Correspondence from Wilma Tims regarding traffic concerns at 3-15 Helmcken Road

3 – 15 Helmcken Road Victoria, BC V8Z 7Z7

February 13, 2018

Mr. David Screech, Mayor Town of View Royal 45 View Royal Avenue Victoria, BC V9B 1A6

Eagle Creek Village 29 Helmcken Road Victoria, BC V8Z 5G5

Omicron 240 – 645 Tyee Road Victoria, BC V9A 6X5

Ministry of Transportation/Highways PO Box 9850 Stn Prov Govt Victoria, BC V8W 9T5

Dear Sir/Madam:

We have lived in our residence at #3-15 Helmcken Road for the past thirteen years. It is a 24 unit townhouse development next to the Eagle Creek Village shopping complex.

Prior to the construction of Eagle Creek Village we had no concerns with heavy traffic coming into our development which is comprised of seniors, middle aged, young couples, children and many pets. While we enjoy having the conveniences of the complex next door, there is a major issue regarding continuous traffic coming into our private property. The vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, delivery vans, etc. use our roadway as a turn-around in order to get into Eagle Creek Village. In spite of the fact that PRIVATE PROPERTY and NO TURN-AROUND signs were installed at the entrance, and clearly visible from Helmcken Road, we are constantly dealing with drivers, some unruly, who ignore these signs and do as they please. Some drive through our complex hoping to gain access to Eagle Creek Village (there isn't one) or use our visitor parking to turn around to get back onto Helmcken Road. Our driveways are constantly used by these drivers to turn around, endangering the lives of owners, their children and their pets. There have been several instances of damage to residences, mainly gutters, indicating large box trucks are using our driveways to turn around. When drivers are approached by our residents, on some occasions they are sworn at, given the finger, and in one instance, a driver got out of his vehicle to threaten the owner. Today I took a picture of a large truck and trailer which was attempting to turn around in one of our driveways. My daughter and I had to wait to get to my own driveway because of this driver blocking the road.

The origin of the problem is that there is NO LEFT TURN lane travelling north to get into the Tim Hortons entrance off Helmcken Road. As well, drivers are using that entrance as an exit to turn left onto Helmcken Road even though NO LEFT TURN signs are posted. Ever since Coastal Community Credit Union was built, there is even more traffic. We understand FYI Optometrists are going to be future tenants in Eagle Creek Village. This will only add more traffic congestion into our development.

The Eagle Creek Village sign that was installed north of the Helmcken Road bridge is not large enough and is too close to the intersection for drivers to to react in time to turn left.

The meridian on Helmcken Road by Tim Hortons could be re-worked so that traffic has a left turn lane into Eagle Creek Village, as well as a left turn onto Helmcken Road. PLEASE have someone pursue this important matter before an individual or pet gets seriously injured on our property.

Mayor Screech is well aware of this issue.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Wilma Tims