Presentation: Town of View Royal Annual Report 2016

Table of Contents

• Community Profile
• Message from the Mayor
• Mayor & Council
• Organizational Chart
• Mission, Vision & Values
• Summary of Services & Operations
• 2016 Municipal Highlights
  • Administration Department
  • Engineering & Parks Department
  • Finance Department
  • Development Services Department
  • Protective Services Department
• 2016 Municipal Goals & Objectives
• Financial Sustainability & Service Excellence
• Enhance Livability in View Royal
• Community & Economic Growth
• Maintain Strong Relationships with Our Neighbours
• Looking Ahead
• Financial Information

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Community Profile

A gateway between Victoria's urban core and the growing West Shore municipalities, View Royal is a vibrant community. This year’s Annual Report outlines the Town’s achievements and major projects for 2016. It shows the progress on our 2016 municipal goals and objectives, highlights financial reporting, and gives insight into plans for the future.

• Incorporated: December 5, 1988
• 10,408 Population (est. as per 2016 BCStats)
• 1,436 Hectares Land Area
• 30.5km Bike Lanes
• 71 Municipal Parks & 734 Hectares Parkland
• $162,128 Building Permits
• 27.3km Trails
• 266 Business Licenses

View Royal is divided into eight distinct precincts based on such factors as topography, major transportation corridors, natural environment and the age of housing stock. These precincts are:

• Craigflower
• Harbour
• Helmcken
• Hospital
• Thetis
• Burnside
• Atkins
• Wilfert

The municipality encompasses McKenzie, Pike, Prior and Thetis Lakes and portions of Esquimalt Harbour and Portage Inlet and is situated adjacent to the established jurisdictions of the Township of Esquimalt, the District of Saanich and the City of Colwood.

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Message from the Mayor

On behalf of View Royal Council and staff I am pleased to share this annual report.

This report highlights the key accomplishments and initiatives of our Town in 2016. Through the work of Council, staff, advisory committees, and others we continue our work towards implementing View Royal’s Strategic Plan.

The pride we all feel for View Royal has not happened by chance. The quality of life that we experience in our community comes as a direct result of Council, staff, and engaged citizens working to inform policies and land use decisions that have established and maintained View Royal’s unique and desirable character.

2016 was a busy year for the Town with many projects underway. In June we saw the grand opening of the new Eagle Creek Village in north View Royal. This new complex goes a long way in fulfilling View Royal’s vision of commercial nodes and walkable access to services for residents. It also helps to ensure the Town’s long term fiscal sustainability with the significant addition to our commercial tax base.

We also saw in 2016 a milestone agreement negotiated with BC Lotteries regarding the View Royal Casino. This agreement will see our Casino remain the premier gaming destination in the region. Given that seven municipalities and two First Nations benefit from the Casino revenue, this was welcome news for all.

Other highlights include:

• The Town held its first ever open Town Hall meeting. Residents were invited to attend and address Council on topics and questions that were a concern to them.
• Town Hall was renovated for the first time since the original construction. These renovations have helped to improve customer service.
• Installation of sidewalks and bike lanes along Burnett Road to facilitate safe access to the E & N rail trail.
• Approval of over 250 units of purpose built rental housing to be built in the coming years.
• Participation in the agreement that will see our region have sewage treatment in place during the coming years.
• Pedestrian safety improvements on both Six Mile Road and Burnside Road with the installation of flashing pedestrian crossings.

I hope you will take the time to browse these pages and review our achievements for 2016. View Royal Council and staff are very proud of our Town and the accomplishments achieved.

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Mayor & Council

Mayor and Council of the Town of View Royal were elected for a four-year term in the municipal election held in November 2014. Each member is also appointed to various Town and Regional committees.

