Attachment F to Attachment C: Community Workshop Summary and Surveys
Redundant collection of the workshop summary and all handwritten exit surveys.
Community Workshop – Commercial Space at The Royale - Summary:
Date of Workshop: August 2025 Location: The Royale, #101–258 Helmcken Road, View Royal Purpose: To gather public input on the proposed application to expand allowable commercial uses within the CD-26 Island Highway/Helmcken zoning to include a mix of café, medical, office, and retail uses on the ground floor of The Royale.
Overall Participation
A total of 16 exit surveys were submitted by local residents and neighbours, primarily from:
- The Royale and Lions Cove residences
- Ashley Gate Townhomes
- Nearby Island Highway properties
Quantitative Summary (Across 3 Key Questions)
| Question | Strongly Agree | Agree | Neutral | Strongly Disagree |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Proposed commercial uses appropriate for this location | 3 | 6 | 2 | 1 |
| 2. Important to have a variety of options | 3 | 7 | 0 | 2 |
| 3. Space and location well built for the above options | 2 | 6 | 3 | 1 |
Overall Sentiment: Approximately 75–80% of respondents expressed agreement or strong agreement with the proposed uses. About 20–25% showed neutral or opposing views, largely focused on traffic near the Island Hwy/Helmcken intersection.
Key Themes from Comments
1. Strong Support for Café & Medical Uses
Multiple respondents highlighted a café or small takeout coffee shop as a positive addition to the community:
- “A café is a good idea for community — perhaps expand their products a little past coffee.”
- “Coffee shop/takeout would be great.”
Others felt medical or wellness-oriented offices would serve seniors and residents well:
- “Medical offices to include physio, occupational therapy and counselling.”
- “A medical clinic is also a great asset to the community.”
2. Desire for Local, Neighbourhood-Oriented Tenants
Several respondents emphasized maintaining a “local” rather than chain-commercial identity:
- “Keep the café local — don’t go commercial.”
Comments favoured neighbourhood-friendly and quiet daytime operations that complement the residential character.
3. Optimism for Mixed-Use Vibrancy
A few responses reflected enthusiasm for mixed-use revitalization:
- “Mixed use is wise — could become a vibrant location.”
- “Good for both residents and the surrounding community.”
Overall Sentiment Summary
| Sentiment | Approx. % of Respondents | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Positive / Supportive | ~70% | Support café, medical, and local retail uses; believe the mix enhances community value. |
| Neutral / Conditional Support | ~20% | Generally open but request improvements to parking and traffic management. |
| Negative / Opposed | ~10% | Prefer grocery reinstatement; concerned about congestion and safety. |
Conclusion & Takeaways
Community feedback from The Royale workshop indicates strong general support for the proposed amendment to allow broader commercial uses, particularly a neighbourhood café and medical services. Respondents value local character, daytime-only operations, and services that benefit seniors and nearby residents.
The proposed zoning amendment would include conditions of use consistent with those already in place for the existing neighbourhood grocery. These conditions would limit hours of operation between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., ensuring that all future commercial uses remain compatible with the surrounding residential neighbourhood. This framework helps maintain a quiet, community-focused environment while still supporting convenient local amenities for nearby residents.
Community Workshop Exit Surveys
Overview
The intent of this application is to alter the allowable commercial land uses allowed within the current CD-26 Island Highway /Helmcken Zoning to include a broader range of community-supported uses. We’re planning to add a few new, neighborhood-friendly businesses on the ground floor.
Uses Sought: The uses applied for in this application would be in addition to Grocery and would include:
- Café; where you can grab your morning cup or meet a friend
- Medical; convenient for check ups
- Office; and
- Retail;
All of these businesses will:
- Keep regular daytime hours (no late-night activity).
- Maintain a safe, quiet, and clean environment.
- Offer services that benefit both residents and the surrounding community.
Exit Survey 1
Name: Shaheed Ali Address: Helmcken Road
1. I feel that the proposed commercial uses are appropriate for this location?
- Response: Agree
2. I believe it’s important to have a variety of options in the commercial spaces
- Response: Agree
3. I believe the space and location is well built for the above options
- Response: Strongly agree
Additional comments: [None]
Exit Survey 2
Name: Zaheen (Jane) Ali Address: Helmcken Road
1. I feel that the proposed commercial uses are appropriate for this location?
- Response: Strongly agree
2. I believe it’s important to have a variety of options in the commercial spaces
- Response: Strongly agree
3. I believe the space and location is well built for the above options
- Response: Strongly agree
Additional comments: All the above options would be fabulous.
Exit Survey 3
Name: D. Frewing Address: View Royal Ave
1. I feel that the proposed commercial uses are appropriate for this location?
- Response: Neutral
2. I believe it’s important to have a variety of options in the commercial spaces
- Response: Neutral
3. I believe the space and location is well built for the above options
- Response: Neutral
Additional comments: was looking forward to a boutique type grocery so am unsure about changes to zoning.
Handwritten note at bottom: Did the developer receive any special consideration for providing a grocery space ??
