Email dated April 16, 2023 from the View Royal Climate Coalition, Re: Support of PREAC Motions
Email from the VRCC Core Team supporting advisory committee motions regarding speed limits and tree protection.
From: mrs linda jeaurond
Sent: April 16, 2023 11:43 AM
To: Info Address info@viewroyal.ca
Subject: April 18 council meeting support for 2 PREAC motions
Dear Mayor and Council,
Re the following council agenda items:
Traffic speeds:
View Royal Climate Coalition supports PREAC’s motion (PREAC-06-23) to reduce speeds to 30 km/h on all neighbourhood roads, and we ask that you use this opportunity to encourage active transportation.
Tree Canopy Protection:
We ask that you support PREAC’s motion (PREAC-04-23) to strengthen Tree Protection Bylaw No. 1069 and PREAC’s motion (PREAC-05-23) to update Zoning Bylaw No. 900
The urban tree canopy lowers surface temperatures and improves storm water retention. One of the priority actions highlighted in the B.C. Coroner’s report into 2021’s heat dome identified the need for local governments to “require the protection and restoration of the urban tree canopy and permeable surface areas to absorb water.” (1)
Scientific evidence predicts climate-related disruptions and disasters will increase in frequency and intensity in the coming years. Development should focus in part on tree canopy protection and landscape permeability, to limit any added stress on municipal infrastructure.
The Veins of Life report RE-INVENTING RAINWATER MANAGEMENT, A Strategy to Protect Health and Restore Nature in the Capital Region, notes: “incorporating green infrastructure into the earliest stages of development can limit the need for larger-scale, more expensive stormwater controls.” (2)
To save tree canopy and improve green infrastructure, VR should consider increasing setbacks on the sides and rear of lots, above and below ground. While decreasing setbacks in the front to reduce impervious surfaces.
Now that the province has announced plans to up-zone single family lots, it seems a good time to add an updated climate focus to key bylaws. Aim to protect canopy during and after construction, while saving as many existing border, permitter, screening, shade, boundary, &/or municipal trees as possible.
Thank you for considering our input,
Cathie, Ian, Jane and Linda,
VRCC Core Team