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Council Meeting/Documents/2023 MUNICIPAL GOALS & OBJECTIVES
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2023 MUNICIPAL GOALS & OBJECTIVES

July 16, 2024Pages 82–902 sections

Status report on the Town's progress toward achieving six strategic priorities identified for the 2023-2026 period.

1 CALL TO ORDER- Mayor Tobias called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Tenant Assistance Policy #6400-042 adopted July 4, 2023Level 4 Zero Carbon Step Code implementation accelerated on September 5, 2023Sustainable Infrastructure Replacement Plan (SIRP) presentation on Dec 13, 2023

2023 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,
  • SUSATINABLE 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: Island Highway]

STRATEGIC PRIORITY - ENHANCE LIVABILITY

GOALS:

  • Shift primary transport mode within View Royal away from vehicles to walking, cycling and transit
  • Improve accessibility options
  • Access to a broad range of housing options to meet the needs of various ages, family types and incomes
  • Ensure proximity to services
  • Build strong relationships and engagement through community events and celebrations
  • Sufficient and appropriate parks and open space
  • Heritage protection
2023 PROJECTS & INITIATIVES OUTCOME
Identify and implement improvements to enhance existing infrastructure that facilitates improved safe routes to schools and Walking School Bus opportunities
  • The Town of View Royal is currently enrolled in CRD’s Ready Step Roll program, in partnership with Eagle View Elementary School.
  • Report to be provided to the Town with recommendations.
Engage BC Transit to pursue commitment for a higher level of transit service, including improvements to underserviced areas
  • Complete; considered at Feb. 21, 2023 Council meeting and decision to support advocacy. Follow-up letters were sent Feb. 23, 2023.
  • The Engineering Department is proceeding with the bus shelter installation program.
Develop an accessibility plan with partners In progress. An initial Accessibility Committee comprised of staff from partner municipalities, including View Royal, will review the Town’s internal practices for making information, activities, and environments sensible, meaningful, and usable for as many people as possible.
Develop an Active Transportation Network Plan Complete. The document provides a short to long term priority plan to inform on future capital planning and policy creation to improve active transportation in View Royal.
Establish Tenant Assistance Policy Complete. Policy #6400-042 was adopted by Council on July 4, 2023.
Work with Westshore communities to develop a performing arts facility In progress.

STRATEGIC PRIORITY - ENHANCE LIVABILITY (CON’T)

2023 PROJECTS & INITIATIVES OUTCOME
Explore options for Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) services In progress.
Undertake planning for community gathering places on Town owned lands To be included as a component of the Parks Master Plan review.
Engage a Communications and Engagement Coordinator to enhance current events and/or devise new community-building initiatives A new 0.5FTE Communications & Engagement Coordinator position was approved to start in 2024.
Develop a Helmcken Centennial Park Master Plan The project proposal is included in the 2024-2028 Financial Plan. Phase 1 mapping for the project is currently underway.
Explore bylaws to allow food trucks, entertainment, and commercial activities in public spaces Report was presented at the October 10, 2023 Committee of the Whole meeting. Staff to engage stakeholders to determine if the level of interest is sufficient to conduct a pilot.
Explore partnership with West Shore Parks & Recreation (WSPR) for programming in View Royal’s parks In progress. View Royal and WSPR staff are exploring the use of two parks for various programs.
Include densification around commercial areas or development of commercial areas within current residential zones in Official Community Plan review At the February 21, 2023 Council meeting, Council passed a motion to not proceed with the current version of the Draft Official Community Plan (2023) and instead organize a facilitated Council workshop on the Official Community Plan (2011) to consider next steps.

[Photo: Rock Wall on Island Highway]

STRATEGIC PRIORITY - SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

GOALS:

  • Managed growth
  • Increase skilled employment
  • Business retention/attraction
  • Strategic investment in public realm
2023 PROJECTS & INITIATIVES OUTCOME
Update sustainability checklist In progress.
Explore attractors for primary care providers to work in View Royal
  • The Westshore Primary Care Society made a presentation at the November 7, 2023 Council meeting.
  • Staff were directed to explore funding options with proponents that would not increase property taxes, i.e. apply for a grant in aid.
Review home-occupation business zoning regulations and licensing program The project will be undertaken by the new Community Planner.
Low tide from Parson's Bridge
Low tide from Parson's Bridge

