What We Heard – Phase 1 Consultation Report

VIEW ROYAL OCP UPDATE

What We Heard

Phase 1 Consultation Report

DECEMBER 2021

About This Report

The ‘What we Heard’ report summarizes the View Royal Official Community Plan (OCP) update phase 1 of community and stakeholder engagement, which took place between September to November 2021. This phase of public consultation focussed on gathering community members views on the vision, priorities, issues and opportunities to direct View Royal’s future. The consultation included neighbourhood walkshops, online workshops and online survey. The inputs received through these consultations are summarized in this report.

Who Participated?

Overall, around 260 people participated in the first round of engagement for the View Royal OCP update. Community members shared a number of ideas about what they love about their community and suggestions for desired future directions for the Town of View Royal.

WALKSHOPS

75 participants joined in 10 walkshops, in 5 neighbourhoods, which were held between September 12 and September 29, 2021. Each participant received a summary of the neighbourhood walk with worksheet that asked for input on what they wish to see protected, wish to see change and wishes for the future of this neighbourhood and the Town generally.

The following is a summary of completed worksheets received from walkshop participants:

ONLINE WORKSHOPS

A total of 29 people participated in 3 online workshops, which were held between November 8 and 10th. The workshops were held via zoom, with presentation and online engagement using Mentimeter, for polling and Mural for map-oriented inputs. The participants that attended these workshops were:

ONLINE SURVEY

169 community members participated in the Phase 1 online survey, which was accessed through the View Royal OCP update webpage from October 25 to November 12, 2021.

Overarching Themes

Overall, community members expressed care about View Royal and wrote extensively about their neighborhoods. Many engagement participants took the time to provide thoughtful and detailed responses in all engagement streams.

Emerging themes include:

• Pedestrian and cyclist focused streets: In View Royal, most streets should be pedestrian and cyclist focused. Streets are places for playing and socializing, not parking. Some participants expressed concern that increased housing will bring increased vehicular traffic and on-street parking.
• Affordable Housing: Many residents would like to see more affordable housing in the area particularly or young families and generations to come. In most neighbourhoods, there is support to increase housing density through the slow development of smaller housing types (e.g., carriage homes, townhomes, duplex/triplexes) in existing residential areas and along transit corridors.
• Multi-modal transportation: Many participants would like to see a shift toward more transit options such as bus or rapid-transit systems and active transportation including biking and walking.
• Walkability: Participants want to be able to walk to amenities in mixed-use neighbourhood “hubs”. Having complete, age-friendly neighbourhoods is one action several participants felt could help View Royal be more sustainable, resilient, and adapt to climate change.
• Placemaking: Many community members want to maintain a unique and cherished “View Royal” identity that has the small community feel, with green space, trees and space for neighbourly connections.
• Parks, greenspace, and water access: community members value parks and greenspaces in View Royal and want to see more public access to the ocean and waterfront.

Walkshops Summary

Responses listed in order from most to least frequently mentioned

What do you like about this neighbourhood and wish to see protected?

Do you have concerns about this area that you would like to see addressed?

What are your future aspirations? What are your wishes for this neighbourhood? Or for the Town generally?

Should we be considering additional housing to this neighbourhood? What kind of housing might be a good fit for adding density to this area?

What do you think View Royal can do to become more sustainable, resilient, and adapt to climate change?

Workshop summary

What are your favourite things about View Royal?

What would you like to see more of?

What would you like to see change about View Royal?

Housing

• 80% of residents support a wider range of housing options being developed in View Royal
• Of these, there was strong support for garden suites, supportive housing, townhouses, duplexes, and purpose-built rental housing.

Vision

In the future, residents imagined a walkable, green, affordable and compact Town of View Royal.

Online Survey Summary

The online survey was designed to gather community input that would be used to guide:

• Development of a vision statement that sets the community’s aspirations for what type of place View Royal should be in 20 years and beyond;
• Development of goals for shaping future directions on housing, neighbourhood centres, transportation, economy/ employment, and future land uses;
• Understanding preferences around future housing choices, neighbourhood centres and directing growth.

Please see Appendix D for complete survey results. The following is a summary.

Survey participants were asked to rate their support for the 2011 OCP vision statement which sets out the community’s aspirations for what type of place View Royal should be in future. A shortened version of the OCP vision was provided and respondents were asked to rate statements where 1 indicates no or low support, rating of 5 indicates high support.

Overall, participants expressed high support for all vision statements and goals. In general, environmental topics are the highest priority to survey participants.

Support for vision statements

Survey participants were asked to rate their support for the 2011 OCP nine goals, which provide a framework for land use policies. The goals are listed below and rating of 1 indicates no or low support, rating of 5 indicates high support.