Mayor David Screech (December 2, 2014 - present)

• Finance & Administration - Chair
• CRD Board/Committee of the Whole
• CRD Hospital Board
• CRD Core Area Liquid Waste Management
• CRD Planning, Transportation & Protective Services
• CRD Regional Parks - Vice-Chair
• CRD Transportation Select
• CRD West Side Wastewater Treatment
• Capital Region Housing Corporation - Chair
• Greater Victoria Harbour Authority
• Te’Mexw Treaty Advisory Committee
• View Royal Reading Centre

Councillor Ron Mattson (December 6, 2011 - present)

• Public Works & Transportation - Chair
• CRD Housing Trust Fund Commission
• Esquimalt Harbour Advisory Committee
• Victoria Family Court & Youth Justice Committee
• West Shore Parks & Recreation Society

Councillor Heidi Rast (December 2, 2008 - present)

• Protective Services & Community Services - Chair
• CRD Climate Action Steering Committee
• Capital Region Emergency Service Telecommunications (CREST)
• Community Policing
• Police Building Liaison Committee

Councillor John Rogers (December 2, 1996 - present)

• Parks, Recreation & Environment - Chair
• CRD Water Supply Commission
• CRD Arts Committee
• Greater Victoria Public Library
• Juan de Fuca Water Distribution Commission

Councillor Aaron Weisgerber (December 2, 2014 - present)

• Planning & Development - Chair
• Joint School District/Municipal Committee
• Parent Advisory Committee
• Westshore Chamber of Commerce

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Organizational Chart

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Mission, Vision & Values

Mission - Why We Exist

To build a resilient, vibrant community that fosters and balances social, environmental and economic well-being.

Vision - The Future We Strive to Create

Liveable View Royal – simply the best place to call home.

Values - Our Guideposts

The Town of View Royal pursues good community through a corporate culture that is:

• Accountable
• Respectful
• Ethical
• Collaborative
• Innovative
• Proactive
• Efficient, and
• Effective

Commitment to Organizational Excellence

The Town of View Royal is committed to providing the best possible local government for our residents and business community. This commitment drives constant improvement, with particular emphasis on:

• providing strong, strategic policy-based governance,
• demonstrating collaborative leadership and effective shared decision-making within the community, with our regional partners, including First Nations,
• nurturing productive working relationships at the legislative and executive level,
• pursuing excellence founded on core values, approved plans, policies and our commitment to innovation,
• decision-making processes to be transparent and responsive,
• integrating strategic planning, business planning, budgeting and performance management systems,
• embracing evidence-based best practices for professionalism,
• enhancing customer service and related communications capacity, and
• positioning sustainability as the foundation of our municipal culture.

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Summary of Services & Operations

The Town of View Royal is responsible for the provision of a wide variety of local services and programs. These include:

• Transportation network (e.g. roads, bridges, street cleaning, sidewalks)*
• Stormwater management
• Garbage/household food waste collection
• Sanitary sewer collection system
• Parks, recreation and cultural facilities
• West Shore Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
• Fire protection and inspection
• Emergency preparedness planning
• Land use planning
• Building permits
• Business licensing
• Bylaw establishment and enforcement
• Economic development
• Heritage and revitalization
• *excludes Admirals Road, Six Mile Road and the Trans Canada Highway (Highway 1) which are controlled by the Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure.

Town Services provided by OTHER organizations include:

• School system (Provincial Government and Local School Boards)
• Social and health programs (Provincial Government)
• Hospital care system (Provincial Government)
• Real property assessments (B.C. Assessment)
• Library collection and distribution system (Greater Victoria Public Library; Town is a part owner of the Downtown Branch)
• View Royal Reading Centre (Town provides partial support through a grant-in-aid)
• Planning and the management of public transit (Victoria Regional Transit System)

Town Services provided by the CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT:

• Animal control
• Sewer system management
• Water management
• Recycling

The Town is represented on the following BOARDS AND COMMITTEES:

• Capital Regional District
• Capital Regional District Hospital
• Capital Regional District Housing Trust Fund Commission
• West Shore Parks & Recreation Society
• Greater Victoria Public Library
• Community Policing

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2016 Municipal Highlights

Administration Department

• 2016 saw the creation of the Town’s Community Development Advisory Committee from the joining of the former Planning and Development and Transportation Advisory Committees.
• In April, the Town participated in the national Pitch-In-Week initiative, including “20 Minute Makeovers”, electronics recycling at Centennial Park, organized eco tour/walks in two parks, and a Repair Café.
• Implementation of the IT Strategic Plan began, including an electronic agenda system launched in early December making agendas and minutes fully searchable via optical character recognition.
• Town Hall hosted an open “Town Hall” meeting in April and a community Winter Reception in December.
• Physical changes to Town Hall included flooring replacement, painting, and a realignment of the front counter.
• Ongoing activities included elementary school tours, digitization of the Archives’ collection, and the annual volunteer appreciation dinner.
• Staff donated $4,966 in 2016 to the United Way of Greater Victoria, totaling over $25,000 since 2011.

