Email dated July 21, 2020 from Jane Devonshire, Subject: #9 Erskine Lane

Correspondence: #9 Erskine Lane

From: Jane Devonshire
Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2020 2:12 PM
To: Info Address info@viewroyal.ca
Subject: #9 Erskine Lane

Dear Mayor, Council and VR Staff,

Re: #9 Erskine Lane

You have previously received a personal correspondence from me regarding my thoughts on #9 Erskine Lane.

Today I am writing to you on behalf of the VRCC. We would like to make it known that we would like to see this property retain it’s present zoning and to remain as a visionary gift for the people of View Royal.

Climate Change has not abated amidst the all-consuming covid-19 pandemic. We must continue to be proactive to mitigate and adapt. While countries around the world are scrambling to create forests we are blessed to already have a forest of mature Douglas fir and Gary Oaks that are well adapted to our semi-arid climate. As per our Strategic Plan we should have stronger tree protection bylaws and be increasing our urban canopy as opposed to reducing it.

Due to time constraints, we have not been able to get information on how much of our urban canopy we have lost over these past few years. If you factor in this development alone plus the one at Thetis, I am guessing it would be quite substantial. We would like to see the Town get total numbers on urban canopy loss from either the Urban Forest Initiative or possibility from the Habitat Acquisition Trust before moving any further on this project. Would the loss of these trees be factored into the Town’s carbon budget and GHG emissions calculations? Would the Town also not be working against its municipal commitment under BC’s Climate Action Charter each time it removes tree cover from the municipality?

As mentioned previously, these mature trees are not only priceless for the work they do in carbon sequestration but their co-benefits towards our mental health and physical well-being are immense. They can provide a sanctuary and a place of solace, a place where one can go cool down in our ever increasingly warmer climate, a place where people can get out to walk safely socially-distanced and get that much needed clean, fresh air and exercise. As our own OCP states, our urban forests are a highly valued asset.

We can appreciate too though that housing is an important issue so if a compromise has to be reached, we would like to see the bar set high as reflected by several other projects like Chilco, Lakeside and Eagle’s Nest where there has been a concerted effort by the developers to save as many trees as possible. We would like to see between 40 – 60% protected under a covenant with oversight from an arborist. Planting replacement trees would take many lifetimes before they can come anywhere near to what a mature Douglas fir can do for us. We want no “mistakes” like what transpired last week in Saanich. Any trees that are to be removed should be clearly marked, the public informed and given an opportunity for feedback. Any “mistakes” should come with a massive fine or even revoking of a permit.

From what we have seen from the project so far, we feel that it needs to be revisited and looked at through the lens of climate change and sustainability. There is far too much land being paved over. It is reminiscent of Joni Mitchell’s Big Yellow Taxi lyrics, “paved paradise and put up a parking lot, you don’t know what you got till it’s gone.”

All parking should be underground. The number of EV charging stations for cars, bikes and scooters needs to be substantially increased as well as the number of EV car share vehicles and bikes. Build up not out. Encourage walkability and cycling with separated bike lanes to make them appealing and safer. The playground should be on site and not a cost born by the town. Large developments like this already put an added strain on our infrastructure and one wonders if in the long run it is beneficial to the Town’s bottom line.

The strength of our economy should be measured by the health and happiness of its residents and not the GDP.

Respectfully yours,

Jane Devonshire on behalf of the VRCC
242 Glenairlie Drive, V9B1K3