Attachment 1 - Draft Western Gateway Community Corridor Survey
DRAFT document containing the questions and structure for the upcoming Western Gateway Community Corridor survey.
Western Gateway Community Corridor Survey
The Town is completing a review and update of its Official Community Plan in 2025 and 2026. An Official Community Plan is an important document that acts as a blueprint for our community and serves a vital role in our decision-making processes related to land use, transportation, parks, environment, economic development, and more.
This survey is focused on reviewing a proposed land use designation for the Town’s Western Gateway Corridor. Your input will help guide how this area may develop in the future.
Completion of this survey is optional and anonymous. You will not be asked for personal information to complete this survey. You are not required to complete all questions. Skipping questions or providing partial answers is okay. An incomplete survey is still valuable and may be submitted.
The survey will be open until TBD, 2025.
To demonstrate the Town’s gratitude for your participation, you will be prompted to enter a draw to win a $15 gift certificate to a local business in View Royal upon completion of the survey. Participation in this draw is optional. The prize winners will be contacted after the survey closes.
Disclaimer: The Town of View Royal is collecting information to inform the review and update of its Official Community Plan. Participation in this survey is not mandatory. As part of this process, the Town of View Royal is collecting limited personal information for data analysis with respect to engagement and consultation. The data collected will help identify gaps in potential participants in our community that are missing or underrepresented.
Revising Scope and the Consultation Process
In January 2025, we launched the Vision and Guiding Principles Survey to understand how the community envisions View Royal 25 years from now. Shortly after, we launched the Community Growth Survey and hosted an Engagement Week, which focused on the future development of the Town. Feedback received through this process was used to inform the creation of three land use scenarios. Originally, staff were planning a third round of community engagement to get feedback on three different land use scenarios, showing low, medium, and high growth options. However, at the June 17, 2025, Regular Meeting of Council, a motion to amend the project scope of Phase 1 was carried to focus on the following components of the OCP:
- Align the OCP with the anticipated 20-year housing needs calculated in the Town’s Interim Housing Needs Report and amend the land use designations to satisfy the provincial housing legislation (Bills 44 and 47) by the provincially-mandated deadline of December 31, 2025;
- Focus the review and update of the land use designations solely along the proposed Western Gateway Community Corridor from the intersection of Island Highway and Burnside Road West to the Colwood border; and
- Continue with a review and engagement on the vision statement and goals and land use and housing policies in the 2011 OCP.
With this updated project focus, this engagement touchpoint will focus on the Western Gateway Community Corridor. Later this fall, we will be back to consult with the community on the proposed policies in the OCP.
Land Use Designations
A land use designation is a classification of land that is used to determine broadly how that land is intended to be used. Examples of existing land use designations in our 2011 Official Community Plan include: Residential (R), Commercial (C), and Park (P). Land use designations are important because not only do they inform how a parcel of land is intended to be used, but it also provides a vision and long-term plan for how that land is to be developed and used in the future.
Each land use designation typically details the intended use(s) of the land, and the maximum height and density that are desired.
Western Gateway Community Corridor
The area referred to as the Western Gateway Community Corridor was first identified in the 2011 Official Community Plan. The existing area stretches from the City of Colwood boundary to Parsons Bridge. For this engagement, we have extended the boundary further north to include the Atkins Interchange and surrounding properties. Today, the area is a major multi-modal transportation corridor that provides access to the Blink RapidBus line and Galloping Goose Trail, connecting the Westshore with the peninsula. It is made up of multiple land use designations, including, Commercial and Park.
The creation of new land use designations along the Western Gateway Corridor would establish this area as an employment hub and attract new services and amenities along this transit-corridor. This aligns with what we heard through previous engagement like the Community Growth Survey and corresponding workshops and open houses. We heard that there is an appetite to focus on commercial, light industrial (manufacturing, processing, high-tech, research and development), and even some residential development in strategic locations.
[Image of the study area to be inserted]
We want your input on the future growth and development of this area. Please answer the following questions to help shape possibilities for the Western Gateway Community Corridor.
OUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE
What do you like about the Western Gateway Community Corridor as it is today? (Maximum of 350 characters)
What do you not like about the Western Gateway Community Corridor as it is today? (Maximum of 350 characters)
What are the challenges facing this area now and in the future, and why? (Maximum of 350 characters)
What is important to you and future generations when thinking about how the Western Gateway could develop and change over the next 20 years? (Maximum of 350 characters)
How would you rate the current conditions of the following in the Western Gateway Community Corridor?
| Category | Rating Options |
|---|---|
| Access to Parks, Trails and Open Space | Very good, Good, Neutral, Poor, Very poor, Not sure |
| Vehicle Access | Very good, Good, Neutral, Poor, Very poor, Not sure |
| Public Transit Access and Frequency | Very good, Good, Neutral, Poor, Very poor, Not sure |
| Walkability | Very good, Good, Neutral, Poor, Very poor, Not sure |
| Bicycle Lane Connectivity and Infrastructure | Very good, Good, Neutral, Poor, Very poor, Not sure |
| Retail and Services | Very good, Good, Neutral, Poor, Very poor, Not sure |
| Parking Availability | Very good, Good, Neutral, Poor, Very poor, Not sure |
| Employment Diversity | Very good, Good, Neutral, Poor, Very poor, Not sure |
- Which of the following mobility and connectivity improvements should be prioritized in the Western Gateway Community Corridor?
