Correspondence: Email from Wayne and Jasmine Ruhr

Elena Bolster

Subject: FW: Proposed Changes to Hallowell Road to Accommodate the E&N Rail Tail

From: Jasmine Ruhr Sent: June-17-15 9:39 PM To: Mayor And Council Email Subject: Proposed Changes to Hallowell Road to Accommodate the E&N Rail Tail

Dear Mr. Mayor Screech and Council of the Town of View Royal

We are writing to address concerns about the proposed change to Hallowell Road to accommodate the E&N Rail Trail. As one of the most impacted residents on 126 Hallowell Road by the proposed project, our concerns are the noise, vibration and dust to be created by the heavy industrial trucks and increasing traffic, the residential/light commercial zone to be changed and opened up to heavy industrial businesses, and decreased values of our properties.

We can appreciate the intention to use the Esquimalt First Nation’s (EFN) reserve land for economic development. However, the proposed industrial developments are for the sole benefit to the EFN without enough consideration of the impact on neighbouring residents. The primary negative impact on the most affected residents is “the quality of life”. The development of the Ralmax’s trio site at the corner of Admirals and Hallowell Roads is the evidence of our quality of life being affected i.e. dust (air pollution) and the increased traffic from their businesses.

Also, we recognize the benefits of completion of the E&N Rail Trail to the public. The extension of the trail can be easily completed within the Review Royal’s boundary of land by the reserve land without changing the zoning of this residential area and opening Hallowell Road to trucks. Despite the talks among involved authorities for the development of the area, the point is that if EFN allow the concrete plant in their back yard, they should also take the trucks. This proposed trade-off would then benefit both the EFN and the citizens in the area. While we support the extension of the E&N rail trail, we strongly oppose allowing the trucks on Hallowell Road. The trucks on this road will put people and cyclists in high risks of traffic hazards as well as other negative impacts once the trail is completed.

If this project is approved as proposed, the net effect would then become a trade-off of business for our quality of life. The Worship Mayor Screech and Council, you were elected to provide the quality of life and serve the best for people in View Royal. We trust that you will keep your oath as the Mayor and the Council of the Town of View Royal to protect your fellow citizens.

Wayne and Jasmine Ruhr Residents of Hallowell Rd