Letter dated September 14, 2020 from G. Warren-Adams, Re: Proposed Development - 9 Erskine Lane

• As the community grows, recognize the unique relationship between the highly valued natural and residential characteristics of View Royal;
• Ensure that community services and amenities can be provided within the financial means of the municipality; (Westurban Developments provides for a substantial financial package to View Royal);
• Developing a series of compact, mixed-use centres throughout the Town to promote walkability, enhance access to services, reduce automobile reliance, strengthen the Town’s sense of place and increase housing choice (Westurban Developments is providing a variety of housing unit options for seniors, singles and families alike);
• increase the supply of affordable housing (Westurban Developments is offering some affordable housing);

The Hospital Neighbourhood Centre has seen incremental residential infill. The Northern Gateway Community Corridor and Hospital Neighbourhood Centre anticipate further development of higher density housing and other uses that will benefit from and support VGH and the regional rapid transit stop (planned near Helmcken Road and the Trans-Canada Highway) are supported in the OCP.

The OCP identifies five mixed-use Neighbourhood Centres:

• Lakeside Village
• Atkins
• Burnside Corner
• Hospital
• Thetis Cove

These centres allow for more diverse and higher density housing forms. Allowing for a walkable, people-friendly place where neighbours and visitors have opportunities to come together.

View Royal has less rental housing and less variety of housing types than the regional average. The need to expand the quantity and range of housing options to support a diverse population and ensure residents can remain in the community as their housing needs change is imperative. For example, increased housing choice for young families, seniors and low-income households; each of these groups have varying housing needs. Single family housing in close proximity to schools and parks may be attractive to young families but smaller apartment units located near the hospital, shops and transit better suit seniors and singles.

The community is an inclusive place for both existing and future residents, and View Royal should use its legislative powers to increase the supply of affordable rental and ownership units in all neighbourhoods.

By directing higher density residential development into the Hospital Neighbourhood Centre, the Town will support the creation of activity hubs that place housing close to amenities, jobs, transit and access to the Galloping Goose which will help reduce the need to drive and increase opportunities for community interaction.

This development will also support the viability of the Hospital Neighbourhood Centre by increasing the number of local customers and, again, the municipal tax base required to fund other public amenities.

Westurban’s proposed development not only embraces but exemplifies all aspects of View Royal’s vision as outlined above and in their OCP.

Of course, I am in full support of this development; not only as a Realtor who values quality, community minded developments providing much needed housing, but also as a View Royal homeowner and daughter of a mother who may need suitable living accommodation within her community in the not too distant future.

Regards,

Glenda Warren-Adams