Draft Annual Report for Year Ended December 31, 2024

ADMINISTRATION (CON’T)

• An “Auntie Archives” feature series was launched on the Town’s social media, highlighting View Royal’s neighbourhoods. Weekly photos were posted with clues, asking people to guess where she was in Town. The series wrapped up on July 1 when people were invited to come to the Archives tent at the Canada Day celebration to try and stump Auntie Archives with their own photos from around View Royal for identification.
• The Town's new Communications and Engagement Coordinator evaluated various public engagement platforms resulting in an agreement with service provider, Social PinPoint. This digital engagement tool will enhance community participation, fostering more meaningful and effective engagement on various projects and initiatives with residents. Staff underwent training on the platform, with plans to launch it in late January 2025.
• December saw long-service recognition for three employees with fifty years of combined service to the Town.
• The Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee – including staff from Colwood, Esquimalt, Highlands, Langford, Metchosin, Sooke, and View Royal – completed a joint Accessibility Plan to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to individuals in or interacting with the partner municipalities. The Plan was informed by multiple surveys and seven community engagement sessions. View Royal Council adopted the final Plan at the meeting on December 10, 2024.

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Development Services provides the current and future land use, planning, and zoning work for View Royal and is responsible for the Official Community Plan (OCP) that guides future growth. Additionally, Development Services supports economic development initiatives and programs.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• In January, a two-year workplan was presented to Council in response to the Province’s housing legislation and their mandated implementation timeline. The workplan included substantial work on amendments to the Zoning Bylaw and Official Community Plan, development permit areas and design guidelines, an interim housing needs report, inclusionary zoning bylaw, updates to the Development Cost Charges Bylaw and creation of a new Amenity Cost Charges Bylaw.
• Staff attended five Provincial webinars on Bill 35 – Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act, Bill 44 – Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, Bill 46 – Housing Statutes (Development Financing) Amendment Act, and Bill 47 – Housing Statutes (Transit-Oriented Areas) Amendment Act. These webinars gave municipal staff from across the Province the opportunity to ask questions on the new legislation and receive additional information on the various housing initiatives that are being rolled out by the Province.
• In March, a new Community Planner was hired in the Development Services Department to work on current planning applications as well as support the department on the Official Community Plan, climate action, and parks planning projects identified in the 2024 - 2028 Financial Plan, Strategic Plan and Council’s resolution follow up list.
• Development Services co-hosted a business mixer with the WestShore Chamber of Commerce on March 13, 2024. Superintendent Preston, WestShore RCMP, was present and spoke about measures to improve business security. Over 35 people attended the event; it was well-received by the business community with much positive feedback.
• After analyzing data from 448 cities across Canada with populations over 10,000, View Royal earned the top spot on the Globe and Mail’s 2024 ranking of the 20 Most Livable Canadian Cities for Entrepreneurs. Fifty variables were considered across ten key categories, including health care, education, safety, transportation, and climate. The town’s vibrant community and strong economy with a strong focus on sustainable growth and connectivity were highlighted as making it an ideal location for business owners and their families.
• On July 30, 2024, the Province announced new housing targets for the Town of View Royal to build 585 new homes over the next five years under the Housing Supply Act.

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (CON’T)

[Photo: Residents visit the pop-up booth for the Community Engagement Survey]

• A Community Engagement Survey ran from July 3 to September 1, 2024, to gather input from the public to help inform the Town on future public engagement on the Official Community Plan, master plans (e.g. Transportation Master Plan, Parks and Trails Master Plan, etc.), and various Town projects (e.g. playground replacement, Off-street Parking Review, Housing Strategy, etc.). The survey received over 300 responses; results will be used to guide future public engagement to ensure methods used are inclusive and accessible and meet the diverse needs of people and neighbourhoods across the community.
• At the Council meeting in May, Council adopted the Transit-Oriented Area (TOA) Designation Bylaw, which designates land within 400m of the prescribed bus exchange on Hospital Way, adjacent to Victoria General Hospital, as a TOA in accordance with the Province’s Bill 47 – 2023. The Province has prescribed specific minimum heights and densities and prohibits a municipality from imposing residential parking requirements for parcels within the TOA.
• A new universally accessible playground was planned for Chancellor Park, a neighbourhood park located at the end of Chancellor Avenue and Quincy Street. Public engagement included a community survey and open house events to gather feedback from the community on how the playground at Chancellor Park could be improved. Construction is planned for 2025.
• In addition to the required amendments to the Zoning Bylaw, amendments to the Official Community Plan were required to ensure consistency between the new housing legislation and the new regulations in the Zoning Bylaw. Changes included adding a new Intensive Residential – Garden Suite Development Permit Area, which will be used to regulate form and character. The existing Schedule P – form and character development permit areas map was also amended by adding those areas identified through SSMUH to the Mixed Residential development permit area. Form and character development permits will now be required for SSMUH or a garden suite prior to applying for a building permit.

