Who is the "Ogden Point Enhancement Society"?

We have a minor mystery of sorts in our illustrious neighborhood.

The "James Bay Beacon" in it's July/August issue together with the "Greater Victoria Harbour Authority" announced that the "Ogden Point Enhancement Society" would be hosting a special event, "Cruising Into History - A Celebration of Ogden Point", on Saturday, August 23, 2008 from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm at Ogden Point Terminal.

The press release for the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority states: "Come celebrate Victoria's rich maritime history. Bring the whole family down for an evening of music, food, and fireworks to commemorate the history of Ogden Point and upgrades to the terminal in conjunction with the arrival of the 150th cruise ship. Over 30 arts & crafts vendors will be participating in the Night Market. Volunteers will provide tours of the new murals."

Apparently this special event will be hosted by the "Ogden Point Enhancement Society", Victoria A.M. Association, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, King Bros. Limited, and Western Stevedoring.

So, who is "Ogden Point Enhancement Society"?

According to the "Greater Victoria Harbour Authority", the "Ogden Point Enhancement Society" was established in the 1990s "when then Mayor, Bob Cross, organized a group of volunteers to care for the grassy area opposite the breakwater and along the waterfront up to Confederation Point".

A Federal Government language press release, (dated 24 June 1996), indicated that the then Federal Transport Minister David Anderson, Minister, (during a meeting of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee), announced a $50,000 government contribution to the "Ogden Point Enhancement Society" for the improvement of the Ogden Point cruiseship terminal.

While the "Ogden Point Enhancement Society" does not appear to have made any public appearances of late, we are assured however by the "Greater Victoria Harbour Authority" (GVHA) that it is currently involved in the beautification of walkways in the waterfront area. In addition, the GVHA points out that the "Ogden Point Enhancement Society" has recently worked with the Victoria Rotary Club and Butchart Gardens to erect a legacy garden at the entrance to Ogden Point at Montreal Street and Dallas Road.

A quick search on "Google" reveals little about this organization, other than a blog reference by Steve Roper (Creative Director, Master Scuba Diver Trainer, Conservationist, Writer, Web Designer, and Photographer) to the effect that he has recently been invited to sit as a member of the Board of Directors of the "Ogden Point Enhancement Society".

A further search reveals that Hill Communications Group Inc. lists "Ogden Point Enhancement Society" as a client.

So, if anyone receives an invitation to attend this auspicious neighborhood event, please do let the rest of know who comprises the Board of Directors of this little known but worthy organization.