“Citizen engagement” is a priority goal for survey respondents. Similar to vision statements, “employment and economy” received the least support.

Support for goals

Common comments shared in the online survey included:

• Natural Connections: Topics related to nature and ‘our natural connections’ received the highest importance ranking when considering future directions for View Royal.
• Transportation: For environmental reasons, many participants want to shift away from car dependency and increase bus frequency and overall network connections.
• Density: Many participants desire more compact and walkable communities. There is strong support for increasing density along traffic corridors. While most support diverse housing options overall, some are concerned about increasing traffic, rapid development, the height of new buildings, and on-street parking as a result of increased housing density.

Survey participants were asked questions about what future types of housing should be encouraged in View Royal and what directions they support related to future land use and urban design.

Affordable housing

Many participants are concerned about affordable housing for future generations and would like to see more housing options for families and first-time home buyers, increased rental availability, co-operative housing options and low-income housing support.

Greenspace

Participants greatly appreciate greenspace and desire to maintain, preserve, and expand parks and trails. Overall, there was a hunger for more dog parks and beach access.

Active transportation

Many participants advocate for active transportation, praising the E&N trail and desiring expanded infrastructure for cycling and walking. Many survey participants also desire more compact, mixed-use developments were residents can easily actively commute to all services and amenities.

Placemaking

Participants want to maintain the unique “small town feel” and sense of community.

Environment

Participants value the environment and frequently referenced the protection of natural areas, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and concern about the current “climate crisis”.

Public engagement

Participants are interested to learn more about and see more collaboration on different levels of governing bodies – particularly around transportation and development – and desire to continue to be meaningfully engaged in future decision making.

Appendices

Appendix A: Walkshop Detailed Responses

ADMIRALS PORTAGE

1. What do you like about this neighbourhood and wish to see protected?

• Trees and green space
• Grocery stores and other businesses (Canadian Tire, Rexall)
• Moderate density, multi-family housing

2. Do you have concerns about this area that you would like to see addressed?

• Pedestrian safety including lighting, sidewalks, and crosswalks
• Car and bicycle traffic flow
• Tree protection
• Accessible emergency route along the Old Island Highway

3. What are your future aspirations? What are your wishes for this neighbourhood? Or for the Town generally?

• Priorities: – Green space maintained and gathering spaces developed – Maintain a strong sense of community and identity – Improve car and bicycle traffic flow
• Other ideas
• Maintain current businesses
• Build rain and sun shelters
• Redevelop school site
• Transfer Thetis Cove to Esquimalt Nation

4. Should we be considering additional housing to this neighbourhood? What kind of housing might be a good fit for adding density to this area?

• Very few participants opposed housing. Others supported: – Mixed-use development – Assisted living homes – Carriage homes – LEED certified homes

5. What do you think View Royal can do to become more sustainable, resilient, and adapt to climate change?

• Most common responses: – Green and open space – Green buildings – Active transportation (e.g., bike and walking)
• Other ideas include: – Car share hubs – Electric vehicle charging stations – Supporting green businesses – More public transit

HARBOUR/FIREHALL

1. What do you like about this neighbourhood and wish to see protected?

• Priorities for participants include: – The neighbourhood heritage and character – People, including friendly visitors and good relationships with neighbours – Old trees, planted boulevards, and small parks – The quiet atmosphere – The walkability
• Other ideas include: – Water access – Access to Downtown Victoria – Local businesses and restaurants – Picturesque views

2. Do you have concerns about this area that you would like to see addressed?

• The top concern was increasing traffic and cars parking on the road
• Other concerns include: – Dense housing disrupting the neighbourhood feel – Maintaining access to water and nature – Displacement of low-income residents – A lack of community identity – Pollution

3. What are your future aspirations? What are your wishes for this neighbourhood? Or for the Town generally?

• More frequently mentioned aspirations for the future include: – More parks, green space, and landscaping – Maintain character – Walkable streets and shopping areas – Multiple gathering spaces and gardens throughout the community
• Other ideas include: – Manage traffic – Affordable housing – Housing density concentrated along the Old Island Highway – Slow growth – Housing for seniors

4. Should we be considering additional housing to this neighbourhood? What kind of housing might be a good fit for adding density to this area?

