Christie Point Newsletter - September 2016

Development Update and Meeting Summary

On July 25, 2016, Realstar Management held a meeting with Christie Point Residents to let them know that Realstar is exploring the possibility of redeveloping Christie Point. Although nothing has been decided yet, residents might see consultants and other groups touring the site as part of Realstar’s feasibility assessment.

Realstar intends to rezone Christie Point property to permit a new development. The rezoning process is a public process. Residents of Christie Point will have a chance to learn more about the project and to share their feedback with Realstar at a public open house in September. More information about this meeting is provided on page 4. The Town of View Royal will also seek public input on the plans once Realstar submits its application.

Thanks to all that came out to the meeting on July 25. Realstar will make sure to keep you informed about the process as the project progresses.

For further information about the project and if you have any questions, please contact: christiepointredevelopment@realstar.ca

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a rezoning process?

“Zoning” is a planning term that determines what can be built on a site. In order to build something different than what is currently on Christie Point, with more units and more height, Realstar has to undertake a rezoning process.

As part of the rezoning process, Realstar works with the Town of View Royal to determine what can be built at Christie Point. This includes technical studies of traffic and parking, earthquake issues, geotechnical issues, environmental issues and archaeology, among others. Realstar also works with you, the residents of Christie Point, the public and other interested groups. Part of working with you is hearing your feedback and incorporating it into the vision for the redeveloped Christie Point.

The rezoning process is a public process and must be approved by the Town Council.

Rezoning is one of the first steps in a long approvals process, illustrated on the following page.

Christie Point Redevelopment Plan | Approvals Process

Pre-application Steps

• May - June, 2016: Assembly of Consultant Team; Site Analysis + Technical Studies, Preliminary Development Strategy
• July - August, 2016: Residents' Meeting; Local Stakeholder Meetings; Establish Preliminary Plans
• September, 2016: Residents' Meeting (Input / Feedback); Neighbourhood Open House (Input / Feedback); Plan Revisions
• Fall, 2016: Rezoning Application Preparation
• Fall / Winter, 2016: Submission of Rezoning Application to the Town of View Royal

Municipal Review: Rezoning

• Fall / Winter, 2016: Municipal Review by Town Staff, Advisory Committees, Council
• First Reading at a Council Meeting
• Public Hearing
• Spring, 2017: Final Approval of Rezoning Application by Council through Land Use Bylaw Amendment

Municipal Review: Development Permit

• Submission of Development Permit Applications
• Municipal Review by Town Staff, Advisory Committees, Council
• Final Approval of Development Permit Applications by Council

Municipal Review: Building Permit

• Submission of Building Permit Application

How long will rezoning take?

The rezoning process usually takes 6-12 months.

When will Realstar know if it is proceeding with the redevelopment?

Realstar will have a better idea of whether it is proceeding with the project in 6-12 months’ time. Realstar will keep you informed every step of the way.

Will the project proceed?

Realstar is still in the very early stages of the process. At this time, we really don’t know whether the project will proceed.

What is the proposed redevelopment?

Realstar is proposing a new development of approximately 500 units, in several buildings ranging in size from 4-storeys to 9-storeys in height. The buildings would sit generally in the same place as the existing buildings, to preserve the natural beauty of the site.

Will the new development be condominium or rental?

The new development will be rental, providing additional, much needed rental units to the Victoria market.

What will rents be at the new development?

The rents for the new development have not been set yet; however, they will likely be higher than the current rents at Christie Point.

Do I have to move?

Nobody living at Christie Point has to move right now.

Will I have to move in the future?

If the project proceeds, residents will likely have to move to make way for the new development. Realstar is currently looking at ways to phase the construction in several small stages, with the goal of giving residents options to move within Christie Point.

If I have to move, what are my rights?

Under the BC Residential Tenancy Act, you are entitled to 2 months’ notice before having to move. You are also entitled to a one-time payment of one months’ rent as compensation for moving expenses.

Realstar’s commitment to you

In order to work with residents and to do our best to lessen the disruption moving will have for you, Realstar is committed to exceeding the requirements of the BC Residential Tenancy Act. Some of the things we are considering include:

• Realstar will give residents a minimum of 6-months’ notice that they will have to move
• In addition to payment of one months’ rent, Realstar will provide a moving allowance or moving services (including providing packing supplies (boxes, tape)) through a company contracted by Realstar
• If you have a physical disability and there are no able-bodied adults in the household, Realstar will provide assistance with packing
• Realstar will pay for disconnecting and reconnecting cable, internet, telephone
• Realstar will pay for mail forwarding for up to 6 months
• Realstar will give Christie Point residents first right to rent apartments in the new development, at the new rental rates

Next Steps

The next steps for the process include the following:

• Meeting #1: Realstar Follow-up Meeting with Christie Point Residents

• Date: Tuesday, September, 20, 2016

• Time: 4:30 to 6:30 PM

• Location: Christie Point

• Meeting #2: Realstar Public Open House

• Date: Thursday, September, 22, 2016

• Time: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

• Location: View Royal Town Hall, 45 View Royal Avenue