Appendix D: Online Survey Detailed Responses
Detailed data and charts from the OCP Phase 1 online survey, providing demographic information and levels of support for community vision and goals.
Appendix D: Online Survey Detailed Responses
DEMOGRAPHICS
169 people participated in the Phase 1 consultation survey.
“Other” includes respondents from neighbouring communities (e.g., Colwood and Langford) and those who pass through View Royal regularly.
VISION
A vision statement sets out the community’s aspirations for what type of place View Royal should be in the future.
Survey respondents were asked to rate the following vision statements where 5 indicates high support and 1 indicates no, low support.
A place for all people
View Royal is a dynamic and inclusive community that manages growth, while retaining the charm of its traditional neighbourhoods. It is home and workplace to people from all walks of life.
Some participants want to see a more thorough recognition of the Indigenous histories on the land and an effort toward reconciliation. Several participants also mentioned a need for more affordable housing and a fear that development could displace low-income residents.
Climate resilience
View Royal recognizes the impacts and vulnerabilities of climate change, and its responding by actively promoting energy-efficient, sustainable development and environmental protection.
Many people mentioned density and a desire to concentrate development to maintain and protect trees and nature. Participants also mentioned current overdependence on vehicles, and a desire shift toward multi-modal transportation.
Future growth
Infill and redevelopment near neighbourhood centres and transit corridors provides jobs and services closer to where people live – minimizing the need for commuting and creating pedestrian-friendly streets and destinations.
Respondents are supportive of safer pedestrian and cycling pathways and want to see a shift out of car-centric transportation. There is a desire to create a more connected public transit system. Other mentions include mixed use-zoning and concentrated development.
The local economy
The local economy is diversified and strong, providing employment, shopping, and service options to local and regional residents.
While moderately supported by survey participants, “the local economy” has the lowest support of all vision statements. Participants are supportive of more mixed-use zoning to allow for local businesses. There is a strong community desire to maintain the unique character of View Royal.
Transportation and mobility
Getting around safely by foot, bike and bus is convenient and enjoyable, and a viable alternative to car travel.
Many participants are supportive of active transportation and wanted to see more bicycle lanes and sidewalks.
Protection of nature
From Thetis Lake Park to Esquimalt Harbour and Portage Inlet, View Royal includes many unique and special natural environments. The integrity and beauty of these natural amenities are protected and enhanced, while public access to recreation and natural areas is improved.
“Protection of nature” received the highest level of support by survey respondents. Overall, there is strong support for natural areas and many participants wanted to see more public water accesses. There is frequent mention of preserving tree cover.
Those who responded “mostly” and “no,” want to see the inclusion of reconciliation, affordable housing, and cultural diversity reflected in View Royal’s vision. Other mentions were traffic, safety, and rental housing.
GOALS
Goals provide a framework for land use policies.
Survey respondents were asked to rate the following goals where 5 indicates high support and 1 indicates no, low support.
Neighbourhoods
Promote a strong sense of community in all areas and neighbourhoods of the Town, and create an enhanced sense of place and identity, which draws on the Town’s array of parks, trails, and recreational activities, as well as its unique waterfront setting.
There is a desire for the “small town charm” to be preserved and for the creation of neighborhood gathering spaces, affordable spaces to live that suit the character of the area.
Diverse Community
Create an inclusive community that provides housing, transportation and healthy living options, and services and facilities for families and individuals of diverse backgrounds, cultures, ages, and economic means.
There is strong support for a diverse community, and some survey respondents emphasized affordable and diverse housing options. Participants also mentioned services and facilities for low-income individuals.
Residential Character
As the community grows, recognize the unique relationships between the highly valued natural and residential characteristics of View Royal and maintain these values.
Participants see some housing options as more conducive to residential character than others. Specifically, there is stronger support for lower-level options like townhouses, carriage homes, and duplexes than multi-storey apartments. Green space is also a crucial element of View Royal’s character.
Climate and Environment
Confirm View Royal as an environmentally responsible community committed to becoming a more sustainable place and planning for global climate change.
Transportation and ending car culture were mentioned as ways to move forward as a climate resilient community.
Historic and Cultural Resources
Recognize, preserve, and protect historic and cultural resources in View Royal.
There is a strong desire to include Indigenous histories, and for more partnership with local Nations.
Services and Fiscal Responsibility
Ensure that community services and amenities can be provided within the financial means of the municipality and strengthen partnerships with regional service providers to increase local opportunities.
Participants voiced a strong support for density to increase walkability and reduce reliance on driving.
Employment & Economy
Identify suitable land areas and development opportunities for commercial, institutional, and mixed-use activities as a means of supplying local employment opportunities, broadening the municipal tax base and promoting View Royal as a business-friendly community.
While moderately supported by survey respondents, “employment and economy” received the lowest overall support from survey respondents. Participants voiced a strong support for mixed zoning to allow for local businesses and jobs. There is a desire for small businesses, and not much support for large stores.
Transportation
Recognize the regional role of the community as a link in major transportation and environmental systems and cooperate with other municipalities and governments to address regional issues, while also protecting local values and promoting long-term sustainability.
Many participants want to see an increase in public transit options such as buses and light rail transit. There is frequent mention of the need for partnership between View Royal and the rest of the region with regards to transit.
Citizen Engagement
Ensure that all citizens of View Royal have opportunities to be informed and meaningfully involved in planning and decision-making processes.
“Citizen engagement” received the highest level of support from survey participants. Participants are supportive of meaningful engagement, and mentioned the importance of good governance and informed participation.
Those who answered “mostly” or “no,” were curious to learn more about how these goals would be implemented. Weary about the implementation of these goals and wanted to see the next steps.
Survey respondents were asked to rank issues and topics that require attention in View Royal in order of most to least importance. Responses were multiplied by a weight (a weight of 6 for topics in rank one to a weight or 1 for topics in rank 6) and then averaged to find the average ranking of survey respondents overall.
| Rank | Issue/Topic | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Our Natural Connections. Parks, protected areas, and shorelines | 92 |
| 2. | Preparing for Change. Climate change and resilience | 80 |
| 3. | Housing Matters. View Royal housing needs, diversity, and options | 74 |
| 4. | Placemaking. Neighbourhood centres and urban design | 72 |
| 5. | Moving Around. Transportation and the ways we get around | 72 |
| 6. | A Healthy Local Economy. A more resilient and diverse local economy | 53 |
As with the vision statements and goals, topics related to nature, “Our Natural Connections”, had the highest importance ranking, which topics related to employment and the economy, “A Health Local Economy” receive the lowest average ranking.
Those who answered “mostly” or “no,” mentioned diversity, reconciliation, and inclusivity are other important topics to be addressed in View Royal.
HOUSING CHOICES, DIVERSITY, AND OPTIONS
Those who answered “mostly” or “no,” expressed concern with affordability, diversity, and housing for the generation to come. In addition, participants are concerned about the impacts of infill on transportation and apartment buildings.
NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRES AND GROWTH
It is important that the next OCP explores introducing transitional density into detached residential neighbourhoods including:
Survey respondents would like to know more about the following for future land use planning and development in View Royal:
- Sidewalks and bike lanes,
- Increasing mixed use,
- Limits to building heights,
- Keeping neighborhood character,
- Adopting the Energy Step Code.
Document prepared with the assistance of: EcoPlan International 208-131 Water Street Vancouver, BC V6B 4M3 www.ecoplan.ca