Letter RE: Retaining wall construction rationale and visual impact mitigation proposal
A letter from Seymour Pacific Developments Ltd. providing rationale for over-height retaining walls and proposing visual mitigation measures.
February 23, 2021
Jeff Chow, Mayor and Council Town of View Royal
RE: Retaining wall construction rationale and visual impact mitigation proposal (Lot 1, Section 97&98, Esquimalt District, Plan VIP64516.
Dear Jeff, Mayor & Council,
Please find attached our application for a Development Permit for additional retainment that was added to our site during construction outside of the approved Development Permit issued on June 06, 2019 for 1938 West Park Lane, View Royal, BC.
Rationale for additional wall construction:
It was realized during geotechnical field reviews that the integrity of the rock slope along the North and west boundary was unstable and carried the risk of damages to the parking lot due to falling loose rock debris. In order to mitigate this risk, installation of rock slope drapery and additional retaining wall with catchment areas was recommended by the Geotech Consultant. Attached with this application, you will find geotechnical field reviews and site instruction memos for your reference.
Visual impact mitigation proposal:
In order to enhance visual appeal, the over-height wall was constructed using premium textured lock blocks. Furthermore, in order to reduce visibility, one Sitka Spruce tree which grows up to 55-100m in height and shrubs like Yellow Twig Dogwood, White Rhododendron which spread anywhere between 4-10 feet, have been planted. Limited planning area adjacent to the retaining wall restricts additional landscape plantings. Moreover, the wall position is such that it is not visible from the road to public. Attached is the updated landscape plan for your reference along with a rendered image to show how the wall elevation shall look, as the planted vegetation matures.
Shortage of trees:
Due to site conditions and proposed retaining wall, there is an overall shortage of 1 Gary Oak and 3 Rugged Charm Maple trees. We propose to provide cash-in-lieu for replacement trees that cannot be planted on the property.
Please let me know if you require any additional information,
Sincerely,
Hemant Chauhan Development Officer Seymour Pacific Developments/Broadstreet Properties
100 St. Ann's Road, Campbell River, BC V9W 4C4 T. 250.286.8045 | F. 250.286.8046 | W. www.broadstreet.ca | W. www.seymourpacific.ca
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