Attachment 9: Neighbourhood Information Session Feedback Summary

April 2022 Neighbourhood Information Session Feedback Summary

A Neighbourhood Information Session was held on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Strawberry Vale Community Hall. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the development concept to neighbours and to share the preliminary concept plans, seeking early feedback and answering questions about the project.

Invitations were delivered approximately two weeks prior to the meeting to the properties within a 100 m radius of site, representing 271 addresses, including the Fort Victoria RV Park.

Eight members of the community attended the Neighbourhood Information Session, viewing the project presentation boards and asking questions of the project developers, and the planning and architecture team members in attendance. Comment forms were available and two completed comment forms were submitted during the meeting. The discussion topics and questions have been summarized in this report.

Redevelopment of the Site is Needed

Many comments were provided indicating support for the redevelopment of the site, recognizing that the existing buildings are old, the property appears in disrepair and that the land can be put to better use, particularly given the need for more housing. The site’s location is suited to higher density use, given its proximity to nearby commercial services and schools and accessibility to regional transit.

Privacy and Proximity Concerns

Property owners directly to the south (adjacent to the right-of-way) have concerns about loss of privacy with six-storey buildings, with greatest concern related to the proximity of the proposed new building in the southwest corner of the site adjacent to the closest neighbour.

Retain the Treed Buffer within the Right-of-way

There is strong interest in seeing the existing right-of-way remain treed, without changes to create a trail, which could result in the loss of trees and privacy. The right-of-way serves as a naturalized, forest buffer and neighbours value the trees and privacy they provide.

Traffic Impacts and Intersection Requirements

Neighbours noted the current challenge at the intersection of Prince Robert Drive and Island Highway and requested that a lighted traffic signal be installed. This would address current conditions and support new vehicle movement to and from the proposed development. A lighted intersection would also support greater walkability and safe crossing of Island Highway.

Building Heights and Architectural Character

There was discussion about the building heights and massing, with general support for multi-storey buildings. Neighbors were concerned what the height of the buildings would be relative to their homes at the top of the ridge, stressing the importance of maintaining sightlines over new buildings from the homes on Prince Robert Drive. Considering a stepped approach that responds to the site’s topography and steps the buildings down from six to five and four-storeys in some locations would be favourable.

Neighbours liked the idea of ground floor units having their own entries from the sidewalk. There were comments in support of the general architectural character of the team’s two precedent projects presented (Aspire in View Royal and Marin In Esquimalt). There was also comment to avoid the potential reflective impacts of sloped roofs.

Road and Sidewalk Upgrades

Neighbours would like to see road and sidewalk upgrades along Prince Robert Drive and Island Highway to make the neighbourhood more walkable and safe.

Parking

Neighbours stressed the importance of the new development having sufficient parking on-site to meet the development needs, and that they would not want to see street parking on Prince Robert Drive.

Existing Tenants

There were questions about how the existing tenants will be supported to find new housing, and about Boardwalk’s experience with tenant support programs.

Rental vs Condo Homes

There were questions about the potential for a mix of rental and ownership homes to be considered, with comments suggesting support for either. Some asked questions about the level of affordability being considered for the project, while recognizing the proposal is for a market development without government funding.

Construction Impacts

Neighbours asked about the construction process and timelines, and emphasized the need to mitigate potential impacts from blasting and traffic/parking during construction.

Open Space and Playground

Questions about the on-site amenities for new residents of the development focused on the potential to include a small playground and the need to retain existing trees, where possible, and provide new trees to maintain a strong landscape character.

Timelines and Next Steps

Neighbours welcomed the chance to learn about the project at this early stage and were generally supportive of the development concept. The team shared that the next steps in the process include further design refinement based on the comments and feedback received, and preparation for submitting a rezoning application to the Town of View Royal in the summer.

The project team plans to develop an information website where materials and updates will be shared and future meetings will be held to keep neighbours informed about the plans and application process.

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December 2022 Neighbourhood Information Session Feedback Summary

A second Neighbourhood Information Session was held on Monday, December 5, 2022 from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the View Royal Community Hall. The purpose of the meeting was to provide an update on the design development work completed since the spring, and to share the plans, in advance of submitting a formal application to the Town of View Royal.

Approximately twelve members of the community attended the Neighbourhood Information Session, viewing the project presentation boards and asking questions of the project developers, and the planning and architecture team members in attendance. Copies of the April 2022 Neighbourhood Information Session feedback summary were also available. The discussion topics and questions have been summarized below.

Redevelopment of the Site is Needed

Neighbours continue to support redevelopment of the site and expressed interest in seeing new development bring housing and a positive contribution to the neighbourhood character.

Unit Mix and Building Character

There was good discussion about the envisioned mix of units and support for the townhouse character with walkup unit entries along the Island Highway frontage.

Open Spaces

There was support for the envisioned open spaces on site and the retention of existing trees in the southeast corner of the site.

Retain the Treed Buffer within the Right-of-way

Neighbours continue to express strong interest in seeing the existing right-of-way remain treed, with some indicating their interest in having property access to their lots from the right-of-way. All attendees recognized that the right-of-way is not part of the development site, and is the responsibility of the Town of View Royal. The development plans reference the right-of-way as a naturalized, forest buffer between the neighbours and the site.

Intersection Improvements

Neighbours continue to express interest in intersection improvements at Prince Robert Drive and Island Highway, and support the development team working with the Town of View Royal to determine a feasible solution.

Timelines and Next Steps

Neighbours welcomed the chance to learn about the project at this early stage and were generally supportive of the development concept. The team shared that the next steps in the process preparation for submitting a rezoning application to the Town of View Royal in early 2023.