Attachment 3 Engagement Summary – March 2022
Summary of feedback from a virtual neighbourhood information meeting regarding concerns about development scale, privacy, and traffic.
Engagement Summary – March 2022
Engagement Overview
Parsi Development has submitted a rezoning application for 10 Erskine Lane, to increase the density from 30 units to 43 units, and the height from 3 to 5 storeys. In November, 2021, the project team held a public information meeting virtually and promised to return to the community before a public hearing was scheduled with any project updates.
On March 30, 2022, another virtual public information meeting was held. While an in-person meeting was discussed, the strata council of 14 Erskine Lane recommended a virtual meeting was more desirable due to the remaining COVID-19 vaccine requirements for events. Zoom information was emailed to the strata council, who shared it with all residents of 14 Erskine Lane.
The engagement session consisted of:
- Short presentation on project update, status, and actions since the November 2021 engagement
- Opportunity for questions and comments
Contact information was once again shared with residents, with an offer for ongoing communication.
Summary of feedback
Detailed meeting minutes from the March 30th neighbourhood meeting can be found on page 5 of this document. Much of the feedback received echoed what was heard at the November 2021 meeting:
- Concern about the impacts of the rate/scale of development nearby, including proposed or approved projects for 5, 7, and 9 Erskine Lane.
- Mention from one resident that 10% of the population of View Royal will be living on Erskine Lane with all of the new development
- Concern that amenities should all be focused on Erskine Lane
- Project team recommended reaching out to View Royal planning staff to discuss the larger planning and development context of the area, and how to mitigate impacts of the large-scale change happening
- Questions about sidewalks and street parking, and whether the developments that have already been approved would be required to provide sidewalks on the north side of the street
- Some concern about privacy between new units and existing townhouses, and if there was a way to ensure the privacy screening wouldn’t be removed in the future
- Concern about shading impacts of 5 storeys on adjacent buildings
- Project team pointed out that existing trees are likely a similar height to the proposed building, so shading impacts may not change substantially
- Development Permits often require shadow studies
- Appreciate the design of the building and consider it well done
- General questions about the timeline of the project approval and expected construction timeline
- Expression that neighbours are fatigued from the 2+ years of development proposals from other projects
- Questions for clarity on how/when the amenities will be required/delivered
Next steps
Considering the comments received by neighbours, the project team will:
- Stay in contact with residents and answer further questions
- Seek clarity from View Royal about Erskine Lane sidewalks and street parking
- Pass comments from residents on to planning staff at View Royal
Conclusion
The greatest concern heard from neighbours was general about the changes planned for the neighbourhood. Attendees were encouraged to reach out to staff and councillors to discuss these broader concerns.
While the increase in units was not expressed as a concern, the height of the building was a concern for some residents due to privacy and shading. The project team has further analyzed the development to determine the impacts of 5 storeys on shading and privacy, and provided a design Option 2 that increases the upper floor step-backs on the building.
Attachments
- Notice sent to strata council
- Presentation from March 30 neighbourhood meeting
- March 30 neighbourhood meeting minutes