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (CON’T)

• In April, Council passed a motion that the Town support a regional application to the Union of BC Municipalities Community Emergency Preparedness Fund – Disaster Risk Reduction – Climate Adaptation Grant and support the City of Victoria as the project lead (primary applicant) for the Gorge Waterway Coastal Flood Adaptation Strategy. The project received grant funding, and the Request for Proposals for Gorge Coastal Flood Adaptation Strategy closed in December 2024. The purpose of this Strategy is to conduct a sea-level rise risk assessment for the area between Portage Inlet and Johnson Street Bridge, provide public education on sea level rise, and identify options for long-term adaptation. The City of Victoria leads the project in partnership with the District of Saanich, Township of Esquimalt, and Town of View Royal. Town staff are part of the project team currently evaluating the proposals. The Town's Coastal Adaptation mapping project that is currently underway will also contribute more refined data modelling for the Town's coastline.
• At the October 15, 2024, Council endorsed the Request for Proposal (RFP) – Terms of Reference for the Official Community Plan (OCP) Review and Update. The RFP was issued on October 17, 2024, and closed on November 8, 2024. Council awarded the contract to Urban Systems on December 3, 2024. Phase 1 of the OCP project, which focuses on the OCP vision and goals, land use, housing and special planning areas, will commence in January 2025.
• On December 12, 2024, Council adopted an updated Sustainability Checklist in accordance with the 2019-2023 Strategic Plan. The checklist is intended to assist applicants to plan projects that further the sustainability objectives of the Town’s OCP and Community Climate Action Strategy. Applicants will submit a completed checklist with development application submissions.
• The major focus in June was implementing Small-Scale, Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH). Amendments to the Zoning Bylaw introduced new regulations to permit SSMUH and garden suites to ensure consistency with the housing legislation (Bill 44 – 2023). The amendments included adding new definitions for houseplex and garden suite, reducing parking requirements for detached dwellings, duplexes, and townhouses, and introducing a new visitor parking requirement, where five or more dwellings exist. The amendments to the Zoning Bylaw were successfully completed prior to the June 30th, 2024 Provincial deadline.

[Photo: Watkiss Way - modern multi-unit residential building with manicured landscaping]

ENGINEERING & PARKS

The Engineering Department is responsible for the ongoing maintenance and capital project delivery for View Royal’s Engineering and Parks assets.

In Engineering, this includes the Town’s transportation systems (roadways, bridges, sidewalks, signage, boulevards, bus shelters, street lighting, traffic signals and storm drains), and environmental systems (garbage, food and yard waste contracting, sanitary sewer conveyance).

In Parks, this includes the maintenance and development of over 70 parks in View Royal that includes manicured and natural green spaces, trails and shoreline accesses, off leash dog areas and pathways, and playgrounds and sports fields. Parks also maintains the grounds at Town Hall and oversees building and fleet maintenance.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• A new single-lane roundabout now replaces the intersection at Six Mile Road and Atkins Road, improving vehicle access on all legs of the intersection while simultaneously improving safety for people who walk, roll and cycle. The roundabout sees a significant improvement to street lighting, wider pedestrian and cycling facilities and enhanced crosswalks with flashing beacons for all legs of the roundabout. The $3.9 million project was funded by the Community Works Fund, ICBC Road Improvements Program, and the Town of View Royal’s Development Costs Charges and Casino Revenue reserves. The project was completed under budget and ready for the annual increase in summer visitors to Thetis Lake Regional Park.
• A new bus stop shelter at Six Mile Road and Chilco Road (Southbound) was installed.
• The Packers Pump Station upgrade project was completed over the summer of 2024.
• A new traffic calming facility (chicane) was installed on Stormont Road at its approach to the Island Highway. The traffic calming facility promotes slower and more attentive driver behaviour within the residential neighbourhood.
• Traffic signals along Island Highway underwent upgrades to improve infrastructure resiliency and accessibility. The latest upgrade was seen at the Helmcken intersection and involved the installation of left turn signals for all legs of the intersection.
• BC Transit began construction of the transit priority lanes project on the Island Highway, between the Colwood Interchange and Six Mile Road. Staff worked with the BC Transit construction team to manage expectations on traffic flow disruptions while the work was being completed.

