PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT AND ENGAGEMENT REPORT: DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2023/02 – 7 ERSKINE LANE
Staff report recommending information be received regarding a development permit renewal/amendment to construct a six-storey, 71-unit apartment building.
Despite this absence, the Ready Step Roll planning initiative was prominently promoted at the ATNP open house.
In addition to addressing the above concerns, please consider the following:
Proposed Infrastructure and Safety Improvements
Speed Limits and Road Renaming
Lower speed limit on Island Hwy to 40 and rename this non-highway Craigflower Road,
Safety Priorities
Prioritise safety; spread funding as broadly as possible
- install curb plunk cycle lanes on Admirals.
- convert all sweeping right turns throughout the town to hard rights.
- fill trail ruts, install handrails, build steps rather than gravel slopes.
Helmcken Overpass
Helmcken overpass has sufficient cycling lanes but MOTI, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure should work with VR to address cycling lanes that cross the on/off ramps, and widen sidewalks as necessary.
Transit and Pedestrian Infrastructure
Require Bus stop shelters at all stops, secure bike storage at major bus stops. Top Priority: sidewalks and bike lanes on both sides of the roadway along bus routes.
Five Year Sidewalk Masterplan
Include costing to implement a Five Year Sidewalk Masterplan. We need sidewalks on Watkiss Way, 6 Mile, and Admirals. Also need to focus on Hospital Trail, budget and negotiations.
Regional Trail Separation
Lobby the CRD to separate cyclists and pedestrians on the Galloping Goose and E&N Trail: create cycle highways that don’t negatively impact pedestrians, or transit users. Improve access points to these important regional trails
Environmental and Amenity Considerations
Consider rising temperatures: include necessary amenities in an app - seating, water fountains, shade, cooling, 110 outlet for mobility charging.
Summary
In summary, we question the effectiveness of the draft ATNP and respectfully request that council receive it tonight but delay approval until it meets all our collective needs. We see no point in adopting an unbalanced, flawed plan, even if it does mean View Royal risks losing the funding.
Thank you, Cathie Blanchard, Ian Brown, Jane Devonshire, Linda Jeaurond. For View Royal Climate Coalition, VRCC