Correspondence from Ardys Baker re: Province's changes to housing legislation
Resident correspondence regarding the impacts of upcoming provincial housing policy on traffic and safety in quiet neighborhoods.
Elena Bolster
Subject: FW: Province's changes to housing legislation
From: Ardys Baker
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 4:27 PM
To: Mayor And Council Email mayorandcouncil@viewroyal.ca
Subject: Province's changes to housing legislation
Mayor Tobias and Councillors,
I write to express concern about the impacts to View Royal from upcoming housing policy and legislation changes that the Province is bringing into force this fall. I understand that some of the key changes will allow for development of more ground-oriented housing, like secondary suites, garden suites, duplexes, and three-to-six-unit house-plexes and townhouses in areas that are not currently permitted because zoning is limited to single family residential use. While there is a need for more affordable housing and it makes sense to develop certain areas (e.g., along Craigflower and the Old Island Hwy), these changes - when made in areas of View Royal that are primarily comprised of single-family housing in quiet residential neighbourhoods - will significantly increase vehicle traffic and associated safety risks and use of/wear and tear on public facilities and areas, as well as other impacts.
Recognizing that municipalities will have little control over these changes, I would appreciate learning of any consultation that the Province has had with View Royal and what you plan to do to balance development with protecting the peace of our community?
I look forward to your response,
Ardys Baker