• Few respondents fully opposed additional hosing. Others shared ideas including: – Clustering density near the Old Island Highway – Garden and secondary suites – Duplexes and townhouses – Ensure new development matches the community character – Seniors housing
• Some participants were concerned about the increased traffic density could bring and opposed on-street parking

5. What do you think View Royal can do to become more sustainable, resilient, and adapt to climate change?

• The top ideas participants shared include: – Protecting and developing green space – Water retention and rain gardens – More public reliable public transit
• Other ideas include: – Walkability – Design to support aging in place – Building adaptations (e.g., air conditioning and water runoff control) – Increased building density – Education about climate change – Fewer cars – Moving away from fossil fuels – Ensuring the sewerage system can meet the need of future growth and anticipated climate changes

HELMCKEN

1. What do you like about this neighbourhood and wish to see protected?

• Community gardens
• Parks, trails, and trees
• Walkability
• The neighbourhood character, including the homes and street landscaping
• No street parking

2. Do you have concerns about this area that you would like to see addressed?

• Top concerns include: – Estuary and shoreline protection – Park improvements (i.e., field drainage, more parking, less adjacent development)
• Other concerns include: – Increasing traffic – Decreasing affordability – More mixed-use development – Sea level rise adaptation

3. What are your future aspirations? What are your wishes for this neighbourhood? Or for the Town generally?

• The main wish participants expressed was for improvements to local parks, including: – Expanding the size – More community gardens – Amenities (e.g., playground, seating, food trucks) – Gathering spaces – Dog parks
• Other ideas include: – Bike lane safety – Multigenerational amenities – Mixed-use development with residential

4. Should we be considering additional housing to this neighbourhood? What kind of housing might be a good fit for adding density to this area?

• Multiple participants were opposed to additional housing in the neighbourhood.
• A key concern about additional housing was increasing traffic and on-street parking. – Other concerns include protecting trees, affordability, and accessibility
• A few participants said the following housing types may be a good fit in the community: – Duplex and triplexes – Rowhouses and townhomes – Low height housing

5. What do you think View Royal can do to become more sustainable, resilient, and adapt to climate change?

• The top ideas for becoming more resilient to climate change include expanding the tree canopy and practicing water retention (i.e., rain gardens, for use in the community gardens)
• Other ideas include: – Increasing bikability – Expanding green space – Identifying areas that may be affected by sea level rise and building accordingly – Retrofitting buildings and homes

HOSPITAL

1. What do you like about this neighbourhood and wish to see protected?

• Health and safety (e.g., speed control, knowing neighbours, good healthcare)
• Parks and trails
• Housing options
• Local businesses
• Strong sense of community
• Walkability

2. Do you have concerns about this area that you would like to see addressed?

• Top concerns were managing traffic, maintaining pedestrian and cyclist safety, and maintaining a strong sense of community
• Other concerns include: – Declining affordability – Too much density undermining quality of life – Drug activity – Limited recreational gathering spaces

3. What are your future aspirations? What are your wishes for this neighbourhood? Or for the Town generally?

• The top wishes for the future of the neighbourhood include: – Diverse housing options within walking distance of amenities – Green, walkable, well-landscaped streetscape – Improved traffic flow for car and bikes
• Other ideas include: – Improving neglected areas – Public transit, including LRT – Restaurants and shopping – Becoming a healthcare hub – Having a strong sense of community

4. Should we be considering additional housing to this neighbourhood? What kind of housing might be a good fit for adding density to this area?

• Participants were generally supportive of additional housing, particularly townhouses, and high-density housing along busy corridors
• Other considerations include age-friendly housing.
• Key concerns include adequate parking and keeping streets safe for playing.

5. What do you think View Royal can do to become more sustainable, resilient, and adapt to climate change?

• The top ideas shared by participants are: – Making the neighbourhood walkable and bikeable – Increasing public transit, including LRT
• Other ideas include: – Making View Royal a destination, not a place to drive through – Supporting aging in place – Electric vehicle charging stations – Flexible parking space – Passive energy

ISLAND HIGHWAY/CASINO

1. What do you like about this neighbourhood and wish to see protected?

• The top features of the community liked by participants include: – The history (e.g., the lime kiln) – Access to nature
• Other ideas include: – Community spirit – Highway access – Residential areas – Small commercial areas

2. Do you have concerns about this area that you would like to see addressed?

• Participant’s top concerns were: – Business displacement – Environmental protection – Preservation and celebration of history, particularly First Nations’
• Other ideas include: – Fewer variances in residential areas – Crime, noise, and litter at 6 Mile Skatepark – Pedestrian safety – Managing traffic

3. What are your future aspirations? What are your wishes for this neighbourhood? Or for the Town generally?

• Top future aspirations: – More commercial and residential development – Pedestrian safety features (streetlights, traffic calming) – Environmental protection
• Other ideas include: – Not having a single town centre, but several hubs – Having a sound barrier on Parsons Bridge

4. Should we be considering additional housing to this neighbourhood? What kind of housing might be a good fit for adding density to this area?