Oral History Interviews View Royal Archives took time in 2016 to conduct approximately twelve oral history interviews with long-time residents of the community.

Engineering & Parks Department

• Invasive species removal and restoration programs expanded to include restoration of Burnside/Watkiss Park.
• The Portage Park Restoration program shifted to include the Shoreline Community Middle School Outreach Program, providing students with field experience.
• Staff began reviewing the Streets and Traffic Bylaw and the Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw.
• Completed projects based on the Park Master Plan included:
  • paving of parking lot;
  • planting of “signature” trees; and
  • installation of outdoor fitness equipment.
• Work continued toward an agreement with the Esquimalt Nation on the use of Hallowell Road, coordinated with CRD and MOTI for trail extensions and road safety.
• A sidewalk was installed on Burnett Road, linking Island Highway to the E&N Rail Trail.

Invasive Species Removal Event in Edwards Park 34 volunteers contributed 200 hours to remove 30m³ (2 dump truck loads) of Scotch Broom.

Finance Department

• Updated the reserve funds and surplus policy focusing on fiscal sustainability.
• Developed operational plans for the IT strategy and worked towards asset management planning.
• Implemented an electronic agenda system to improve public access and move toward carbon neutrality.

New Air Photo of View Royal

A new air photo was installed in Council Chambers, providing functionality for use in the Emergency Operations Centre.

Development Services Department

• Active with the CRD in reviewing the Regional Growth Strategy.
• Housekeeping amendments were concluded for the Sign Bylaw, Fees and Charges Bylaw, and Business License Bylaw.
• Processed 14 development permits, 17 development variance permits, 5 subdivisions, 6 rezonings, 48 sign permits, and 9 board of variance applications.
• Submitted a provincial lease application for a canoe and kayak launch off Shoreline Drive.
• Completed the second phase of the Hart Road Lime Kiln restoration, stabilizing the masonry base.

View Royal Parks Master Plan

With the assistance of Vancouver Island University, the Town engaged the public through events and surveys to draft a new Parks Master Plan for adoption in 2017.

Protective Services Department

• Firefighters responded to 965 calls and dedicated almost 6,991 hours to regulatory training.
• Conducted 289 fire inspections with an average compliance rate of 97.3%.
• Delivered 101 individual car seat education sessions through the BCAA Child Passenger Safety Program.
• Provided 26 school and group tours of the Public Safety Building (totalling 344 children and 146 adults).
• Participated in the Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth (P.A.R.T.Y.) program for Grade 10 students.
• Issued 351 secondary suite permits.
• The Building Department conducted 293 residential inspections and 93 commercial site reviews, while answering 874 inquiries.

Disaster and Emergency Management

Royal Roads University students partnered with View Royal to conduct neighbourhood workshops with 65 senior residents to improve natural disaster preparedness.

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2016 Municipal Goals & Objectives

Four strategic priorities have been identified for 2015 - 2018:

• FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY AND SERVICE EXCELLENCE
• ENHANCE LIVABILITY IN VIEW ROYAL
• COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
• MAINTAIN STRONG RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR NEIGHBOURS

Financial Sustainability & Service Excellence

Strategic Priority: Ensure we are providing quality services on a cost-effective basis and focus on the Capital Asset Management Program.

Enhance Livability in View Royal

Strategic Priority: Proceed with parks improvements, ensure bylaws reflect community needs, and increase connectivity/engagement.

Community & Economic Growth

Strategic Priority: Explore new ways to encourage redevelopment, invest in a high-quality public realm, and support local employment.

Maintain Strong Relationships with Our Neighbours

Strategic Priority: Identify cost-effective sewage solutions, improve regional governance, and upgrade transportation infrastructure.