Exit Survey 4
Name: Gurpaul Teja Address: Helmcken Road
1. I feel that the proposed commercial uses are appropriate for this location?
- Response: Agree
2. I believe it’s important to have a variety of options in the commercial spaces
- Response: Agree
3. I believe the space and location is well built for the above options
- Response: Neutral
Additional comments: Love an idea for a cafe or something to gather people -> meeting spot
Exit Survey 5
Name: Karen Macdonald Address: Helmcken rd.
1. I feel that the proposed commercial uses are appropriate for this location?
- Response: Agree
2. I believe it’s important to have a variety of options in the commercial spaces
- Response: Neutral
3. I believe the space and location is well built for the above options
- Response: Agree
Additional comments: Very open to all the above options, excited to see it occupied.
Exit Survey 6
Name: Brenda Palmer Address: Island Hwy, Victoria
1. I feel that the proposed commercial uses are appropriate for this location?
- Response: Agree
2. I believe it’s important to have a variety of options in the commercial spaces
- Response: Agree
3. I believe the space and location is well built for the above options
- Response: Neutral
Additional comments: [None]
Exit Survey 7
Name: Ian Smith Address: Island Hwy.
1. I feel that the proposed commercial uses are appropriate for this location?
- Response: Neutral
2. I believe it’s important to have a variety of options in the commercial spaces
- Response: Agree
3. I believe the space and location is well built for the above options
- Response: Strongly Disagree
Additional comments: There's a difference between the local council having a need for office/medical space and the local residents benefitting from them being here.
Exit Survey 8
Name: Linda Cheney Address: Island Hwy
1. I feel that the proposed commercial uses are appropriate for this location?
- Response: Strongly agree
2. I believe it’s important to have a variety of options in the commercial spaces
- Response: Agree
3. I believe the space and location is well built for the above options
- Response: Agree
Additional comments: Yes a cafe is a good idea for community. Perhaps the cafe could expand their products a little past cafe if the community would be interested
Exit Survey 9
Name: Edith English Address: Island Hwy
1. I feel that the proposed commercial uses are appropriate for this location?
- Response: Agree
2. I believe it’s important to have a variety of options in the commercial spaces
- Response: Agree
3. I believe the space and location is well built for the above options
- Response: Agree
Additional comments: MIXED USE IS WISE. COULD BECOME A VIBRANT LOCATION
Exit Survey 10
Name: Sarah Timleck Address: Helmcken Victoria
1. I feel that the proposed commercial uses are appropriate for this location?
- Response: Strongly agree
2. I believe it’s important to have a variety of options in the commercial spaces
- Response: Strongly agree
3. I believe the space and location is well built for the above options
- Response: Strongly agree
Additional comments: I would love to see a sandwich shop / Deli move into the space. Something offering breakfast and lunch options. A medical clinic is also a great asset to the community.
Exit Survey 11
Name: [Illegible] Address: Ashley Gate Townhouse resident.
1. I feel that the proposed commercial uses are appropriate for this location?
- Response: Neutral
2. I believe it’s important to have a variety of options in the commercial spaces
- Response: Strongly Disagree
3. I believe the space and location is well built for the above options
- Response: Neutral
Additional comments: The corner is very busy and exiting is difficult at the best of times. There have been accidents at this corner on a regular basis. Parking is also an issue in this area. If the 29 spaces are for retail/med clients, where do the employees park
Exit Survey 12
Name: ASHLEY GATE RESIDENT Address: [Not provided]
1. I feel that the proposed commercial uses are appropriate for this location?
- Response: Strongly agree
2. I believe it’s important to have a variety of options in the commercial spaces
- Response: Agree
3. I believe the space and location is well built for the above options
- Response: Neutral
Additional comments: WOULD PREFER A GROCERY STORE RATHER THAN COFFEE SHOP OR OTHER COMMERCIAL USE.
Exit Survey 13
Name: J HARDER Address: ELTHAM RD VICTORIA
1. I feel that the proposed commercial uses are appropriate for this location?
- Response: Strongly agree
2. I believe it’s important to have a variety of options in the commercial spaces
- Response: Agree
3. I believe the space and location is well built for the above options
- Response: Agree
Additional comments: COFFEE SHOP/TAKEOUT WOULD BE GREAT
Exit Survey 14
Name: C. Griffith Address: Island Hwy, View Royal
1. I feel that the proposed commercial uses are appropriate for this location?
- Response: Agree
2. I believe it’s important to have a variety of options in the commercial spaces
- Response: Agree
3. I believe the space and location is well built for the above options
- Response: Agree
Additional comments: Keep the Cafe local + don’t go commercial
Exit Survey 15
Name: Rena Olson Address: Island Hwy
1. I feel that the proposed commercial uses are appropriate for this location?
- Response: Agree
2. I believe it’s important to have a variety of options in the commercial spaces
- Response: Agree
3. I believe the space and location is well built for the above options
- Response: Agree
Additional comments: I’m sad about losing the Grocery Store However, I realize you tried. So - I agree, a medical situation would be useful especially the Physio!
Exit Survey 16
Name: Bernie Sylvesti Address: Island Hwy
1. I feel that the proposed commercial uses are appropriate for this location?
- Response: Agree
2. I believe it’s important to have a variety of options in the commercial spaces
- Response: Agree
3. I believe the space and location is well built for the above options
- Response: Neutral
Additional comments: Medical offices to include physio, occupational therapy and counselling!