OCP Community Vision Statement

COMMUNITY VISION STATEMENT

The following statement sets out the community's aspirations for what type of place View Royal should be in 20 years and beyond. It describes the state of the community in the future as residents wish it to evolve. The Vision was developed through extensive consultation with the community and is the guiding force behind the policies of this Plan.

View Royal is a dynamic and inclusive community that manages growth, while retaining the charm of its traditional neighbourhoods. It is home and workplace to people from all walks of life. Its neighbourhoods are attractive, affordable, walkable and safe. Each neighbourhood has an identifiable character and is connected to nearby centres – and a recognizable central community gathering place – through greenspace corridors and pedestrian/cyclist-friendly streets. Some centres are parks for families to gather and youth to play sports. Others are bustling, mixed-use places with a range of services, amenities, businesses and housing.

View Royal recognizes the impacts of climate change, and is responding by actively promoting energy-efficient, sustainable development, and environmental protection. Well-designed compact housing ensures choice, affordability and better use of land. Infill and redevelopment near neighbourhood centres and transit corridors provides jobs and services closer to where people live – minimizing the need for commuting, and creating pedestrian-friendly streets and destinations.

The local economy is diversified and strong, providing employment, shopping and service options to local and regional residents. Heritage tourism and eco-tourism are promoted as sustainable ways to stimulate the economy and showcase View Royal's environmental and cultural assets.

Getting around safely by foot, bike, bus and train is convenient and enjoyable, and a viable alternative to car travel. Train, light rail and other forms of rapid transit are supported by development that facilitates ridership and walkable places.

The Town is endowed with unique natural environments – Thetis Lake Park, Millstream Creek, Craigflower Creek, Esquimalt Harbour and Portage Inlet. The integrity and beauty of these natural amenities are protected and enhanced, while public access to recreation and natural areas is improved. The Town's vast recreation assets are well promoted and integrated into the community. Environmental stewardship and better use of resources – such as alternative energy generation and enhanced waste management – are pursued.

View Royal, in embracing fiscal sustainability and economic wellness, "lives within its means" and adapts to change. The community is healthy, diverse, innovative, and well prepared to meet the needs of the present and plan for those of the future.

Nine goals expand on the vision and set the framework for the plan:

1. Promote a strong sense of community in all areas and neighbourhoods of the Town, and create an enhanced sense of place and identity, which draws on the Town's array of parks, trails and recreational activities, as well as its unique waterfront setting.
2. Create an inclusive community that provides housing, transportation and healthy living options, and services and facilities for families and individuals of diverse backgrounds, cultures, ages and economic means.
3. As the community grows, recognize the unique relationship between the highly valued natural and residential characteristics of View Royal, and maintain these values.
4. Confirm View Royal as an environmentally responsible community committed to becoming a more sustainable place and planning for global climate change.
5. Recognize, preserve and protect the substantial historic and cultural resources in View Royal.
6. Ensure that community services and amenities can be provided within the financial means of the municipality, and strengthen partnerships with regional service providers to increase local opportunities.
7. Identify suitable land areas and development incentives for commercial, institutional and mixed-use activities as a means of supplying local employment opportunities, broadening the municipal tax base, and promoting View Royal as a business-friendly community.
8. Recognize the regional role of the community as a link in major transportation and environmental systems, and cooperate with other municipalities and governments to address regional issues, while also protecting local values and promoting long-term sustainability.
9. Ensure that all citizens of View Royal have opportunities to be informed and meaningfully involved in planning and decision-making processes.