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Looking Ahead: 2015 - 2018

Enhance Liveability in View Royal

• Update Parks Master Plan and explore partnerships: 2017
• Establish an Invasive Species Management Program: 2017
• Review key safety bylaws: Streets & Traffic; Noise; Business Licensing; Public Places: 2017
• Review Subdivision & Development Services Standards Bylaw: 2017
• Identify events to enhance community connections: 2017
• Develop tree canopy and urban forestry policy: 2017/18
• Recognize and support the volunteer sector: 2017/18
• Explore the development of a heritage policy: 2017

Financial Sustainability and Service Excellence

• Complete service review for each municipal function: 2017
• Complete Fees and Charges Bylaw review: 2017
• Complete a comprehensive Capital Asset Management plan: 2017

Community and Economic Growth

• Research current land economics based on OCP densities: 2017/18
• Identify development barriers and incentives for key sites: 2017/18
• Meet with key property owners: 2017
• Work toward completion of the Island Hwy Project: 2018
• Develop urban design standards for public realm investment: 2017
• Focus on business retention and ease of doing business: 2017
• Identify missing local services in neighbourhoods: 2017/18
• Develop an Economic Development Strategy: 2017

Maintain Strong Relationships with Our Neighbours

• Complete Westside/Eastside sewage treatment program: 2017
• Establish Town's role in regional studies: 2017
• Ensure CRD’s Regional Growth Strategy meets View Royal's needs: 2017
• Strengthen relationship with Capital Regional District and First Nations: 2017
• Advocate for improvements to regional transportation: 2017

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Financial Information

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

As at December 31, 2016

Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the year ended December 31, 2016

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Tangible Capital Assets

As at December 31, 2016

Accumulated Surplus

Breakdown of individual fund surplus and reserve funds:

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Schedule of Payments Made for Goods and Services (Unaudited)

Year ended December 31, 2016 (Payments exceeding $25,000)

• 599510 BC LTD: $235,157
• BC TRANSIT: $687,652
• CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT- ACCOUNTS: $2,216,875
• CAPITAL REGIONAL HOSPITAL DISTRICT: $655,005
• CITY OF LANGFORD: $943,612
• CITY OF LANGFORD - IN TRUST: $1,700,653
• EAGLE CREEK VILLAGE I GP: $481,237
• FIVE STAR PAVING CO LTD: $551,155
• GREATER VICTORIA PUBLIC LIBRARY: $536,443
• MINISTER OF FINANCE: $2,200,605
• MUNICIPAL PENSION PLAN: $445,475
• RECEIVER GENERAL FOR CANADA: $794,612
• RECEIVER GENERAL FOR CANADA - RCMP POLICING: $1,224,927
• RAYLEC POWER LTD: $203,577
• VICTORIA CONTRACTING & MUNICIPAL MTC CORP: $1,263,060
• WATKISS RISE DEVELOPMENT LTD: $567,670
• WEST SHORE PARKS & REC. SOCIETY: $549,108
• Total aggregate payments exceeding $25,000: $18,172,885

Grants and contributions exceeding $25,000:

• SHORELINE COMMUNITY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION: $30,000
• VIEW ROYAL READING CENTRE: $28,000
• VIEW ROYAL FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION: $49,100

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Statement of Remuneration and Expenses (Unaudited)

Year ended December 31, 2016

Total Employee Remuneration (including others): $2,751,291 Total Salaries, Wages and Benefits per Financial Statements: $4,628,085

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Permissive Tax Exemptions (Unaudited)

Year ended December 31, 2016

Statistical Information

Principal Corporate Taxpayers

Top taxpayers in 2016:

1. Admirals Walk Properties Ltd Inc (Admirals Walk): $275,926
2. Eagle Creek Village Property Ltd (Eagle Creek Village): $223,319
3. Great Canadian Casinos Inc (View Royal Casino): $164,793
4. Canadian Tire Real Estate Ltd (Canadian Tire): $143,377
5. Natural Properties Ltd (Reliable Controls): $104,438
6. Christie Point Apartments Ltd (Christie Point Apartments): $93,634
7. West Shore U-Lock Mini Storage Ltd (U-Lock Mini Storage): $87,765
8. Goodwill Investments Ltd (Fort Victoria): $85,879
9. Adams Storage Village Ltd (Adams Storage): $80,567
10. Mojack Holdings Ltd (Jenner Chevrolet): $65,458

Total Tax Contributions from Top 10: $1,325,156 (Proportion of municipal tax paid by top ten corporate taxpayers: 18.54%)