Letter of Request: Amendment to Covenant CA8718173 – Development Agreement
A formal request from the developer to substitute the required roundabout with a signalized intersection based on traffic engineering findings and property constraints.
111-2036 South Island Hwy Campbell River, BC V9W 0E8 P: 250.914.8485 www.westurban.ca
August 21, 2023
Mayor and Council Township of View Royal 45 View Royal Avenue Victoria, BC, V9B 1A6
RE: Amendment to Covenant CA8718173 – Development Agreement
Mayor and Council:
Please accept this letter as our request to amend Covenant CA8718173 – Development Agreement. This covenant was registered as part of the rezoning process which concluded in early 2021. Schedule “A” of the covenant details the proposed road layout. The Schedule shows a roundabout to be constructed at the intersection of Erskine Lane and Watkiss Way. The intent of the roundabout is to calm traffic and enhance vehicle movements – specifically for traffic exiting Erskine Lane onto Watkiss Way.
A detailed description and analysis of the roundabout’s impact is provided in the attached August, 2023 Traffic Impact Assessment by Watt Consulting. The report concludes that the intersection continues to function at what Traffic Engineers consider an acceptable level without any improvements following occupancy of the units at 9 Erskine Lane. Despite this, a roundabout was proposed and required as a condition of rezoning.
As you are aware the project is under construction. Through the building permit process, the detailed offsite design, and specifically the roundabout design, commenced. After an exhaustive design process, it was determined that a roundabout would not fit within the existing right-of-way area without severe impacts to the adjacent houses and condos in terms of access and required retaining wall structures.
As a result, we propose to substitute the roundabout specified in the covenant with a signalized intersection. The benefits of the signalized intersection are also detailed in the attached Traffic Impact Assessment and result in safe traffic, cyclist and pedestrian movements without the impacts on the adjacent properties.
In addition to this change, we are offering to substitute the planned sidewalk along Erskine Lane, currently detailed in the covenant, with a 3.0m wide multi-use path the length of Erskine Lane connecting with the Galloping Goose trail. This also includes dedication of a statutory right-of-way over our properties to make this possible. This change is also designed to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety while providing a superior connection to benefit all existing and future residents of the area.
Thank you for considering this covenant amendment.
Thank you,
Matthew Fitzgerald MCP, MCIP, RPP Development Director WESTURBAN DEVELOPMENTS LTD.
Real Estate Development that Exceeds Expectations