| Improvement | Priority Level |
|---|---|
| Improvements to public transit service, such as increased frequency or extended hours | High priority, Medium priority, Low priority, Not a priority, I am not sure |
| Upgrades to public transit infrastructure, such as covered bus stops or seating | High priority, Medium priority, Low priority, Not a priority, I am not sure |
| Upgrades to or additional bicycle lanes | High priority, Medium priority, Low priority, Not a priority, I am not sure |
| Road design improvements to create a safer and more attractive pedestrian environment (e.g. boulevards, landscaping) | High priority, Medium priority, Low priority, Not a priority, I am not sure |
| Upgrades to sidewalks and pedestrian crossings to improve safety and accessibility | High priority, Medium priority, Low priority, Not a priority, I am not sure |
| Increased availability of parking | High priority, Medium priority, Low priority, Not a priority, I am not sure |
| Reduced amount of parking to encourage alternative transportation | High priority, Medium priority, Low priority, Not a priority, I am not sure |
| Additional trees, lighting and benches | High priority, Medium priority, Low priority, Not a priority, I am not sure |
| Accessibility upgrades to ensure the corridor is usable for people of all abilities | High priority, Medium priority, Low priority, Not a priority, I am not sure |
Are there other mobility and connectivity improvements you would like to see prioritized? (Maximum of 250 characters)
Which of the following design features should be prioritized in the Western Gateway Community Corridor?
| Design Feature | Priority Level |
|---|---|
| Buildings should be ground oriented and contribute to an accessible and pedestrian-friendly streetscape | High priority, Medium priority, Low priority, Not a priority, I am not sure |
| Main entrances should be prominent and street facing | High priority, Medium priority, Low priority, Not a priority, I am not sure |
| Buildings should avoid large blank walls | High priority, Medium priority, Low priority, Not a priority, I am not sure |
| Weather protection features such as canopies or awnings should be provided along building fronts | High priority, Medium priority, Low priority, Not a priority, I am not sure |
| Landscaping and street trees should be incorporated to provide shade, beauty, and comfort | High priority, Medium priority, Low priority, Not a priority, I am not sure |
| Sidewalks should be wide, continuous, and accessible for people of all abilities | High priority, Medium priority, Low priority, Not a priority, I am not sure |
| Public art or unique features should be incorporated to reflect local character | High priority, Medium priority, Low priority, Not a priority, I am not sure |
| Green infrastructure such as rain gardens or permeable paving should be integrated to manage stormwater | High priority, Medium priority, Low priority, Not a priority, I am not sure |
| Bicycle parking and cycling facilities should be convenient, secure, and well located | High priority, Medium priority, Low priority, Not a priority, I am not sure |
- Are there other design features you would like to see prioritized? (Maximum of 250 characters)
OUR APPROACH TO GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Earlier in the Official Community Plan review and update, the Town invited residents to complete the Community Growth Survey. The survey was open from March 7 to April 4, 2025; a total of 176 responses were received.
The survey asked respondents about their support for expanding and growing the Western Gateway Corridor, what types of uses they would support, and what building height they would support. A summary is provided below.
Question 1: To facilitate future growth over the next 20 years, would you support expansion of our existing Community Corridors, to support transit use and transit-oriented development? Answer: 83% of respondents support expansion of the Western Gateway Community Corridor, whereas 12% do not.
Question 2: Indicate your support to increase the maximum height of buildings within the Town’s existing Community Corridors. (Options: Up to 6 storeys, Up to 10 storeys, More than 10 storeys, I do not support an increase in height, I am not sure, other). Answer: 78% of respondents indicated that they support an increase in height in the Western Gateway Community Corridor, whereas 17% of respondents do not support an increase in height. Of the 78% of respondents that indicated support for an increase in height in the Western Gateway Community Corridor, 21% support 10+ storeys, 33% support up to 10 storeys, and 24% support up to 6 storeys.
Question 3: How should the Town’s Western Gateway Community Corridor develop in the future? Answer: 51% of respondents indicated that they support commercial and light industrial development with some residential in the Western Gateway Community Corridor. 18% of respondents indicated they support commercial and light industrial uses. 10% of respondents support only residential development, whereas 5% of respondents support only commercial development. 15% of respondents indicated that they were either unsure or had other comments.
In consideration of the answers previously provided, the project team would like to reaffirm the community’s vision for the future growth and development of the Western Gateway Community Corridor.
In the Community Growth Survey we had asked respondents if expanding the area of the Western Gateway Community Corridor would be supported. Examples of the existing area, and two scenarios are provided below. Scenarios 1 and 2 provide a mix of commercial, light industrial, and some residential development.
To assist with your understanding of how each of these scenarios may impact development potential, number people, number and size of residential and commercial units, and number of vehicles, the following report has been provided for your information.
