Citizen Budget 2022 Engagement Results

Contents

• INTRODUCTION 03
• PARTICIPATION 04
• DEFINITION OF TERMS 05
• BEST SCENARIO 06
• BUDGET VOTING RESULTS 08
• DEMOGRAPHICS & OUTREACH 25
• FEEDBACK 33

Introduction

From March 14th to March 31st, 2022, the Town of View Royal used a budget simulation exercise called Citizen Budget for their 2022 budget consultation, as part of updating its Five-Year Financial Plan, in accordance with the Community Charter. This plan includes budgets for operating and capital expenditures for all departments within the municipality.

The aim was to gather public input to identify priorities for city spending and ideas for how View Royal can deliver a balanced budget, as mandated for municipal governments by provincial legislation while maintaining (and enhancing) services most important to citizens.

Participants were tasked with increasing, decreasing or maintaining their property tax funding for different budget categories, while staying within a balanced budget, in the same way, that a city official would. Participants also voted on a sliding scale on how important or unimportant each service was to them.

Ethelo used the results to generate a particular set of funding changes that are predicted to have the most community support. This report explores the engagement process and results.

Overview

Participation

Over the 3 weeks that the engagement was live, the online platform garnered…

• 613 PAGE VIEWS
• 31 PARTICIPANTS*
• 24 COMPLETIONS (≥ 1/3 OF QUESTIONS COMPLETED)
• 77% COMPLETION RATE
• 335 COMMENTS

*All participants were authenticated following the closure of the engagement based on their IP address, device ID, and voting patterns, to ensure respondents were local and singular in their votes. 2 staff users were removed.

[Chart: Daily Visitors area graph showing activity from March 14th to March 31st, peaking on the final day]

Definition of Terms

CONSENSUS Consensus (Ethelo score) is a measure of the overall strength of the decision, considering both support (higher is better) and conflict (lower is better).

CONFLICT Conflict is a measure of the level of disagreement in a group. Higher conflict scores represent internal resistance and risk of failure.

SUPPORT Support is the average value of the votes, where the value of a totally opposing vote is 0 and a totally supportive vote is 100.

APPROVAL Approval is the percentage of people who gave a positive vote rather than a neutral or negative vote. Approval above 50% is a traditional "majority".

Overview

Best Scenario

Below is the budget breakdown that would be most widely supported by participants.

Best Scenario

This scenario would be most widely supported by participants. The algorithm analyzed more than 50,000 budget design scenarios to identify this plan.

• CONSENSUS: 8/10 stars
• SUPPORT: 7/10 stars
• CONFLICT: 1/10 stars
• APPROVAL: 10/10 stars

Budget Voting Results

Voting Results

Protective Services

Would you increase, decrease or maintain funding for Protective Services?

BEST SCENARIO: KEEP THE SAME

[Chart: Vote Distribution bar chart showing the following responses:]

• -4%: 3
• -3%: 1
• -1%: 2
• 0: 14 (Option suggested in best scenario)
• 1%: 4
• 3%: 1
• 4%: 3

Comments

• Worry about forest fire in Thetis Park especially with people camping there.
• Crime, including violent and cyber crime, is increasing. Having good response is integral to a safe and livable community.
• Instead of another RCMP officer, I would like to see funding going to someone who can attend calls on wellness checks and other mental health issues.
• Don't know current funding so can't tell where to click for increase or decrease.
• Officers follow up, keep the town reasonably safe.
• What is the current level? I'd keep it the same.
• The Town needs to start cutting back and planning for the future.
• View Royal has always been known for having the best fire fighting vehicles in the CRD. I am not convinced that we require all the planned replacements, especially given that we all need to mind the environment; i.e. Carbon footprint of building and transporting a new vehicle. Instead of new purchases, ensure they remain operable and put the money into paying down debt.

Voting Results

Transportation Services

Would you choose to increase, decrease, or maintain the current level of funding for Public Transit?

