Greater Victoria Harbour Authority closes Ogden Point Breakwater
The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) has made the decision to close the Ogden Point Breakwater effective Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at 7 a.m.
Gates and signage will be installed on the upper walkway level notifying residents of the closure. The lower oceanfront level will see the installation of signage instructing people to avoid the area.
This decision comes after several incidents where community members were seen in close proximity and not adhering to the mandate by the Provincial Health Officer to practice social distancing. While the Breakwater is wide enough for the public to practice social distancing, it wasn’t being practiced by all visitors.
“We own and operate the Ogden Point Breakwater and it is one of the most high-profile community assets we steward,” said Ian Robertson, CEO of GVHA. “We typically see more than 450,000 people use the walkway each year. With the recent sunny weather, tied in with the impact of COVID-19, we unfortunately didn’t see those numbers slow down. While it is a difficult decision to close a space that Victorians love, this is in the best interest of our collective health and safety and our requirement to help flatten the curve.”
Maintenance on the Ogden Point Breakwater is a routine service by the GVHA with sweeps for garbage and safety being done several times each day. This will be reduced during this closure and the Breakwater will be maintained on an essential service only.
GVHA will continue to monitor their other public-facing properties such as the Inner Harbour Lower Causeway, Ship Point, and Fisherman’s Wharf. At Fisherman’s Wharf, the ramp gate leading to the float homes has been closed and the three fingers where the float homes are situated are stanchioned off. Visitors to the food and beverage businesses that are offering take out services only are directed to the middle ramp for access.
Decisions on additional closures and operations changes will be made on a daily basis as the need arises.
About the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority
Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) is a not-for-profit organization that is committed to the stewardship and sustainable growth of Victoria’s dynamic working harbour.
GVHA owns and operates several high-profile community amenities including The Breakwater, Inner Harbour lower causeway, and customs dock at Raymur Point.
Within GVHA’s commercial and marine industrial holdings are The Breakwater District at Ogden Point, Fisherman’s Wharf, Ship Point, four Inner Harbour marinas, and the historic Steamship Terminal.
For more information, visit www.gvha.ca.