TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL

CONTENTS

Introduction 3 Vision 4 Mission & Values 5 Organizational Excellence 6 Strategic Planning Process 7 Strategic Priorities 8 A. Enhance Livability 9 B. Sustainable Development 13 C. Climate Action & Environmental Stewardship 15 D. Financial Sustainability & Service Excellence 18 E. Community Engagement & Good Governance 21 F. Health, Safety & Security 23

INTRODUCTION

We're working together to make View Royal better every day. We're focusing on what's important to the citizens of View Royal, constantly improving how we do business and ensuring we plan for our future to build a strong, healthy, and thriving View Royal.

This Strategic Plan details what we hear from citizens about what is important to them and what they want the Town to do on their behalf.

The Plan is based on ongoing public input – as it is a “living document” – and specifically includes input from a survey conducted in Spring 2019. What also shapes the Plan has been dramatic changes experienced across many sectors due to both the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing affordability crisis including housing, food, energy, and taxation. There are plans to comprehensively survey View Royal residents again which will inform future iterations of the Strategic Plan and serve to check-in on the benchmark data received in 2019, noting the impacts of change over time.

This Plan lays out a long-term strategy for the organization that reflects what citizens said is important to them; the Plan will guide the decision making of Council and the work of staff.

VISION

The following statement sets out the community’s aspirations for what View Royal should be in 20 years and beyond. It describes the state of the community in the future as residents wish it to evolve. The Vision was developed through extensive consultation with the community and is the guiding force behind the policies of the Official Community Plan.

“View Royal is a dynamic and inclusive community that manages growth, while retaining the charm of its traditional neighbourhoods. It is home and workplace to people from all walks of life. Its neighbourhoods are attractive, affordable, walkable, safe people places. Each neighbourhood has an identifiable character and is connected to nearby centres through greenspace corridors and pedestrian/cyclist-friendly streets. Some centres are parks for families to gather and youth to play sports. Others are bustling, mixed-use places with a range of services, amenities, businesses, and housing.

View Royal recognizes the impacts of climate change, and is responding by actively promoting energy-efficient, sustainable development, and environmental protection. Well-designed compact housing ensures choice, affordability, and better use of land. Infill and redevelopment near neighbourhood centres and transit corridors provides jobs and services closer to where people live – minimizing the need for commuting and creating pedestrian-friendly streets and destinations.

The local economy is diversified and strong, providing employment, shopping, and service options to local and regional residents. Heritage tourism and eco-tourism are promoted as sustainable ways to stimulate the economy and showcase View Royal’s environmental and cultural assets.

Getting around safely by foot, bike, bus, and train is convenient and enjoyable, and a viable alternative to car travel. Train, light rail, and other forms of rapid transit are supported by development that facilitates ridership and walkable places.

The Town is endowed with unique natural environments – Thetis Lake Park, Millstream Creek, Craigflower Creek, Esquimalt Harbour and Portage Inlet. The integrity and beauty of these natural amenities are protected and enhanced, while public access to recreation and natural areas is improved. The Town’s vast recreation assets are well promoted and integrated into the community. Environmental stewardship and better use of resources – such as alternative energy generation and enhanced waste management – are pursued.” (Official Community Plan Bylaw 2011)

Livable View Royal – simply the best place to call home!

MISSION

View Royal is committed to building a resilient, safe, healthy, and vibrant community that provides services and good governance while maintaining Town assets and fostering economic, environmental, and social wellbeing. (BC Community Charter, Sec. 7).

VALUES

The Town of View Royal pursues community excellence through a corporate culture that is:

• Accountable
• Respectful
• Open and transparent
• Inclusive
• Ethical
• Collaborative
• Innovative
• Proactive
• Efficient and effective