Report dated April 10, 2024 from the Director of Corporate Administration/Deputy CAO - 2023-2026 Strategic Plan
Staff report presenting the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan for Council approval.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY C: CLIMATE ACTION & ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
What we heard from citizens Citizens told us they want to:
- focus on community action around climate change.
GOAL 1: Respond to the declared climate action emergency by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in our community
GOAL 2: Support climate change mitigation and adaptation measures with an emphasis on transportation systems and energy efficient buildings
2a | Follow the Province’s timelines for Stage 4 Energy Step Code Resources: In-house
2b | Zero Carbon Step Code implementation Timing: 2024 Resources: In-house
2c | Implement building energy audit to improve the energy efficiency of Town buildings, with supplementary funding from BC Hydro/Fortis Timing: 2025, 2027, 2028 Resources: $20,500
2d | Implement resident owner program to improve energy efficiency of existing housing stock (i.e. oil or gas furnace, window replacement) Timing: Ongoing while program exists Resources: $25,000
2e | Review implications of potential demolition and deconstruction bylaw Timing: 2025-2026 Resources: In-house
GOAL 3: Support community preparation for climate change impacts with respect to sea level rise, storm surge, forest fires, and other extreme weather events
3a | Develop an Urban Forest Strategy Timing: 2024 Resources: $82,500
3b | Update Tree Protection Bylaw to mitigate loss of tree canopy in land development and set tree canopy target Timing: 2024-2025 Resources: In-house
3c | Undertake coastal adaptation mapping as phase 1 in overall plan to develop a sea-level rise and storm surge mitigation and adaptation policy Timing: 2024 Resources: $95,000
3d | Develop and implement a community wildfire resiliency plan Timing: 2024 Resources: $32,010
STRATEGIC PRIORITY D: FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY & SERVICE EXCELLENCE
What we heard from citizens Citizens told us they want to:
- receive good value for tax dollars;
- fund the continuation of current service levels through taxation;
- fund future large projects through putting aside funds annually.
GOAL 1: Confidence in the fiscal health and financial sustainability of the Town
1a | Complete a Sustainable Infrastructure Replacement Plan Timing: 2024 Resources: $4,000 in 2024, $20,000 in 2027
1b | Complete a Strategic Asset Management Plan Timing: 2024 Resources: $4,000
1c | Implement asset management program improvements Timing: 2024-2028 Resources: $180,000 ($80,000 in 2024, $25,000/yr for 2025-2028)
GOAL 2: Diversified revenue base
2a | Continue to improve relationships with business community to build business friendly reputation—consider expanded Home Occupation definition; engage with South Island Prosperity Project annually, explore amendments to West Shore Chamber of Commerce funding model; engage with Destination Victoria, advocate with the Film Commission Timing: Ongoing Resources: In-house
2b | Develop an investment program (policy, contracts, relationships (Municipal Finance Authority)) to increase return on investments Timing: 2024 Resources: $25,000
2c | Develop an Amenity Cost Charges Bylaw and Update DCC Bylaw Timing: 2025 Resources: $75,000
GOAL 3: Anticipate property tax and user fee increases
3a | Include future staffing level requirements for all five-years in the Financial Plan Timing: On-going Resources: In-house
3b | Initiate a long-term Facilities Management Plan Timing: 2025 Resources: In-house
GOAL 4: Citizen satisfaction with services and value
4a | Engage community on priorities/guidelines for use of developer contributions (e.g., amenity contributions) Timing: 2025 Resources: In-house
4b | Conduct a statistically valid citizen satisfaction survey Timing: 2027 Resources: $40,000
STRATEGIC PRIORITY E: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & GOOD GOVERNANCE
What we heard from citizens Citizens told us they want to:
- transparency in decision-making;
- respectful meetings.
GOAL 1: Strong and active citizen participation in community engagement in Town of View Royal meetings, open houses, surveys, budget development
1a | Develop a community engagement and communication tool Timing: 2024 Resources: $80,000
1b | Review the Town’s website Timing: 2026
1c | Examine the role of both Council and advisory committees in View Royal Timing: 2024-2025 Resources: In-house
GOAL 2: Strong constructive relationships with neighbouring municipalities, Songhees Nation and Esquimalt Nation in the CRD
2a | Host at least one Council to Council event with each First Nation Timing: 2025 Resources: In-house
2b | Arrange intermunicipal events celebrating connections between Colwood, Esquimalt, Langford, Saanich, CRD Parks and View Royal Timing: 2024 Resources: In-house
2c | On-going Truth and Reconciliation awareness initiatives Timing: On-going Resources: $7,500
GOAL 3: Respectful, constructive Council relationships
- 3a | Review Council code of conduct Timing: 2024 Resources: In-house