BEST SCENARIO: KEEP THE SAME

[Chart: Vote Distribution bar chart showing the following responses:]

• -4%: 3
• -2%: 2
• 0: 7 (Option suggested in best scenario)
• 1%: 2
• 2%: 6
• 3%: 2
• 4%: 3

Comments

• Keep the same, please.
• Lower, buses are empty alot anyways!
• We have some of the most beautiful streets in the CRD; we should aim to try and decrease slightly.
• Many more waste receptacles needed at the parks, especially Portage. So many hanging dog bags, ew.
• Nothing to do with buses, that's Provincial. Trails! Support the trails!
• I'd love to see more low maintenance bioswales put in to replace grass.
• After witnessing the recent re-paving on a section of Helmcken Road, that appeared to be in perfect shape, I am skeptical of the need of future projects
• I would like the Town to check what other projects might be able to be done at the same time as the road improvements. I would also like to see every project looked at through the lens of Active Transportation. How can we make it better and safer to encourage walking, cycling and rolling. Also if sewers or other changes will be happening because of infrastructure updates or developments, staff and contractors need to be talking to one another. It is so so frustrating when one sees roads dug up and repaved multiple times instead of having everything done all at the same time. Makes economic sense to me. We must stop wasting both human and material resources.

Voting Results

Environmental Health Services

How satisfied are you with the level of service you receive from View Royal for garbage and household food waste collection?

[Chart: Bar chart showing satisfaction levels:]

• Very unsatisfied: 1
• Fairly unsatisfied: 4
• Neither satisfied nor unsatisfied: 3
• Fairly satisfied: 8
• Very satisfied: 5
• Not applicable: 4

Comments

• Pay per usage. We are a family of 5 adults and can’t fill a garbage can or compost can a week. Follow Sidney and pay per use or consider privatization
• I have so little that it goes out once a month. Q how many cans are full on weekly pick up?
• We have missed garbage collection a number of times in the past year which I find unacceptable. I would advocate for greater attention to this essential service.
• Would like the Town to see if households that have very little waste, say pick-up every other week could get a reduction in fees. Would also incentivize folks not to create so much waste."
• I need a second garbage can, and am willing to pay the extra free for one"
• The disruption during the snowstorm this year was unacceptable; streets were left with no collection for over 3 weeks (compost was a month). Need to address this with WM as it snows every year in Victoria...and the pandemic was not new
• Totally agree! And communication was inadequate. People were just leaving garbage and recycling at the curb in case pick up occurred.

Voting Results

Park Services

RATED MOST IMPORTANT SERVICE

Would you increase, decrease or maintain funding for Parks Services?

BEST SCENARIO: 2% INCREASE

[Chart: Vote Distribution bar chart showing the following responses:]

• -4%: 3
• -2%: 1
• 0: 6
• 1%: 2
• 2%: 4 (Option suggested in best scenario)
• 3%: 3
• 4%: 5

Comments

• We need to purchase more park land to preserve the tree canopy, thereby prevent more climate heating.
• Similar to streets, View Royal have some of the nicest public parks in the CRD; ideally there is some room to decrease slightly without losing quality.
• Would like to see more trimback of blackberries near the paths and along the rail corridor, the deadfall is a growing fire hazard every summer.
• We put good money into preserving parks yet residential development can remove trees without recourse or replanting mandates. If each yard did not cut down trees (especially established trees), we would preserve green space, CO2 absorption and reduce greenhouse gases. Also ivy removal from trees should be a priority
• At some point View Royal needs to examine why the ball parks are being maintained at Centennial Park. I do not believe there are any local teams based in our community. Time for a re-purpose?
• Walking-distance-green-space, and shade, need to expand to meet climate needs of growing post pandemic population
• Current funding level is fine.
• I think parks and green spaces are nicely maintained. I would pay more attention to treat health. Some new trees in my neighbourhood struggled last year and went unnoticed by staff u til things got really bad and it was reported. I would think those that mow would see what’s going on, take an interest and notify the town.

Voting Results

Recreation and Culture Services

Would you increase, decrease or maintain funding for Recreation and Culture Services?

