ATTACHMENT “B” STRAT PLAN feedback
Detailed written feedback from John Rogers regarding the Strategic Plan, highlighting areas of concern like climate crisis, walkability, and financial sustainability.
STRAT PLAN feedback
On previous Councils, the concrete rule was if it wasn’t in the Strat Plan, it wasn’t going to get done. Similarly, if it was listed as a “one off” one event, that’s all we’re going to for that ‘initiative’. This council has to determine if these “rules” still in place? The other unease is there is no accountability if no scale of accomplishment. For example, including GHG reduction targets is key to meeting the plan.
GENERAL
There can be a “lip service effect” with “part-action” words like "explore / examine". There is no commitment to do more. All such “categories” should be done in 2024 and re-assessed in the annual review. For example, no deliverable about really engaging and trusting residents to be actively involved in meaningful advisory committees beyond a one-time survey.
What shapes the plan is not just the “affordability crisis” Climate crisis must be noted as well.
Our 20 year vision has been around for 20 years. It is due for a report card on the old vision of . “Charm of neighbourhoods and identifiable character” that are radically challenged by province now SFDs are outlawed.
Another: The 2022 ATP Baseline Report lists all the inadequate incomplete sidewalks and bike lanes that have existed for 20 years. Only a few of our streets are friendly, only because little traffic. Another: Getting around safely by foot, bike, bus AND TRAIN?! Can we say “rapid transit” instead?
Reference to “walkable services” needs serious assessment. Only 2/3s of town still has no walkable services. Chilco is a case in point. Visions says “VAST recreation assets”. Are we including Thetis Lake, West Shore Rec that we don’t actually own? Otherwise, its just “adequate”, and as population increases it’ll be inadequate.
How have we promoted tourism, eco-tourism?? We have barely acknowledged heritage and refused to protect / preserve the historical foundations of our community like Craigflower Manor. ! Exhibit A: lip service. Will we help fund Westshore Chamber to re-open their Tourist Centre?
SECTIONS
A ENHANCE LIVEABILITY:
all citizens want to be able to move around community efficiently, -- Muist be SAFE and COMFORT. for all as per Active transportation plan
DON’T limit to just schools. Include WORK and SHOPPING is a requirement
- ADD: reduce neighbourhood speed limits to 30k,
- upgrade % of inferior sidewalks (2 km this term)
- Work with CRD to facilitate pedestrian lane on GGT to Helmcken
- Work with senior governments, transit, MOTi, First Nations and neighbouring municipalities for bike lanes, widen sidewalks, and bus stops on Admirals (design by 2025) … and hardened corner (at Island Highway)
- E-Scooter pilot are 4 years that MUST be a plan with a budget. Staff resources, bylaw, road improvements, policing, complaints, licencing rentals, …all the unforeseen.
- ASSESS noise abatement along Portage Linear Park re: MOTi bus shoulder project
- Explore support options for GVPL means what… What do we want to do at Westshore Rec centre Reminds us and share the intent with residents.
- develop Helmcken Park plan. How /when is community consultation going to happen?.
- Liveability 4d... isn’t this the same as 6d?
- Construct dog off leash park at 80 Atkins (2025) as per Council direction
- Implement the Watkiss Way Park
- Plan to ensure sufficient park space (natural and recreational) for every 1000 residents
- Assess heritage preservation bylaws of other CRD municipalities (Colwood) towards adoption of bylaws by 2026 GOAL municipal heritage status for Craigflower Manor
B Sustainable Development?
Business retention / attraction
- At Business Mixer the Wine Shop wants to see town promotion of local businesses thru flyers to community residents. We must do more than 3 hours / year.
- Business Tourism brings community wealth!
- Create hotel tax bylaw (for tourism visitor centre)
- Promote Victoria Waterways Loop and VR’s Portage link
- Solicit cost share for sign posting of businesses in Portage Park
- “Westshore Gateway” at Canadian Tire… Atkins Mobility hub??
C Climate Action
#1 We have set GHG reduction targets as policy ... please clearly state the intended targets for this term. Why no work plan? #2 Transportation systems is a goal but there is nothing in the targets or work plan
Add ensure step code 4-5 apply to 4 and 6 plexes set in provincial housing legislation
D Financial sustainability
Diversify revenue base. …Vague and assuming. Are we closed for business?
We must reduce dependency on casino. Will the provincial changes to DCCs/ CACs impact our revenue streams?
Must do MORE than just one 3-hour business mixer / year … Let’s create a WESTSHORE tourism strategy for initiatives and busineses in both Westshore and Core.
Separate: develop Amenity Charges bylaw REVIEW DCC bylaw … two different years? Is $75k sufficient for both?
Anticipate increase in taxes given we cannot keep postponing reserves, police, and using surplus. . ACTION: how do we avoid worst case scenarios over 10% tax?
ADD: Improve credibility with senior governments to increase chances of substantial grants
E COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
GOAL: Promote STRONG and ACTIVE citizen participation in community engagement
"Revise roles of both Council and advisory committees to diversify, strengthen (educate) and empower community participation in town decision making process/ THEY can help us achieve the Strategic Plan goals.
ADD Establish a citizen budget sub-committee to work on the on-line feedback tool
f. HEALTH SAFETY
Work with CRD / province for disaster warning re: Thetis Lake dams (CRD alarm for Sooks Lake failure down stream). Low risk but high impact on life and property.
ADD Work with CRD and First Nations to ensure post disaster water supply is available to residents through efficient deployment of drop kit equipment to our hardened hydrants.
Finally, for all EXPLORE work plan items, lets find a “build, develop, update, implement…” solution
Sincerely, John Rogers
April 8, 2024