Letter from Royal Roads University Regarding Expansion of Partnership

June 23, 2026

Town of View Royal 45 View Royal Avenue Victoria, BC V9B 1A6

Dear Mayor Tobias and View Royal Councillors:

We are writing to invite the Town of View Royal to consider, at its July 14, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting, expanding its partnership with Royal Roads University (RRU). This opportunity involves a project connected to the current (2011) and draft Official Community Plan, as well as the current Parks Master Plan, delivered through the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Innovation and Sustainability program.

The proposed project would research options for a public outdoor market in View Royal. Deliverables for the Town would include a cost-benefit analysis, a “What We Heard” report, and an options report.

As introduced to View Royal Council by Danica Straith, Director of Community Learning Partnerships, back in June of 2025, community-academic partnerships are a way for municipalities and Royal Roads University to collaborate towards mutual benefit.

The BBA program is project-based, with students working as junior consultants over several weeks on projects for local public, private, and non-profit clients. The proposed public market project would take place over four weeks in March–April 2027. There is no cost to the Town for participation.

Outcomes of previous RRU BBA projects with the City of Langford, City of Colwood and District of Sooke include:

• Building trust-based relationships between students, municipal staff, faculty and community.
• Launching innovative projects that advance specific municipal goals.
• Inspiring students to be more engaged citizens.
• Shifting to a more collaborative culture within municipalities and across higher education.
• Contributing to more liveable, joyful, sustainable, and inclusive municipalities in our region.

Thank you for your consideration. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

Lee Sentes, MA Program Head, BBA Program

Lisa Caton, MA Manager, Community Learning Partnerships

cc. Zoë MacLeod, PhD, Dean, Partnerships and Professional Learning, RRU