BEST SCENARIO: KEEP THE SAME

[Chart: Vote Distribution bar chart showing the following responses:]

• -4%: 2
• -2%: 4
• -1%: 2
• 0: 9 (Option suggested in best scenario)
• 1%: 5
• 3%: 1
• 4%: 1

Comments

• Current level is fine. Why transition away from the casino funding?
• Glad to get away from casino funds.
• the library and the rec centre are gems in the CRD. I will support thoroughly."
• The rec centre is a gem and is always busy. I just wonder how much the VR Library is used especially since the one at the Westshore is relatively close
• see last guests comments on the VR Library

Voting Results

Development Services

Would you increase, decrease or maintain funding for Development Services?

BEST SCENARIO: KEEP THE SAME

[Chart: Vote Distribution bar chart showing the following responses:]

• -8%: 5
• -2%: 2
• 0: 9 (Option suggested in best scenario)
• 2%: 2
• 4%: 2
• 8%: 1

Comments

• Save staff/councils time/money and upzone to match OCP. Waive public hearing for OCP compliant projects.
• Consider slowing the pace of development...appears we may be headed the way of Langford with minimal foresight in terms fo supporting infrastructure (mainly roads) for the increased density
• More commercial services at the corner of Helmcken and Old Island. Could be the makings of a town centre.
• Build up dense residential along the rail corridor and encourage work from home studios, mixed commercial developments, and create a walkable town core.
• Build up missing middle housing along transportation corridors. Put aside funding for a Climate Action Coordinator to review all projects through the lens of climate change and climate equity. Take some of the work off staff and accelerate climate action. The IPCC messaging is clear.
• Current level is fine.

Voting Results

General Government Services

Would you increase, decrease or maintain funding for General Government Services?

BEST SCENARIO: KEEP THE SAME

[Chart: Vote Distribution bar chart showing the following responses:]

• -4%: 2
• -2%: 4
• -1%: 5
• 0: 11 (Option suggested in best scenario)

Comments

• Current level is fine
• Cut the paper costs and simplify your systems.
• Interested in why council voted on council members. Should have been a referendum at voting time. Never saw results of citizen feedback"

Voting Results

Reserve Contributions and Debt

Would you increase, decrease or maintain funding for Reserve Contributions and Debt?

BEST SCENARIO: KEEP THE SAME

[Chart: Vote Distribution bar chart showing the following responses:]

• -4%: 2
• -3%: 1
• -1%: 1
• 0: 16 (Option suggested in best scenario)
• 1%: 2
• 2%: 1

Comments

• Decrease reserve contributions given the previous impact of the pandemic; wait for casino revenue to return full prior to resuming. Maintain debt repayment rates.
• Pay off all Town debt from Casino funds as a priority.
• The pandemic is still affecting the bottom line, it’s too soon to return to normal contributions

Demographics and Outreach

Sentiment Analysis

Top Issues affecting the community

What are the top three issues that should receive the greatest attention from View Royal Council?

[Chart: Bar chart showing frequencies of selected issues:]

• Climate change / action: 10
• Crime: 10
• Parks, playgrounds and other recreation: 7
• Cost to property owner (taxes and other): 7
• Affordable housing: 5
• Fire protection and emergency planning: 5
• Transportation: 4
• Other (Please describe below): 2
• Arts and cultural events / facilities: 1

