TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION REPORT - ACCESSIBLE BC ACT – MUNICIPAL REQUIREMENTS (March 29, 2023)

ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION NETWORK PLAN

The Town developed its first-ever Active Transportation Network Plan that provides a 10-year roadmap outlining the short-term infrastructure improvements, policies, and programs needed to prioritize active transportation in the View Royal. The project entailed a one-year planning process that included detailed technical analysis and extensive public and stakeholder engagement.

FINANCE

The Finance Department provides the systems, tools, processes, and personnel to plan, record and report View Royal’s financial position and operations. It is instrumental in preparing the annual five-year financial plan, financial statements, tax and utility billings and ensuring suppliers and employees are paid accurately and on time. Under the Finance Department, the Information Technology function is responsible for the maintenance and security of electronic information systems and the delivery of technology enabled projects, including expanding online and electronic billing services.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• The Citizen Budget online engagement tool was open from March 12 to March 31 in conjunction with the publication of the 2022-2026 Financial Plan. This informal survey provides information about the five-year financial plan and allows people to view the impact of increasing or decreasing various service elements on their property taxes with results reported for Council’s consideration.
• The Financial Plan Insights app was launched at the same time as the Citizen Budget tool and the 2022-2026 Financial Plan document. This app invited interested constituents to explore the projects, funding sources, and operational budgets of the proposed financial plan through an easy to navigate interactive online app, with links to detailed project summaries and related information. The Financial Plan Insights app complements the award-winning Budget Variance Dashboard launched in 2021 that allows citizens to interactively explore detailed information about the Town’s budget and finances, enhancing financial transparency and accountability.
• A total of 428 business licence renewals were issued to business owners, an increase from 414 in 2021, with 112 payments made before December 31. Of the 112 payments, 46 (41%) were transacted online via the Town's Business Licence online service, compared to 48% in 2021. In 2022, 287 property owners opted to receive their tax notice by email rather than by mail, and increase of 36 from 2021. Tax collections before the due date have returned to pre-COVID levels at 99% of total taxes levied.
• At December 31, 2022, of the 2,471 sewer utility invoices issued, 560 (22.7%) were outstanding and transferred to arrears taxes for collection, compared to 532 (21%) outstanding in 2021.
• The centralization of the Provincial government’s Home Owner Grant (HOG) and Property Tax Deferment programs continued in 2022. Staff undertook an active communication campaign to remind taxpayers that HOGs and deferments must be submitted directly to the Province and, while staff fielded some inquiries, taxpayers were generally understanding and the process was smooth overall.
• In October, staff participated in Cyber Security Awareness Month by completing training to deepen their knowledge and awareness of such topics as: Understanding URLs, 2022 Danger Zones, Social Engineering, and Two-Factor Authentication attacks. Finance staff also leveraged grant funding to lead an initiative incorporating two-factor authentication to users of the Town of View Royal Microsoft 365 applications, including email.

View Royal Park Community Gardens.

FINANCE DEPARTMENT (CON’T)

• In December, staff completed the IT Disaster Recovery and IT Business Continuity Plan. This plan outlines appropriate responses to a variety of scenarios that impact technology services, with a range of severities. The Plan covers a wide range of disaster scenarios, including a cyber attack, and provides instructions for responding to a failure of technology services, assessing business impact, and activating a recovery plan. The Plan completes one of the objectives of the IT Strategic Plan and provides critical inputs to the overall organizational Business Continuity Plan.
• In 2022 Council approved nearly $177,000 in grants to local community organizations through its grants in aid program, of which $142,000 was funded by Casino revenue. In addition, Casino funds were also used to support a wide range of community road and safety improvements and initiatives as well as a contribution to the new skate park at Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre.

PROTECTIVE SERVICES

The Protective Services Department includes View Royal Fire Rescue which is a composite paid and volunteer fire department responsible for fire suppression, fire inspections, and related training and education. It also encompasses policing provided under contract with the RCMP through the West Shore detachment, emergency planning and preparedness, and enforcement of municipal bylaws.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Emergency calls and general calls for service increased in 2022 where the department saw historical highs in its response numbers. The volunteer firefighter compliment remained stable, however challenges persist in securing community members to volunteer. The Fire Chief, in conjunction with Westshore Fire Chiefs worked to develop a program to share volunteer firefighters between stations and recruit qualified applicants from Greater Victoria to ensure adequate staffing on night shifts.
• Town staff provided support with the development of the Capital Regional District’s project to create an interactive Extreme Heat Vulnerability Mapping Dashboard. Staff provided local expertise and data to identify the locations of both populations and buildings that should be prioritized for education and planning efforts for future extreme heat events.
• In May, Protective Services staff facilitated both Fire Extinguisher and Building Safety Training at the Eagle Creek Surgical Centre for 30 staff.
• Bylaw Enforcement purchased a bike and all associated equipment to start a new bike program. The bike patrol program saw the Bylaw Enforcement Officer spend a portion of each week biking throughout View Royal and its parks. The bike patrol program has been very well received and has resulted in an increased file load for Bylaw Enforcement as the Bylaw Enforcement Officer is more accessible to the community.
• The Great BC Shakeout took place on October 20, 2022. Town Hall staff participated in this annual event followed with a practice earthquake preparedness training session involving the set-up of our Emergency Operations Centre at the Public Safety Building.
• 2022 was the first year since 2019 that the Firefighters’ Association was able to host their Halloween open house. Over 500 guests attended the hall for an evening of treats and the haunted house. The Firefighters’ Association also hosted their annual pumpkin smash event for charity on November 6.
• Four VRFD members assisted Westshore RCMP with two beach days for students of Craigflower Elementary School. The day included a canoeing component with M34 used as a transport/rescue boat.

Totem Pole at Public Safety Building

TOTEM POLE AT PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING

In May, the Town celebrated the raising of a totem pole at the Public Safety Building. The well-attended event recognized and paid tribute – with speeches and songs – to the significant relationship the Town has with Songhees Nation and Esquimalt Nation. Signifying protection, community, and friendship, the pole, carved by Tom LaFortune, stands proudly in the front of the building.

Postage Park View of Richard’s Island.

2022 MUNICIPAL GOALS & OBJECTIVES

The 2019 - 2022 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 2019 - 2022:

• ENHANCE LIVEABILITY,
• COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH,
• ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP,
• FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY AND SERVICE EXCELLENCE,
• GOOD GOVERNANCE, and
• COMMUNITY SAFETY AND SECURITY.

The Plan is based on ongoing public input and specifically includes input from a survey conducted in Spring 2019 following the last municipal election. It is the roadmap for Council’s decision-making and for the work of municipal staff.

Cyclists crossing Island Highway

STRATEGIC PRIORITY - ENHANCE LIVEABILITY IN VIEW ROYAL

GOALS:

• Shift primary transport mode within View Royal away from vehicles to walking, cycling and transit
• Access to a broad range of housing options to meet the needs of various ages, family types and incomes
• Proximity to services
• Build strong relationships and engagement through community events and celebrations

STRATEGIC PRIORITY - ENHANCE LIVEABILITY IN VIEW ROYAL (CON’T)

Cycling on Highland Road.

STRATEGIC PRIORITY - COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC GROWTH

GOALS:

• Private investment in redevelopment of strategic sites
• Increase skilled employment
• Business retention/attraction
• Strategic investment in public realm

Watching tennis at Helmcken Centennial Park

STRATEGIC PRIORITY - 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
• Accelerate a transition to low carbon transportation modes within the Town
• Support community preparation for climate change impacts with respect to sea level rise, storm surge, forest fires, food security, and other extreme weather events