envisioned to have a multitude of touch points through out that will allow visitors and locals alike to enjoy our harbour & learn of it’s history.

There’s no shortage of money required to accomplish these goals & there are 97 owners of the property that encompasses our Inner Harbour.  Not an easy task! Both federal and provincial money will be needed.

The City of Victoria’s website has more information on this (www.victoria.ca).