Correspondence from Bob and Doris Burow regarding 81 High St.
A letter from residents at 89 High Street expressing concerns about tree removal, blasting, and parking issues related to the proposed variance at 81 High Street.
June 1, 2023
Town of View Royal 45 View Royal Ave Victoria, BC V9B 1A6
To Mayor and Council:
I am writing in regard to the proposed variance at 81 High St. We are concerned that allowing this variance will have a negative impact on the High Street community and Knockan Hill Park.
We have lived on at 89 High Street for 52 years and have enjoyed the friendship of Brian and Andria Tetlow as our neighbours.
Andria and Brian Tetlow along with Evie Chauncey were champions along with many others of Knockan Hill Park and were instrumental in the acquisition 101 High Street. This property was then added to View Royals parks. We worked together with the Friends of Knockan Hill Park Society to preserve the integrity and welfare of Knockan Hill park.
In 2008 a study was done by Royal Road University students under the direction of Charles Krusekopf, (A Study for a Management Plan For Knockan Hill Park.) A copy was sent to the Town of View Royal, and if not still available, I have one.
Our concern with the request for a variance of 81 High St. property is that the existing Garry Oak and Douglas Firs along with other native species and wild life would be heavily impacted.
The earlier property that was sub-divided from 79 High St. did not require the removal of trees or rock blasting.
Our other concern is the available parking on our street. When we moved here in 1971, there were 9 homes on the street. Since then, two strata developments adding 19 new homes, that do not allow on street parking, have been built. The Strawberry Vale Community Hall and a Daycare at the bottom of High Street also add to the parking issues. Knockan Hill Park is enjoyed by many people who drive to this location and add to the parking issues.
We have volunteered as members of FKHP over all these years to remove invasive species along with other community partners to preserve the integrity of the park. I also volunteer as a Director at the Strawberry Vale Community and as well as the VGH Gift Shop.
Please take the time to review the impact this proposal will have on the park and the community as a whole.
Yours truly,
Bob and Doris Burow (89 High St)