Correspondence from Susan Presho Re: Development proposal for 339-345 Island HWY

DENSITY:

We currently have on the books to build (or start building) 3 different developments along the corridor of Island Highway, between Admirals and Helmcken.

• Skyeview, 242 Island hwy, a 4-story development with 37 units.
• Royale, at the corner of Helmcken/Island Hwy, a 5-story building with a commercial lower level, and 55 units.
• Grand and Fir, next to the 4-Mile Pub with 5-stories, and 82 units.

If council allows Boardwalk to proceed with these two 6-story buildings with planned 238 units, that will bring a potential of 500-ish additional residents to the neighbourhood.

So, the above developments will add approximately 1000 new residents with a potential of a 1000 new cars on the road within a very short period of time.

Many new developments are also happening in Colwood (Royal Bay), Langford, Metchosin, Sooke and other up-island communities who commute through View Royal using Island Hwy.

Over the course of last spring and specifically when there was a request from 229 Island Hwy to rezone for a building, you all (@ Council) brought up the concern of size and density in this corridor. Some of you even cautioned to hold further developments until we could see the impact of present builds and their impact on said corridor. The “229” -request was denied based on these concerns.

What makes this proposed development different? Why are different standards applied vis-a-vis this request from Boardwalk?

Mind you that the new proposed development would be the largest in View Royal on Island Hwy.

What’s advantage does this development offer for the town and the current residents of tour community? Why is is being rushed through Council, consultation and due process?

Has council asked all of the pertinent questions (?) and is everything in place for the wellbeing of VR residents? Where is Council seeing TVR in 5 years and even further into the future? Why do we have a standard set in the OCP that council seems to be willing to push aside when convenient, or when a developer’s pressure is high?

Could we reduce the density to compensate for concerns of some costs to the community and the environmental impact?

FIRE AND SAFETY

The safety of the community and other communities that we assist in the event of a fire or other emergencies is of utmost and non-negotiable concern. The proposed development will aggravate the already existing traffic problems along the Island HWY corridor. Will the fire department be able to maintain adequate response times during peak traffic/drive times - AM and PM to keep he community safe? …Never heard that being addressed in all council deliberations, or public communications…

TRAFFIC

As said before this is already a BIG issue, and it will just become bigger with a potential 1000 additional cars.

The “rat race” through the harbour residential neighbourhood will greatly increase, and reduce the safety of our residents (… children, dog walkers, bicyclists, pedestrians, …). How do we ensure the safety of our residents?

TREES

We have discussed this important environmental element at various occasions over the past year. This development proposal has committed to saving 148 trees on the property. Looking at these trees you can see that many are sick, and/or covered in ivy. Will “sick” trees be nurtured back to health, or after the fact will they be allowed to be taken down over time, hence breaking the promise? How will the town monitor the promises made for the trees? Will the town request a payment per tree taken down within the property as was requested of the Canadian Tire rezoning permit.

Case in point: We saw that developers stripped all the old/grown trees which were on the perimeter of the Aspire site before developing. Where was the protection for the trees on that site? Did this “slip” by council?

EXTRA COSTS OF INFRASTRUCTURE TO THE TOWN OF VR WITH THIS/THESE DEVELOPMENT(S)

The town needs to add an additional policing (like the 1 RCMP officer for every additional 800 new resident). Each additional officer costs approximately $160K per year. In addition it might incur additional cost for a admin support; it might also impact the number of fire fighters required and the infrastructure around police and fire departments. Are we fully staffed now, and how are required additions filled for both vital services? How much over the additional budget will the community have to cough-up for these incremental services, that are purely due to population growth?

Have all the other developments around the town been taken into thought about this important issue/concern? We have too many developments going up in town at the same time!

PARKING

Does this development have sufficient parking for the number of units. If not where will these people park?

IMPACT OF AND COST OF ROAD CONSTRUCTION

How will the construction of this development and the requirements for changes to the Island Hwy and Prince Robert’s drive impact the town during and after completion. There will be two new turning lanes required to support this building (one on each road), a light installation, a new bus pull out, sidewalks, in addition it seems that Prince Robert drive will have to be re directed as it is on boardwalks property line. Who will be responsible for all these additional infrastructure cost due to this development, AND future cost for maintenance?

Will there be space on the roads to accommodate increased requirements? How will this impact travel in and through the town during and after.

LIABILITY OF CONSTRUCTION FOR VIEW ROYAL

How is the town protected from and against a developer if the site is started yet comes up against significant challenges and delays due to… Lack of workers Lack of materials Funding Internal conflict (ie Skyeview)? Does the town/residents have any protection? Penalty charges?

HEALTH AND WELFARE OF THE TOWN OF VEIW ROYAL

The recent presentation about what is done within the town impacts the health of the community and the residents from Dr. Pepler was very enlightening and impactful. You all stated you agreed and thanked her for the content of the presentation. It proves we really need to sit back and ponder what is truly best for the community and it’s resident for now and into the future. We need to regroup and reflect on some of the missteps of the past and plan effectively for the future.

The request for rezoning/development is a privilege we decide upon and give to them to serve the best interests of View Royal and its residents not a right they have or can take from us.

CARBON FOOT PRINT

This development has not been approved as of yet and should fall under the parameters of the new step plan that you all voted for. This would be the largest building and impact the environment for years to come in many ways.

AFFORDABILITY

As it is positioned as a high end rental.

Is this development the right type of housing the town/community needs? Are these units the right fit (size and price) for the needs of the people who need housing? Do these units help keep/ bring to the community?

• Young professionals
• Doctors, nurses and other key healthcare providers
• Workers providing an array of services (hospitality, teachers, construction, ferries etc)
• Yours and our families All of these individuals are needed to ensure a thriving and healthy community.

SERVICE & AMENITIES

Where are they for this development? There are no coffee shop, convenience shops etc in the vicinity. The closest is Admirals Walk or Qfoods @ Eagle Creek. People will not walk or use a bike for this task too burdensome. People will use cars as it is faster, easier and more convenient. No Doctors or location for doctors to work?

OCP/ YOUR LIST OF MUST HAVES

In Council’s summary of your meeting on July 6th you developed a list of must haves and shared them at the last council meeting before the summer break. Must-haves were… For council to consider a developments proposal, it MUST include:

• Inclusivity and accessibility, affordable and % of affordable and accessible within buildings,
• appropriate location close to services which residents require,
• maintain urban canopy,
• density of buildings ( height restrictions, parking, EV chargers).
• What does the community get from the developers?
• Do not loose the character of View Royal.
• Use of accurate reports to base decisions upon (not those of developers).
• Ask people to share what they like or dislike.

So, my question in view of said MUSTS is whether this development hits all the above points?

In SUMMARY

I would like to ask of you to consider very carefully before you vote on this development: Is this development REALLY what you and your constituents want to see in and for View Royal?

Are ultra-high density developments, with 6, and more story buildings, high-end rentals, largely unaffordable by the majority, and an ever busier traffic corridor with little infrastructure around to sustain us environmentally, what is in store for TVR for the future?

Regards, Susan Presho

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