TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL ANNUAL REPORT Year Ended December 31, 2023

CONTENTS

• INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 2
• MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR .......................................................................................... 3
• COMMUNITY PROFILE ..................................................................................................... 4
• SUMMARY OF SERVICES & OPERATIONS........................................................................ 7
• MAYOR & COUNCIL ....................................................................................................... 9
• ORGANIZATIONAL CHART .......................................................................................... 11
• VISION ............................................................................................................................ 12
• MISSION, VALUES & ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE ............................................... 13
• 2023 MUNICIPAL HIGHLIGHTS .................................................................................... 14
  • ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT ............................................................................ 15
  • DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT ................................................................ 17
  • ENGINEERING & PARKS DEPARTMENT ................................................................. 20
  • FINANCE & TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT ............................................................ 23
  • PROTECTIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT..................................................................... 25
• 2023 MUNICIPAL GOALS & OBJECTIVES .................................................................... 27
• LOOKING AHEAD .......................................................................................................... 36
• FINANCIAL INFORMATION............................................................................................ 45

INTRODUCTION

This year’s Annual Report outlines the Town’s achievements and major projects for 2023.

It shows the progress on our 2023 municipal goals and objectives, highlights financial reporting, and gives insight into plans for the future.

Bench at Portage Park Beach

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

Dear Neighbours of View Royal,

It is with great pride that I present to you the Town of View Royal’s Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2023. This report encapsulates our community's significant achievements, the progress made towards our strategic goals, and the challenges we have faced over the past year.

2023 has been a year of remarkable achievements for View Royal. One of the highlights has been the completion of the Town’s first Active Transportation Network Plan. This plan lays the groundwork for the next decade, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure improvements, policies, and programs needed to prioritize active transportation in our community. We have already seen tangible benefits, such as pedestrian lighting improvements and the upgrade of traffic signal cabinets and controllers, which have improved safety and reliability.

Our commitment to environmental stewardship is evident through several key projects. The Resident Tree Planting Program successfully distributed trees to households, enhancing our urban canopy and contributing to our sustainability goals. Additionally, the first phase of riparian improvements to View Royal Park was completed thanks to partnerships with organizations like Greater Victoria Green Teams and the TD Tree Days grant.

In the area of community engagement, we hosted numerous events that brought residents together, fostering a strong sense of community. Notably, our Canada Day celebration returned with great enthusiasm featuring performances, community booths, and traditional games. We also saw the successful implementation of the new Tenant Assistance Policy, providing essential support to residents impacted by major renovations or redevelopment.

While we have much to celebrate, we also faced several challenges. The ongoing issue of the transient population and the associated rise in overdose calls have required us to continually adapt our service delivery models. Additionally, the retirement of our long-serving Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Kim Anema, marked the end of an era of dedicated service. His leadership was instrumental in many of our successes, and we are grateful for his contributions.

The implementation of new bylaws, such as the Building Bylaw and the Secondary Suite Permit Amendment Bylaw, required significant effort from our staff to update systems and inform the community. These changes, though challenging, are crucial for maintaining the Town’s regulatory framework and ensuring sustainable development.

As we move forward, we are committed to building on our successes and addressing the challenges that lie ahead. Our focus will remain on enhancing livability, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring financial sustainability and service excellence. The upcoming projects, such as the development of a Coastal Adaptation Plan and further improvements in active transportation, reflect our dedication to making View Royal a vibrant, resilient, and inclusive community.

In conclusion, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all residents, Council members, and staff for their continued support and hard work. Together, we will continue to make View Royal a great place to live, work, and play.

Sincerely,

Sid Tobias Mayor