STRATEGIC PRIORITY - CLIMATE ACTION & ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

GOALS:

  • Respond to the declared climate action emergency by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in our community
  • Support climate change mitigation and adaptation measures with an emphasis on transportation systems and energy efficient buildings
  • Support community preparation for climate change impacts with respect to sea level rise, storm surge, forest fires, and other extreme weather events
2023 PROJECTS & INITIATIVES OUTCOME
Follow the Province’s timelines for Stage 4 Energy Step Code Complete. BC Energy Step Code implementation was incorporated into Building Bylaw No. 1111, 2023.
Zero Carbon Step Code implementation Complete. On September 5, 2023, the Town implemented an accelerated timeline for Level 4 Zero Carbon Step Code implementation.
Implement resident owner program to improve energy efficiency of existing housing stock (i.e., oil or gas furnace, window replacement) The grant program for heat pump conversions continues for residents while the Provincial program is in place and annually while funded.
Engage a building energy auditor to assess all municipal buildings and develop a strategy to improve the energy efficiency of the buildings, with supplementary funding from BC Hydro/Fortis Complete.
Develop and implement a municipal fleet and equipment policy to prioritize low-emission vehicles and equipment In progress.
Undertake coastal adaptation mapping as Phase 1 in an overall plan to develop a sea-level rise and storm surge mitigation and adaptation policy
  • In progress. Initial policy was developed and approved by Council.
  • Grant provided and decision on December 5, 2023 to proceed with an award to a contractor.
  • Developing a Coastal Adaptation Plan was an approved project in the 2024-2028 Financial Plan.

[Photo: Stoneridge Wetland]

STRATEGIC PRIORITY - FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY & SERVICE EXCELLENCE

GOALS:

  • Confidence in the fiscal health and financial sustainability of the Town
  • Diversified revenue base
  • Anticipate property tax and user fee increases
  • Citizen satisfaction with services and value
Bylaw No. 1111
Page 82–90
2023 PROJECTS & INITIATIVES OUTCOME
Complete the Sustainable Infrastructure Replacement Plan (SIRP)
  • An SIRP presentation was made at the December 13, 2023 Committee of the Whole meeting.
  • First iteration of the SIRP to be completed in 2024, then will be updated in 2027.
Continue to improve relationships with the 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 A business mixer event with the Westshore Chamber of Commerce was held in Spring of 2023 to engage local businesses and promote networking.
Include future staffing level requirements for all five-years in the financial plan Complete. Future staffing requirements are reflected in five-year financial plans.

[Photo: Enjoying Chilco Park]

STRATEGIC PRIORITY - COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & GOOD GOVERNANCE

GOALS:

  • Strong and active citizen participation in community engagement in Town of View Royal meetings, open houses, survey, budget development
  • Strong constructive relationships with neighbouring municipalities, Songhees Nation, and Esquimalt Nation in the CRD
  • Respectful, constructive Council relationships
2023 PROJECTS & INITIATIVES OUTCOME
Arrange intermunicipal events celebrating park connections between Colwood, Esquimalt, Langford, Saanich, CRD Parks and View Royal A new 0.5FTE Communications & Engagement Coordinator position was approved to start in 2024.
Ongoing Truth and Reconciliation awareness initiatives In progress as an ongoing initiative.

[Photo: Canada Day Celebrations]

STRATEGIC PRIORITY - HEALTH, SAFETY & SECURITY

GOALS:

  • A real and perceived safe community
  • Prepared for emergencies
2023 PROJECTS & INITIATIVES OUTCOME
Engage West Shore RCMP for a community update Complete. RCMP hosted an event in January 2024.
West Shore RCMP building expansion – design validation In progress. The project is included in the 2024-2028 Financial Plan. The CRD has been asked to create a subregional service.
Encourage employees and volunteers to complete at least one Justice Institute of BC Emergency Operations Centre course or equivalent Ongoing.
Apply for Emergency Support Services equipment funding In progress.

[Photo: View Royal Fire at Eagle Creek Village]

Page 82–90

Related Documents

(1)

Building Bylaw No. 1111, 2023

Bylaw No. 1111 · Referenced in 1 section

Extracted from: 2024 07 16 Council Agenda - Agenda - Pdf