Click on the link here (to be added). [Maps of each scenario to be inserted] [Land analysis for Western Gateway Corridor to be inserted]
- Which scenario do you prefer?
- I prefer scenario 1
- I prefer scenario 2
- I prefer scenario (status quo)
- I am not sure
- Other (text box provided)
- We previously heard that increased building heights would be desirable in the Western Gateway Corridor. Is this still supported? The current maximum height supported is 4 storeys.
- I would support an increase in height up to a maximum of 5 to 6 storeys
- I would support an increase in height up to a maximum of 10 storeys
- I would support an increase in height more than 10 storeys
- I would prefer to keep the maximum height at 4 storeys
- Other (text box provided)
- We previously heard that a focus on commercial and light industrial uses, with some residential development would be supported. Is this still supported? The current land uses in this area support only commercial development.
- I would support commercial and light industrial development
- I would support commercial, light industrial, and residential development
- I would support commercial and residential development
- I would support only residential development
- I would prefer to keep the land use commercial only
- Other (text box provided)
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
The following questions help the project team understand who is participating in the survey and will be used for reporting and analysis to ensure we are hearing from everyone in our community.
- What is your relationship with the Town of View Royal? (Select all that apply)
- Resident of View Royal
- Business owner in View Royal
- Student at a school in View Royal
- Work in View Royal
- Shop in View Royal
- Access recreation or other activities in View Royal
- None of the above
- What neighbourhood do you live in?
(Select one answer only)
- Atkins
- Burnside
- Craigflower
- Harbour
- Helmcken
- Hospital
- Thetis
- Wilfert
- What type of housing do you live in? (Select one answer only)
- Single detached house
- Duplex
- Townhouse/Rowhouse
- Apartment/Condo (fewer than 5 storeys)
- Apartment/Condo (more than 5 storeys)
- Secondary suite in a house
- Housing co-op
- Other (text box provided)
- Does your household own or rent your home? (Select one answer only)
- Own
- Rent
- Other (text box provided)
- Please indicate your age group: (Select one answer only)
- 14 years and younger
- 15 to 19 years
- 20 to 24 years
- 25 to 29 years
- 30 to 34 years
- 35 to 39 years
- 40 to 44 years
- 45 to 49 years
- 50 to 54 years
- 55 to 59 years
- 60 to 64 years
- 65 to 69 years
- 70 to 74 years
- 75 to 79 years
- 80 to 84 years
- 85 to 89 years
- 90 to 94 years
- 95 to 99 years
- 100 years or older
- Please indicate if you self-identify with any of the groups below. (Select all that apply)
- I am Indigenous, First Nations, Métis or Inuk (Inuit)
- I identify as a visible minority or marginalized group
- I identify as a multi/bi-racial person
- I identify as 2LSGBTQ+
- I or someone in my household has a disability
- I or someone in my household was born outside of Canada
- I am new to Canada (moved to Canada within the last five years)
- I am new to View Royal (moved to View Royal in the last five years)
- English is not my first language
- I am a caregiver for children (includes parents, grand parent, foster parent, etc.)
- I am a caregiver for an aging parent or family member
- I identify as belonging to an equity-deserving group (equity-deserving communities are groups who face unequal access to opportunities, resources, funding, and support or who experience systemic discrimination and oppression)
- None of the above
- Other (text box provided)
- How did you find out about this public engagement process? (Select all that apply)
- Town of View Royal website (viewroyal.ca)
- Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky)
- Council
- Staff
- Local newspaper
- Town newsletter
- Word of mouth from a friend, family member, or colleague
- Poster in the community
- Other (text box provided)
- Have you participated in any previous engagement activities for View Royal 2050? (Select all that apply)
- Vision and Guiding Principles Survey (January 24 to February 18)
- Community Growth Survey (March 7 to April 4)
- Business Mixer Workshop (March 6)
- In-person Land Use and Housing Workshop (March 8)
- One or more virtual Land Use and Housing Workshop (March 13)
- One or more in-person Open House (March 8 or March 12)
- Vision Survey (July 18 – September 7)
- Interacted with staff during a pop-up / out in the community
- Wrote a letter to staff or Council
- Attended an OCP Advisory Committee Meeting
- Asked a question on the project website (Engage View Royal: View Royal 2050)
- This is my first time participating in View Royal 2050
THANK YOU!
Thank you for completing the Western Gateway Community Corridor Survey! If you have additional questions, please contact project team at ocp@viewroyal.ca
PRIZE DRAW
The Town is offering a grand prize for those who complete this survey as part of the OCP review and update. Collection of your personal information will be required and will be completed under Section 26 (D & E) of Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA). Information collected will be used solely for awarding a prize(s) to participants. A prize(s) of $15 will be awarded to a local business in View Royal. Collection of the prize must be in-person at View Royal Town Hall: 45 View Royal Avenue, Victoria, BC, V9B 1A6.
To complete your entry, please fill in your information below. This is voluntary and this information is not required to complete the survey. If you are 18 years or younger, please have a parent or guardian provide their information.
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