ENGINEERING & PARKS (CON’T)

• Staff were busy with development servicing as frontage improvements for three of the larger multifamily developments commenced at the same time: 9 Erskine Lane, 244 Island Highway and 258 Helmcken Road.
• Three student interns were hired to work with Engineering and Parks for the peak summer months (two students for Parks, one student for Engineering). Partial funding for these summer students was provided in part thanks to the Government of Canada’s Summer Jobs Grant.
• The Bear-Safe Bin Pilot Project was launched in early 2024 within the Riverside Drive neighbourhood. Bear-Safe Food Waste Bins were distributed in September to participants of the pilot program within this neighbourhood.
• Engineering and the CRD, in partnership with Eagle View Elementary School, completed its Ready Step Roll plan with the school. The plan aims to improve safety and access for students and teachers traveling to and from the school.
• Improvements to the Glentana Trail were completed in time for the wet season, improving the safety of the trail for the community.

ENGINEERING & PARKS (CON’T)

• Split rail fencing was completed in the off-leash dog area in View Royal Park. Staff will monitor from time to time to determine whether additional fencing will be required to protect and enhance the riparian areas. A portion on the west side has been left open to facilitate summer maintenance.
• The Town’s Urban Forest Strategy (UFS) began with the first phase of public engagement in October of 2024. The UFS Plan will help guide the future of View Royal’s urban forest, which includes all trees and forests within its parks, greenspaces, and woodlands, as well as trees along streets and on private land.
• The replacement of the Tovey staircase was completed. The old timbers were starting to rot, and the fresh new staircase is a good neighbourhood amenity in this busy shoreline access park.
• The Knollwood Park playground equipment was installed including an additional slide built into the embankment.
• The emergency access gate at the end of Glentana Road was modified to provide better clearance for wheeled mobility devices and other mobility aids to access the Island Highway. This was a quick fix that fosters universal access and was initiated after meaningful dialogue was provided by nearby residents to staff.

ENGINEERING & PARKS (CON’T)

• The addition to the Right Field / First Base side fencing on Diamond #4 at Helmcken Centennial Park was completed. This made visible difference in keeping the foul balls contained within the diamond. Fencing height went from 1.2m/4ft to 9.1m/30ft to accomplish this.
• The Resident Tree Planting Program saw much interest and success in 2024. Staff held events in April and October with over 250 new trees delivered to Town residents. Applications are currently being collected for the next event in Spring 2025.
• Coordinated by the Greater Victoria Green Team and/or the Town’s Habitat Restoration Program Coordinator, numerous invasive species removal work parties were held in parks around town such as Knockan Hill Park, Portage Park, and Stoneridge Wetland Park demonstrating the Town’s continued work in fostering environmental stewardship within the community.
• The Peninsula Streams Society, in coordination with the Town, completed a Saltwater Marsh Restoration Project in View Royal Park in July. The project aligned with the Parks Master Plan to improve the ecological environment and help manage the landscape for climate change. Furthermore, the project was funded almost entirely by Peninsula Streams and their partnering funders.

[Photo: Volunteers work on the Saltwater Marsh Restoration Project in View Royal Park planting saplings]

