Silence is Deafening on Victoria’s Johnson Street Bridge

Why the Silence?

Over a week ago a letter to Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin and each city councilor was sent outlining concerns and questions over the planned replacement of the Blue Bridge. Other than a short reply acknowledging receipt – nothing – no statements, no clarifications or responses on even one of the points, and especially, not a peep from the City of Victoria on our request for a copy of the agreement and contract with MMM Group.

Gateway to Civic Communication?

In fact there was a possible response to one of the posted articles. On Tuesday August 11th in How not to Communicate Redux it was noted the City of Victoria planned Blue Bridge showcase website, johnsonstreetbridge.COM was still displaying a placeholder page full of irrelevant adverts, and Google links (…search links mainly to this website). Within a few hours of the article publication the website was re-directed….to a password protected page. It seems a little too coincidental the change was not the result of the article – but who really knows?

What is fascinating is the .COM site resolving now to a password protected system. The advice provided in the article as to options was offered freely and without any hidden agenda: redirect johnsonstreetbridge.COM to the City of Victoria website victoria.ca, (or internal pages relevant to the Bridge), leave it as ‘Under Construction’, or create a simple, single homepage “Coming Soon”. There was no mention of an option for a password gateway for a simple reason. What does that visually demonstrate to anyone checking to see if the website is finally live? It says – sorry, you don’t belong here, we are in control – only people with special privileges are allowed entry. It graphically suggests building walls to access is more important to the City of Victoria than engaging residents, voters and concerned citizens in honest, pro-active and immediate conversation.

Reasons?

The lack of response from individual councilors, the Mayor or city staff is a concern, not only for the Johnson Street Bridge project but for any other issues of interest to Victoria residents. The past week has provided comments, emails, suggestions and musings as to why the city is so slow, or reluctant, to engage  - all or some of which maybe relevant. The following are simply possibilities and not meant to reflect the reality within City Hall – but they should raise questions about communication policy and function.

Dismissal of ‘Fringe’ Groups: Every municipal hall deals with individuals and small groups with bizarre agendas and often vocal support for ideas/plans that can never be implemented. Usually they are easily uncovered – and dealt with (humanely); in fact it is often the job of any communication and public relations department to differentiate ‘legitimate’ protest and concern and pro-actively respond. Hopefully we are not viewed as any kind of fly by night whacky group simply out there to cause problems. In fact – we are an open book, deliberately. Profiling our names and bios on this website adds credibility and should reassure City officials, and viewers, as to the legitimacy of the campaign. Adding weight to that we are: a Harvard PHD and writer, an investigative journalist and historian, and (myself) a web designer and marketing consultant – Bios can be viewed here.

A note on association – it does appear that there is some confusion regarding the relationship between this campaign and Vibrant Victoria. Yes, I am  a volunteer moderator on the Vibrant Victoria discussion board, but have no financial interest or authority to determine policy. Others involved in this campaign often participate on VV – but the two are very distinct. johnsonstreetbridge.org was not initiated by any of the owners or directors of Vibrant Victoria. We are all members and contributors to numerous professional and community organizations.

Understanding the local online community: We, well especially myself, have harped on about City of Victoria communication policy, and the ability to adapt and provide information quickly online. There is a tendency to dismiss online conversations, local blogs, discussion boards, Facebook groups and twitter feeds as ‘background’ chatter that does not have any real influence on Victoria’s information culture. Or, that ‘new’ media is majority used by ‘tweens’ – or, that any local media, information, analysis or opinion source based solely online is somehow less legitimate, and less influential, than ‘brick and mortar’ traditional media. As our local news papers and TV stations close, cut staff and output – online ‘citizen journalism‘ is becoming far more important and relevant. The recent upsurge of Twitter use by local businesses and professionals to communicate, advertise and propagate links is remarkable – and proves this is an adult, professional world.

The open-gate, locally linked and aware online paradigm is generating posts, comments and analysis beyond this website. Victoria Daily Photo has a series on new photographs of the Blue Bridge, Victoria Vision has interesting perspectives on the bridge construction estimates and Cindy Stephenson has published an article on comparisons between civic engagement on bridge issues in Vancouver and Victoria. All of which clearly illustrates online media resonates.

PR specialists who grew up and learned their job through traditional media often fear commenting or contributing online – that it will be taken out of context, abused and resent as misinformation. In fact – the local Victoria online world is incredibly self regulating, and it has happened on this website: a mistake was noted by a viewer, corrected by the author – and generated a conversation. A local blogger, website producer or discussion board member who consistently publishes incorrect or warped information is quickly ignored. What online information provision requires – and this is a legitimate concern for the bridge project – is fairly immediate responses to citizen questions and concerns.

Kill them with Silence: Is this the policy of the City? Does it take more than seven business days to offer a considered reply, even if all the points and questions cannot be addressed at once? One has to wonder. There are increasing concerns, voiced by elected officials and commentators, that citizen apathy over important local issues, and decreasing voter turnout is changing the very nature of democratic political dynamics. One of the reasons is very obvious – close the communication gates, kill the conversation, don’t respond in a timely manner – that creates apathy, disinterest and disengagement.

Victoria has woken up to the planned replacement of the Johnson Street Bridge. It is time the City responded to the questions and concerns raised by this campaign, and other residents. It is a simple request – and all we ask. Ultimately it will be up to all voting residents of the City of Victoria to make their own determination. Those who wish to express their opinion, or ask questions, directly to council, the next City Council public meeting is August 27th – you can apply to address council in person. We also urge everyone to email the Mayor and City Council.

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