Minutes of a Special Council Meeting Held on Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Minutes from a special meeting primarily focused on the Christie Point redevelopment project and tenant relocation packages.
TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2017 VIEW ROYAL MUNICIPAL OFFICE - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
PRESENT WERE: Mayor Screech Councillor Mattson Councillor Rast Councillor Rogers Councillor Weisgerber
REGRETS:
PRESENT ALSO: K. Anema, Chief Administrative Officer S. Jones, Director of Corporate Administration L. Chase, Director of Development Services J. Rosenberg, Director of Engineering J. Davison, Planner E. Bolster, Deputy Corporate Officer 76 members of the public 0 members of the press
CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Screech called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOVED BY: Councillor Weisgerber SECONDED: Councillor Rast
THAT agenda be amended to include item 5(b);
AND THAT the agenda be approved as amended. CARRIED
MINUTES, RECEIPT & ADOPTION OF
MAYOR’S REPORT
PETITIONS & DELEGATIONS
a) A. Jordan-Mills, Christie Point Advocates, Re: Tenant Relocation Package
Ms. Jordan-Mills spoke to Council in regard to Realstar’s proposed tenant relocation package. She noted that the value of the proposed package is overstated by Realstar and that involuntary relocation is extremely challenging in the current rental climate. Ms. Jordan-Mills stated that she would like Realstar to provide an independent tenant relocation officer to assist current tenants at Christie Point.
b) H. Grey-Wolf, RealStar, and F. D’Ambrosio, Project Architect, Re: Rezoning – 2951 Craigowan Road (Christie Point)
Ms. Grey-Wolf spoke to Council in regard to the rezoning application for 2951 Craigowan Road (Christie Point). She acknowledged that Ms. Jordan-Mills is correct in identifying the need for more rental housing in the region. Ms. Grey-Wolf noted that, if approved, Realstar’s project would provide a variety of unit types in a format that minimizes the impact of intensification by re-use of existing building footprints. She indicated that Realstar has focused on support for existing tenants through the transition and described the tenant relocation package. She stated that the application is in keeping with the Town’s Official Community Plan and outlined the proposed project timeline and phasing, community amenity contributions, and additional project benefits.
Mr. D’Ambrosio spoke to Council in regard to the project design that incorporates “smart growth” concepts. He provided a PowerPoint presentation that outlined the project team’s site analysis with respect to locating potential structures. He discussed proposed building heights and articulation. Mr. D’Ambrosio also provided an animated slide to show various perspectives of the proposed development and another slide to indicate anticipated tree growth over time.
- PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD
a) J. Newnham, 2951 Craigowan Road, spoke to Council regarding her concerns, specifically noting tree replacement; the rental housing crisis within the region; and fear of homelessness.
b) S. Cascanette, 4-2951 Craigowan Road, spoke to Council regarding the need for affordable housing and displacement of current residents into the very tight rental market. She urged Council to not approve the application.
c) K. Blakely, 2775 Shoreline Drive, spoke to Council regarding her concerns, specifically noting lack of information; building height; lawful non-conforming setbacks; road runoff; and the need for a detailed topographical survey. She inquired as to the extent of repaving on Shoreline Drive and stated her support for affordable rental housing.
d) Resident, Christie Point, spoke to Council regarding his concerns, specifically noting unstable soil; need for affordable housing in the region; birds; and the environment. He requested that Council not approve the application.
e) S. Torontow, 2775 Shoreline Drive, spoke to Council regarding her concerns including the storage of excavated materials on-site; removal of vegetation; proposed building footprints; density; and alternative building techniques within riparian zones.
f) S. Lees, 2806 Murray Drive, spoke to Council regarding her concern that the proposed development does not conform to the neighbourhood.
g) V. Blogg, 1121 Skeena Place, spoke to Council regarding her concern with the proposed building heights; density; and setbacks. She expressed support for a lower height even if that would result in larger building footprints. She asked that the new zoning restrict the number of buildings that can be built.
h) B. Scott, 109 Kingham Place, spoke to Council regarding her concerns, specifically impacts to neighbouring property owners; the environment; increases in light, noise and traffic; loss of trees and privacy; need for consistency with the Town’s Official Community Plan; need for rental housing; and the relocation of existing tenants.
i) A. Kemp, 1134 McBriar Avenue, spoke to Council regarding the shortage of rental accommodation within the region. He urged Council to approve the project as it would provide much-needed rental housing, is unique and provides a larger than required relocation package.
j) I. Forbes, 118 Chancellor Avenue, spoke to Council regarding his concerns, specifically, that the proposal should be kept within the Official Community Plan guidelines and limits for building heights. He stated that six storey buildings are not in keeping with the spirit and intent of the Official Community Plan and that this proposal is not medium density.
k) D. Bee, 120 Chancellor Avenue, indicated that Portage Inlet is environmentally sensitive. She expressed concern about building heights impacting her views. Ms. Bee stated that she recognizes the great need for rental accommodation, but did not want to see that at Christie Point.
l) V. Lindholm, 2879 Ashley Road, requested that Council limit the development to four storeys and that the buildings be sited outside of the shoreline setback areas. She expressed concern for birds in the area and the proposed density of the development.
m) K. Banfield, 3-2951 Craigowan Road, noted his concerns regarding increased traffic and traffic safety.
n) B. Blodgett, 555 View Royal Avenue, stated that the development will increase traffic in the area, exacerbating an already challenging situation.
BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES
REPORTS
8.1 STAFF REPORTS
8.2 COMMITTEE REPORTS
8.3 OTHER REPORTS
- CORRESPONDENCE
9.1 FOR ACTION
9.2 FOR INFORMATION
- BYLAWS
a) Rezoning – 2951 Craigowan Road (Christie Point)
- Report dated June 8, 2017 from the Planner
The Planner gave an overview of the report to Council.
Council, staff, the applicant, H. Grey-Wolf, and project architect, F. D’Ambrosio, discussed:
- displacement of existing residents, phasing, opportunities for existing tenants to return to the site post-construction, contribution to the Regional Housing Trust Fund, and the proposed tenant relocation package;
- calculation of building heights, the height of individual storeys, potential inclusion of a maximum storey limitation in the proposed zone table, impact of sea level rise accommodation on building heights and the resultant underground parkade siting;
- conformity with the Official Community Plan;
- on-site parking requirements;
- need for a housing agreement to ensure the property remains as rental in perpetuity;
- information to be made available on the Town’s website; and
- additional information required from Realstar, including a drone flyover.
MOVED BY: Councillor Weisgerber SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
THAT the report dated June 8, 2017 from the Planner titled “Rezoning – 2951 Craigowan Road (Christie Point)” be received. CARRIED
- Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2014, Amendment Bylaw No. 976, 2017 A Bylaw to Amend the Town of View Royal Zoning Bylaw with Respect to Creating the CD-22 (Christie Point Residential) Zone and with Respect to the Rezoning of 2951 Craigowan Road (Christie Point)
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED: Councillor Rast
THAT the meeting be extended to 10:30 p.m. CARRIED
Council discussed the proposed CD-22 (Christie Point Residential) Zoning, specifically:
- benefits to the community with improvements to transportation, stormwater management, and energy efficiency;
- the potential for post-construction grandfathering of existing rents for current tenants;
- Realstar’s proposed tenant relocation package;
- further information to be made available in advance of the anticipated public hearing, including the height of each storey;
- massing; density, and overall building height;
- traffic impacts; and
- the addition of over 300 quality rental units to assist with the current regional rental crisis.
The Mayor noted that Council has some difficult decisions to make and that Council feels for the tenants of Christie Point. He stated that a local government cannot tell a property owner to make no changes to their properties. The Mayor reiterated points made earlier in the evening regarding the aging structures currently at Christie Point. He noted that regardless of how the owners, Realstar, have been portrayed, they have offered existing tenants a good relocation package; have been professional and responsive to residents and Town staff; and are making a significant investment in the community.
He noted that the Public Hearing will be held at the Songhees Wellness Centre on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. with notification going to residents of View Royal and Saanich within a 400m radius.
MOVED BY: Councillor Weisgerber SECONDED: Mayor Screech
THAT Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2014, Amendment Bylaw No. 976, 2017 be given first and second reading as amended to include a six storey limit in the zone table for subzones A, B and C. CARRIED Councillors Mattson and Rast are opposed
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED: Councillor Weisgerber
THAT a Public Hearing be scheduled for June 27, 2017 for Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2014, Amendment Bylaw No. 976, 2017. CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
RISING REPORT
QUESTION PERIOD
a) S. Torontow, 2775 Shoreline Drive, questioned how much fill is required to reach geodetic requirements. The applicant noted this item will be discussed during the development permit stage of the development.
b) V. Lindholm, 2879 Ashley Road, questioned why a survey has not been completed. The Planner and project architect noted that there is a survey on file and available on the Town’s website. The project architect further stated that a detailed topographical survey has not been done at this stage as the project has not advanced to detailed construction drawings.
c) S. Lees, 2806 Murray Drive, questioned building height.
d) V. Blogg, 1121 Skeena Place, questioned whether the 3.5m geodetic becomes the natural grade level or the finished grade level. The Planner noted that geodetic elevation is from sea level and natural grade calculation formula within the Zoning Bylaw establishes grade of a building.
e) M. Molloy, 3005 Craigowan Road, questioned whether the Christie Point Advocates can see Realstar’s tenant relocation package details. She also asked if Realstar’s Capital Regional District Housing Trust Fund contribution can be redirected back to View Royal. The Mayor noted that the Capital Regional District Housing Corporation has affordable housing units across the region and indicated that the Town should be able to request that the Capital Regional District direct Realstar’s contribution to View Royal, Colwood or Esquimalt.
f) A. Jordan-Mill, 2951 Craigowan Road, questioned whether information requested by Council will also be available to the public. The Mayor noted that much of the information requested will be provided at the upcoming public hearing.
g) D. Critchley, 132 St. Giles Street, questioned whether the View Royal Fire Department ladder truck could be raised to 26m to depict building height. The Mayor noted that the applicant has been requested to provide a drone flyover.
MOTIONS & NOTICES OF MOTION
CLOSED MEETING RESOLUTION
TERMINATION
MOVED BY: Councillor Weisgerber SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
THAT this meeting terminate. Time: 10:19 p.m. CARRIED
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