FINANCE & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

The Finance Department provides the systems, tools, processes, and personnel to plan, record, and report View Royal’s financial position and operations. This department is instrumental in preparing the annual five year financial plan, financial statements, tax and utility billings, and in ensuring suppliers and employees are paid accurately and on time. The information technology function is responsible for the maintenance and security of electronic information systems and the delivery of technology-enabled projects, including expanding online and electronic billing services.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• The Citizen Budget online engagement tool was open from March 11 to April 1 in conjunction with the publication of the draft 2024-2028 Financial Plan. The informal survey provided information about the five year financial plan and invited residents to see the property tax impact of increasing or decreasing funding for municipal services. The results and comments from the engagement were made available to Council prior to consideration of approval of the 2024-2028 Financial Plan.
• Staff worked with BC Transit to set up a system to allow the public to purchase HandyDART monthly passes and tickets from View Royal Town Hall front counter. This new service provides convenience for HandyDART riders and is cost-neutral for the Town. Additional details and public messaging was provided in advance of the July start date.
• The audit team from MNP conducted the 2023 year-end financial audit in April. The audit was completed virtually and resulted in an unqualified (clean) audit opinion of the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements.
• With property taxes due July 2, Finance staff worked diligently in June to ensure timely and accurate processing of all payments and homeowner grants as well as tax deferment applications. The centralization of the Provincial government’s Home Owner Grant (HOG) and Property Tax Deferment programs continued in 2024. Staff undertook an active communication campaign to remind taxpayers that HOGs and deferments must be submitted directly to the Province and, while staff fielded some inquiries, taxpayers were generally understanding and the process was smooth overall.

FINANCE & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (CON’T)

[Photo: View from Edwards Park lookout showing a wooden platform and a path over rocky terrain]

• Finance staff prepared a report and information package for Council to consider applications for permissive tax exemptions for three eligible properties for which tax exemptions were expiring. Council adopted a bylaw to extend tax exemptions for these properties, after the public notification process was completed. BC Assessment received the tax exemption bylaw, which will affect assessments for the years 2025 to 2034 (inclusive).
• Staff launched a new cybersecurity campaign as part of the switch to Municipal Insurance Association of BC’s Cybersecurity Awareness Training platform. The campaign included training for employees to recognize, avoid and report threats with random email phishing simulations to help employees to practice being alert for suspicious activity.
• IT staff assisted the webcasting team in testing and training on the new Microsoft Teams Town Hall platform for broadcasting Council and Committee meetings. This change was necessary due to the end of technical support for Teams Live Events (the type of webcasting used since 2020) later in 2024. The new Teams Town Hall provides a better experience for home viewers, guest presenters, and members of Council who need to join remotely.

PROTECTIVE SERVICES

The Protective Services Department includes the View Royal Fire Department (VRFD) which is a composite paid and volunteer fire department responsible for fire suppression, fire inspections, and related training and education. It also encompasses policing provided under contract with the RCMP through the West Shore detachment, emergency planning and preparedness, and bylaw compliance.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• January 2024 realized a record month in the Fire Department for calls for service with a 57% increase over the same reporting period in 2023. There was an upward trend in calls for service which continue to see overdoses and fires involving encampments. In partnership with the RCMP, Ministry of Transport, and Island Corridor Foundation, work took place to dismantle and clean up areas in the Town susceptible to the camps.
• In March, the Fire Department’s training and staff development division completed a recruit intake for paid on call firefighters with six recruit firefighters filling existing vacancies. The Fire Department continues to face challenges with the retention of members as several island and lower mainland career departments have hired members from View Royal.
• The Emergency Management office secured two significant grants in Q1 of 2024; one for Emergency Support Services supplies and the second for a FireSmart Coordinator position for the Town. Since creation in 2006, the division has secured nearly half a million dollars in Provincial funding to benefit the Town’s and First Nations’ programs.
• Negotiations with the View Royal Fire Fighters’ Association were successfully concluded, resulting in the historic first Collective Agreement between the Town of View Royal and the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 5419. The ratification marks a significant milestone in the department’s 76-year history.
• The integration of Colwood, View Royal and Langford Fire into a cohesive Westshore Fire Service was launched on April 29, 2024. The new initiative will now provide seamless response logics that send the closest and available apparatus and personnel to fire emergencies. This three-year planning process challenged the Fire Chiefs to consider all aspects of what an actual integrated service could look like. This operational advance complements the existing sharing of fire investigation staff, and will soon include inspection staff, paid on call firefighters, and evaluation of existing fleets to realize potential significant capital cost savings when vehicles are replaced. The Fire Chiefs were pleased with the initial roll-out and the support from all three IAFF Locals who have embraced this historical change in fire protection for Westshore residents and visitors.
• The grant funded Fire Smart Coordinator position was filled internally; the one-year term position started in July. The focus of the position will be to update the existing Wildland Interface report from 2007 and work on various FireSmart initiatives.

