Victoria council moves ahead with plan to turn parkade roof into community garden

A proposal to turn part of a downtown Victoria parkade into a community garden is one step closer to becoming a reality.

Victoria council has approved an amended motion directing staff to investigate the feasibility, costs and operational requirements of a pilot rooftop garden atop the Johnson Street Parkade.

The motion, brought forward by councillors Dave Thompson, Krista Loughton and Jeremy Caradonna, was amended before receiving council approval Thursday.

Staff have been asked to confirm or correct load calculations and revenue impact projections contained in a report prepared for the Victoria Downtown Residents Association (DRA), review the proposed garden design, identify any additional assessments that may be required and provide a timeline for implementation.

Council is also seeking estimates of any costs to the city, including water access, fencing, garden box construction and related infrastructure.

If those assessments are completed successfully, staff would work with the DRA to develop a pilot project, with the association serving as the primary occupant and manager responsible for the garden and its users.

The proposal would use rooftop space equivalent to approximately 16 parking stalls on the top level of the parkade at 750 Johnson St.

Supporters say the project would create much-needed green space in Victoria’s growing downtown core while making use of publicly owned space that is often underutilized.

According to information previously provided by the DRA, the rooftop level of the Johnson Street Parkade regularly has vacant stalls during weekday hours. The association has said the space could accommodate between 67 and 100 garden plots.

The DRA, which operates the Yates Street Community Garden, has previously said demand for garden space downtown far exceeds supply, with a waitlist of roughly 160 people.

The Downtown Victoria Business Association has raised concerns about reducing parking inventory downtown, arguing businesses continue to rely on accessible parking for customers and employees.

The staff report will help determine whether the project is structurally and financially viable before council decides whether to move ahead with the pilot garden.