Comments

• Need to start to plan for climate resiliency in the community; first need to identify weaknesses, start to address them going forward. Need to ensure crime doesn't extend from Victoria into View Royal. Need to recognize the impact pandemic has had on finance as well as the artificially inflated property assessments impact on taxation.
• How can we clean up the messy corners of town where trash piles up via transient visitors? Organize a neighbourhood cleanup?
• I'm hoping to see more concrete and bolder ideas to address affordability from the OCP. IE. significant density bonus for affordable housing projects, upzone single family (why are we reserving most of the land in VR for the top 5% of income earners when many lots can easily accommodate a duplex without significant tree canopy loss). Waive public hearings for OCP compliant projects. I'd like to see at least a missing middle initiative like Victoria. #1 lever for addressing climate change at the municipal level is to add density where amenities exist and making 15 minute neighbourhoods. Eagerly awaiting upcoming work on active transportation plan - hoping for some significant AAA bike network.
• I struggled with this as we are a relatively small town compared to others in the CRD. I want affordable housing for others, but don’t know what “affordable” is. We need to define it. Perhaps strike agreements with the province to develop Co-ops, row house communities, and even rent controlled buildings. But I also need my own costs to be affordable. I’m retired, on fixed income, the pandemic and carbon taxes have increased costs, and I can’t afford much more. Yet I want my community to be livable, safe and even develop events and activities for citizens to enjoy.

Comments Cont.

• Garbage, recycling collection and snow removal.
• Garden suites
• Fire prevention is number one due to presence of Thetis Park and danger of people camping there.
• Better bus routes that connect to places people need to go, like the ferry, airport.

Participants

Participants Age

[Chart: Bar chart showing age distribution:]

• 25-39: 10
• 40-54: 6
• Prefer not to answer: 3

Household income

[Chart: Bar chart showing income distribution:]

• $25,000 to $50,000: 2
• $50,000 to $75,000: 3
• Over $75,000: 14
• Prefer not to answer: 6

How long have you lived in View Royal?

[Chart: Bar chart showing duration of residency:]

• Less than 2 years: 5
• 2-5 years: 4
• 6-9 years: 5
• 10 years or more: 8
• I don't live in View Royal: 3

Housing status

[Chart: Donut chart showing housing status:]

• Owner: 23 (92.0%)
• Other: 2 (8.0%)

Feedback

Feedback

Overall Satisfaction

[Chart: Bar chart showing overall satisfaction ratings:]

• Very good value: 5
• Fairly good value: 16
• Fairly poor value: 2
• Very poor value: 1

Friend Referral

Would you refer this process to a friend?

[Chart: Donut chart showing 100% "Yes" response]

Comments:

• "Yes, Clean interface"
• "Yes, Because the Town needs to know what we really care about. I would add the caveat that the questions are too constraining."

Support for Group Results

Would you support the collective budget outcome that is described on the group results page?

[Chart: Donut chart showing:]

• Yes: 10 (90.9%)
• No: 1 (9.1%)

Support for Final Decision

Would you be more likely to support a government decision if you knew it was based on the results of a process like this?

[Chart: Donut chart showing:]

• Yes: 11 (91.7%)
• No: 1 (8.3%)

Other Processes

Would you like to see Ethelo be used for other processes in your community?

[Chart: Donut chart showing:]

• Yes: 10 (90.9%)
• No: 1 (9.1%)

New Learnings

Did you learn anything new by participating in this process?

[Chart: Donut chart showing:]

• Yes: 5 (45.5%)
• No: 6 (54.5%)

Where can it improve?

What were some of the weak points of the process, which the organizers could improve to make it better for next time?

• Not sure how you increase participation. I saw it on Twitter.
• Require the full reading before commenting?
• Info not highlighted enough in local media. Last minute participation due to current article in Goldstream Gazette.
• Should be mandatory. With so few responses the results could easily be swung by one advocacy group - especially if you don’t have to live in view royal to comment.
• Agree about this results being from a very small % of the population. Easy for a loud minority to overshadow the majority when the issue is more contentious, although I have no idea how you go about increasing engagement. Required reading sounds good too.
• Some verification the survey is being done by view royal residents

What did you like?

Are there any aspects of the process that you liked, that you'd like us to keep and perhaps expand upon?

• Fairly easy
• Very tidy, would like a dark mode
• Easy to navigate

Final Comments

Any final thoughts or feedback? We'd love to hear it!

• It was a good enough attempt to reach out to community members considering the awkward participatory events that have been offered due to Covid regulations. Sorry to have rushed a response at the last minute.
• Thanks for listening.
• Useful tool if filled out with care

Thank you!