Correspondence from J. Devonshire
Email expressing concerns that the development is too massive and doesn't fit the community vision, suggesting townhouses instead.
Proposed Development of 167, 169, 171 Island Highway
From: Jane Devonshire
Sent: January 31, 2022 1:09 PM
To: Info Address info@viewroyal.ca
Subject: Proposed Development of 167, 169, 171 Island Highway
Dear Mayor and Council,
Re: 167, 169 and 171 Island Highway
When I took a close look at the artist’s rendering of this proposed development at 167, 169 and 171 on the Island Highway, my spontaneous reaction was, “Whoa! This is massive and just does not fit into our vision of View Royal.”
Both Victoria and Vancouver are taking a serious look at missing middle housing and this location would be ideal for such a development as it sits right on the transit corridor. Here is an article with some wonderful illustrations of how attractive and accepted by their communities these developments can be:
Please also check out Mayor Kennedy Stewart’s makinghome.ca for some very innovative ideas around affordable housing.
This could be a pilot project for the Town and put us on the map for showing bold leadership. I think once people can see how attractive and community oriented these buildings can be, residents will be far more receptive to developments like this in their neighbourhoods.
To step it up even further, in the spirit of “build back better,” going for passive buildings would be a great investment in our community, building safe homes that can meet the challenges of climate change from severe heat domes to severe cold snaps.
These homes could be attractively marketed to those who really want to make a difference to their carbon footprint, save on energy consumption & costs, those looking for safe, comfortable & healthy homes, and for those who want to live a healthy active transportation lifestyle.
The Town could take a serious look at reducing the parking requirements which would greatly reduce costs and make these homes even more affordable. Perhaps a designated number of these could even be set aside for doctors who would commit to practicing in View Royal as we certainly need to incentivize them to stay here.
Sincerely hoping that the developer will consider re-working his vision for these properties. There is no doubt there is a great need for more affordable housing and middle housing is something I would very much support.
Sincerely,
Jane Devonshire