PROTECTIVE SERVICES (CON’T)

• The Fire Department concluded their hiring intake for career firefighters. Three paid on-call members were selected and began their careers with View Royal on July 1, 2024. The department lost three paid on-call members to career departments throughout the province.
• The annual Public Safety Open House was another success with approximately 600 people visiting the station. Visitors enjoyed demonstrations, Fire Hall tours, food and drinks.
• A FireSmart Wildfire Mitigation Specialist (WMS) training course was hosted in September at the View Royal Public Safety Building. Firefighters and professionals from 10 Fire Departments and agencies across Southern Vancouver Island participated in the advanced three-day course. The training came at a crucial time as ongoing drought conditions across BC are extended fire risks well into autumn. In 2024 alone, over 1,600 wildfires burned more than 1,000,000 hectares of land in BC, with major incidents like the Old Man Lake fire near Sooke prompting evacuations in late July. Part of the FireSmart Home Partners Program, the training equips participants with the expertise to evaluate wildfire risks and guide homeowners in their communities to take steps to protect their properties. Participants completed five on-site home and building assessments in View Royal, reinforcing their knowledge of wildfire prevention techniques.
• The FireSmart Coordinator conducted numerous free Wildfire Mitigation Assessments for homes in View Royal. During the assessment, residents were provided with a customized list of actions and tips to help reduce wildfire risks around their home.

[Photo: The FireSmart Wildfire Mitigation Specialist training course held at the Public Safety Building with students in a classroom]

2024 MUNICIPAL GOALS & OBJECTIVES

The Strategic Plan provides an opportunity to step back, look at the bigger picture and identify a few key areas or opportunities that require special attention or emphasis. Six strategic priorities have been identified for 2023 - 2026:

• ENHANCE LIVABILITY,
• SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT,
• CLIMATE ACTION & ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP,
• FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY & SERVICE EXCELLENCE,
• COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & GOOD GOVERNANCE, and
• HEALTH, SAFETY & SECURITY.

The Strategic Plan is the roadmap for Council’s decision-making and for the work of municipal staff.

[Photo: Scenic view of Portage Inlet Linear Park with a walking path beside the water]

STRATEGIC PRIORITY - ENHANCE LIVABILITY

GOALS:

1. Shift primary transport mode within View Royal away from vehicles to walking, cycling and transit
2. Improve accessibility options
3. Access to a broad range of housing options to meet the needs of various ages, family types and incomes
4. Ensure proximity to services
5. Build strong relationships and engagement through community events and celebrations
6. Sufficient and appropriate parks and open space
7. Heritage protection

STRATEGIC PRIORITY - ENHANCE LIVABILITY (CON’T)

[Photo: People playing ball at Helmcken Centennial Park]

STRATEGIC PRIORITY - SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

GOALS:

1. Managed growth
2. Increase skilled employment
3. Business retention/attraction
4. Strategic investment in public realm

[Photo: Apartments at Eagle Creek Village - modern multi-story buildings on a rocky site]

STRATEGIC PRIORITY - CLIMATE ACTION & ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

GOALS:

1. Respond to the declared climate action emergency by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in our community
2. Support climate change mitigation and adaptation measures with an emphasis on transportation systems and energy efficient buildings
3. Support community preparation for climate change impacts with respect to sea level rise, storm surge, forest fires, and other extreme weather events

STRATEGIC PRIORITY - FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY & SERVICE EXCELLENCE

GOALS:

1. Confidence in the fiscal health and financial sustainability of the Town
2. Diversified revenue base
3. Anticipate property tax and user fee increases
4. Citizen satisfaction with services and value

STRATEGIC PRIORITY - FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY & SERVICE EXCELLENCE (CON’T)

STRATEGIC PRIORITY - COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & GOOD GOVERNANCE

GOALS:

1. Strong and active citizen participation in community engagement in Town of View Royal meetings, open houses, survey, budget development
2. Strong constructive relationships with neighbouring municipalities, Songhees Nation, and Esquimalt Nation in the CRD
3. Respectful, constructive Council relationships

STRATEGIC PRIORITY - COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & GOOD GOVERNANCE (CON’T)

[Photo: Little Road greenspace - open grassy area with a fence under the sun]

STRATEGIC PRIORITY - HEALTH, SAFETY & SECURITY

GOALS:

1. A real and perceived safe community
2. Prepared for emergencies