Background to Heritage Reports
A 2020 report providing a historical overview of Council's discussions and decisions regarding heritage assets and policy since 2010.
TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL
Planning & Development Report
TO: Committee of the Whole DATE: March 10, 2020 FROM: Lindsay Chase, Director of Development Services MEETING: March 10, 2020
Background to Heritage Reports
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT this report be received for information.
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S COMMENTS:
I concur with the recommendation.
PURPOSE OF REPORT:
To provide Council with information related to previous discussions about heritage in the Town of View Royal.
TIME CRITICAL:
No.
BACKGROUND DISCUSSION:
At various times Council has engaged in discussions about heritage within the Town. Many of these discussions have focused on particular heritage assets such as the Lime Kiln and historic churches with occasional discussion regarding a broader heritage policy and program.
A report on the September 2019 Committee of the Whole agenda included two references to heritage items that has been discussed during the 2018/19 budget deliberations. Both items were not funded. For reference from the September 2019 report:
“For heritage items, the following items were considered at the December 2018 Committee of the Whole meeting:
- “Hire Hallmark Society to compile ‘Statement of Significance’ list of important structures in View Royal.” [and then the Sept. 2019 report goes on to respond with the following…]
When information came to light in early 2010 concerning the impending closures of the two Anglican churches in View Royal, action was taken to create a Community Heritage Register and the two Anglican churches were placed on that Register. At the same time, the report that brought about this Register indicated that additional work would be required to develop a more fulsome heritage program for the municipality, including public engagement as to values from which to even begin such a program. While heritage work is valuable as noted in the recently completed community survey (39% indicated they strongly agree and 41% indicate they somewhat agree that “the Town should focus on preserving heritage buildings”), this specific initiative that would see the Town retain a service provider is premature. If Council determines that a heritage program is to be pursued, it is appropriate to refer this matter to staff for further investigation of feasibility, costing and potential legal compensation implications. This matter is concluded pending direction concerning the investigation of a heritage program.
- “Adapt Saanich/Esquimalt or Victoria [heritage] conservation policies/bylaw.” [and then the Sept. 2019 report goes on to respond with the following…]
This item could be addressed as an outcome of the development of a heritage program for View Royal if that is Council’s direction (as discussed in item 5 above). This matter is concluded pending direction concerning the investigation of a heritage program.”
Staff notes from the September 2019 COW meeting indicate that previous heritage reports were to be brought forward to aid in understanding if heritage is a significant enough issue that needs to be addressed in the short term.
The issue was concluded with the following resolution:
COW-33-19 THAT the Committee recommend to Council that prior staff reports regarding heritage be provided to a future Committee of the Whole meeting.
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT this report be received for information.
SUBMITTED BY: L. Chase, Director of Development Services
REVIEWED BY: K. Anema, Chief Administrative Officer
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