Attachment 9 Form and Character of Development (Mixed Residential Guidelines)

MAP 5: MAJOR TRANSPORTATION ROUTES

OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

The following are objectives and policies for directing transportation decisions in View Royal. The content in this section should be reviewed alongside the recommendations and implementation strategies contained in the Transportation Master Plan and Active Transportation Network Plan. These policies are also closely linked to policies contained in other OCP sections, including Chapter 1: Land Use & Urban Design, Chapter 3: Housing and Chapter 4: Economic Development.

OBJECTIVE TR1

Recognize walking, cycling and transit as priority modes of transportation in View Royal. Support the expansion of these transportation networks as a means of reducing dependency on car travel and associated greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a healthy, walkable community.

POLICIES

TR1.1 Multimodal Transportation System

Support and encourage the development of View Royal’s pedestrian, cycling, and public transit networks as part of an interconnected multimodal transportation system.

Roads within View Royal shall be viewed as a “community resource” for the benefit of all, not just motor vehicle users. New measures to enhance opportunities for walking and cycling will increase their appeal, convenience, and safety for all residents. Walking, cycling, bus transit, and other alternatives to the motor vehicle will be integrated into the Town’s regulations, plans, budgets, programs, and operations.

TR1.2 Pedestrian Improvements

Enhance pedestrian access and movement through the development of a system of sidewalks, multi-use trails and pedestrian paths integrated with public transit in all areas. Improvements should be carried out according to the Active Transportation Network Plan.

TR1.3 Cycling Infrastructure

Promote cycling for commuting, personal transport, and recreation purposes through improvements to infrastructure and facilities as identified in the Active Transportation Network Plan.

The inclusion of bicycle parking areas and facilities such as showers, lockers, and change rooms shall be encouraged at commercial, institutional, public, recreational, and multi-family residential development sites.

TR1.4 Transit Services

Promote transit use as a viable alternative to car travel. Advocate for increased transit service and options to meet the diverse needs of the community, including youth, working adults, seniors, and people with mobility challenges. Continue to work with BC Transit to improve the level of service to View Royal’s neighbourhoods, particularly in the Thetis Vale area.

TR1.5 Rapid Transit

Work cooperatively with BC Transit and other stakeholders to develop and implement a rapid transit corridor that will link View Royal to Victoria and the West Shore communities. Ensure that the corridor includes stops in View Royal and that planning for those locations considers land uses and amenities necessary to support mixed-use development and fit within the Vision of the OCP.

Rapid transit stops and stations should be planned and designed to enhance the local area and function as transportation hubs – well connected to other trails, transit routes and roadways. Extensive surface parking lots and “park-and-ride” facilities without activity-generating amenities and land uses are not supported.

Advocate for the preservation of the rail corridor as a transportation corridor. If provincial and federal funding is made available, support the reinstatement of rail service on this corridor.

TR1.6 Trail System

Support the development of a comprehensive multiple-use trail system in View Royal. This includes continued improvements to the Galloping Goose Trail and local trails and the development of the E&N Rail Trail.

Trails should be planned and developed in accordance with regional plans, the Active Transportation Network Plan and a parks and trail master plan. Considerations for trail planning include:

• Meeting the needs of a variety of users through regional multiple-use trails as well as local connectors, footpaths, and nature trails.
• Ensuring trails provide safe connections to destinations such as parks, schools, neighbourhoods, amenity areas and other trails.
• Securing land dedications or statutory right-of-ways from private owners at the time of subdivision or development, in order to create high-quality pedestrian and cycling-friendly neighbourhoods.
• Utilizing surplus road or railway rights-of-way.
• Co-operating with community organizations, non-profit organizations, and other public agencies.
• Ensuring that development does not preclude the use of former railroad rights-of-way or easements as transportation or recreation corridors.
• Ensuring consistency with existing and planned trails in adjacent municipalities.

TR1.7 Transportation Demand Management

Encourage Transportation Demand Management (TDM) measures for new developments and existing areas that could benefit from TDM, particularly large employers and multi-family residential development. TDM plans and strategies should include education, incentives and disincentives, and travel options to support walking, cycling, ridesharing, and transit, and reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips and private car ownership.

Consider decreasing parking requirements for development proposals that incorporate site-specific TDM strategies, and that can demonstrate a decrease in the demand for car travel and an increase in the use of other travel options.

TR1.8 Greenways

Continue to support the implementation of a “greenways system” to provide alternative ways to navigate the Town’s neighbourhoods and connect to regional greenways networks.

TR1.9 Wayfinding

Work to improve wayfinding systems (signage and other methods) to connect active transportation networks and encourage the use of View Royal’s trails, greenways, major cycling corridors and shared-use paths.

TR1.10 Small Boat Launch

Support non-motorized water transportation in View Royal. Investigate opportunities to expand infrastructure for canoes, kayaks and small boats in Esquimalt Harbour and Portage Inlet. This includes identifying and pursuing opportunities for providing public boat launches, docks, and associated facilities.