• There was most support for mixed-use commercial residential developments and increasing density of current residential areas.
• Others opposed additional housing and were concerned about increasing traffic

5. What do you think View Royal can do to become more sustainable, resilient, and adapt to climate change?

• The top ideas include: – Natural asset management – Complete streets
• Other ideas include: – Contractors hired by View Royal having a “green plan” to reduce emissions – Environmental protection – Electric vehicle charging stations – Less lawn maintenance – Public transit, including LRT – Snow removal from side walks

Appendix B: Walkshop Locational Responses

Note: comments are separated by walkshop, not location (i.e., some walkshop participants might be discussing locations not covered by their specific walkshop)

ADMIRALS PORTAGE

• Admirals Walk – EV charging station
• Island Highway – Entrance to multifamily dwelling from side streets, not highway
• Admirals Road – Pedestrian safety (Glentana and Aldersmith) – Crosswalks and sidewalks needed – 1495 – uninviting, feels like a fortress
• Thetis Cove – Do not develop – Transfer to Esquimalt First Nation
• Hallowell – Excessive Traffic
• Old Island Highway – Open and accessible emergency route
• Light industrial area – Access further towards Esquimalt lands
• Rexall and Nelson Square – Safe pedestrian access

HARBOUR/FIREHALL

• Helmcken Road – Prune trees for unobstructed view – Develop RV park past fire hall
• View Royal Avenue – Sidewalks
• Along highway and Admirals – High density housing – Duplexes south of highway
• Casino, Six Mile, Victoria General Hospital could also have high density
• Fort Victoria – Low-income homes – If RV park area became available, could be a good place for retail, services, residential, and park (but it’s not currently available for redevelopment – many people currently live there) – Development could displace many people – Not and ideal Town Centre
• Christie Point development – Too high density for waterfront
• Westshore to Langford – Better bus service past Helmcken
• Esquimalt Harbour – Better water access
• Juan de Fuca Rec Center – Access to parking lot
• Grassy Oak park – Improve maintenance
• Harbour Precinct – Ambiance threatened by infill and unsuitable design of new developments – No street parking – Development should be thoughtful and incremental
• E&N Corridor – Develop into transit corridor
• Southern exposure – Views

HOSPITAL

• Southern view
• Helmcken corridor and East side of Conard – Higher density – Bury hydro – Bike lanes – Row style town homes with a one-way alley behind – More businesses – Duplexes or garden suites along Conard
• Helmcken and Highway – Better signage
• Helmecken North Entrance – Ripe for development – East side of Helmecken be a 4-5 story architecturally consistent border extending from Burnside all the way to the Galloping Goose - East of that to be designated for townhouse/lower height condominiums (no single family dwellings) – More gathering places (e.g., pubs)
• Helmecken Market – Dangerous inactive building
• Northern Gateway – Looks neglected
• Burnside Road West (Watkiss Way) – Extend wide boulevards with sidewalks and bike lanes – Improve pedestrian and cyclist safety – Speed reader sign
• Egal Creek Village – Improve pedestrian and cyclist safety – Crosswalks
• Fort Victoria – Not a viable town centre
• Camden – Improve streetscape
• Between the Galloping Goose and Chancellor – 2.5 story above ground townhomes along Chancellor and higher density, multi-story apartments and commercial as the property travels down the low end of the Galloping Goose

HELMCKEN

• Centennial Park – not useable fall/winter, more parking – Benches and picnic areas – Increase march area berm height – Ensure no sewage flow into creek – More shade trees
• Helmcken Road – 3-4 storey townhouses, 2-3 storey row houses and single-family dwellings on side streets (e.g., Rudyard) – Bike lanes
• Christie Point development – Impinge on neighbourhood and wildlife
• Helmcken and Old Island Highway – Parking spilling over for other neighbourhoods and damaging boulevards
• View Royal Park – Expand community garden and playground, keep dog park – Water retention/rain gardens – Surrounding area should not be developed (i.e., remain a park)
• Map flood zones

ISLAND HIGHWAY/CASINO

• There were no “Love/Change/Future” maps or comments for the Highway Casino walkshop
• Six Mile Neighbourhood – Develop as a residential/office and limited retail destination with access to natural state open space and waterways – Make a bike rest destination with a coffee stand – Reduce crime, noise, and pollution at skate park (under Parsons Bridge)
• Corridor by casino – Add more mid-sized businesses and residential – Extend the residential community along both sides of the road
• Admirals to Helmcken – Calm traffic
• Atkins Road/Galloping Goose – create a more pleasing and welcoming non-car environment
• Millstream Creek and the Esquimalt Harbour mudflats – Protection, restoration and enhancement – Rainwater management – Sanctuary for migratory birds and intertidal life – Park – bikes, walking, learning
• Thetis Lake Park – Improved access
• Highway – Improved access
• Western Gateway – Commercial development

Appendix C: Workshop Detailed Responses

WHO PARTICIPATED?

A total of 29 people participated in the first round of Imagine West End Waterfront Community Conversations.

Who attended?

From where?