OPEN LINK ON-LINE SURVEY VERBATIM RESPONSES (Cont.)

• LACK OF COMMUNITY EVENTS BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER (IT’S IMPROVED WHICH IS A START!).
• EVERYTHING IS FINE
• TRAFFIC
• SUSTAINABLE, MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION. THERE IS TOO MUCH TRAFFIC (ESPECIALLY SINGLE OCCUPANCY VEHICLES!) THAT OVERTAKES THE COMMUNITY. THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF NOISE AND AIR POLLUTION CAUSED BY THIS WHICH I THINK DETRACTS FROM THE COMMUNITY AND MAKES IT UNDESIRABLE.
• TRANSIT! BRING ON THE RAILWAYS PLEASE
• TRANSPORTATION, ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE (MORE LANES IN CONGESTED AREAS, PROPER TURN SIGNALS, AND LANES), BETTER PLANNING (IN TERMS OF CONSTRUCTION AND NEIGHBOURHOODS AND GETTING PERMITS (THE HASTILY INSTALLED HALF OUT AT THE CHANCELLOR PARK IS A POINT OF CONTENTION FOR ME PERSONALLY!) PARKS FOR KIDS (VIEW ROYAL PARKS ARE BELOW STANDARD AND SO LAME MY 9 YR OLD HAS ZERO INTEREST), VIEW ROYAL COUNCILLORS AND MAYOR NEED TO LISTEN NOT JUST MAKE THEIR OWN DECISIONS BASED ON THEIR OPINIONS. I HAVE LIVED I VIEW ROYAL FOR 13 YEARS (OWNED A HOME HERE FOR 9 OF THOSE!) AND SEEN THE MAYOR COUNTLESS TIMES YET HE HAS NEVER ONCE STOPPED TO TALK OR EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE ME OR MY FAMILY AS RESIDENTS OF THIS COMMUNITY! MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES, LESS BUREAUCRACY. I THINK VIEW ROYAL NEEDS WORK BUT IT IS BETTER THAN SAANICH OR VICTORIA SO THAT’S SOMETHING.....
• HOMELESSNESS AND DRUG USAGE
• TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC CONGESTION
• AS THE TRANSPORTATION PROBLEMS ARE BEING HANDLED WITH SOME HOPE TOWARDS RESOLUTION MY BIGGEST ISSUE IS THAT THERE IS NO MOVEMENT TOWARDS KEEPING ONE PARTICULAR PROPERTY ON OUR STREET FROM LOOKING LIKE AN INDUSTRIAL DUMPING GROUND. OLD MATERIALS, PILES OF SCRAP, OLD CANS PILED 8 FEET HIGH, DEBRIS PILED UP TO THE PROPERTY LINE. THIS IS THE RESULT OF A BUSINESS THAT HAS BEEN LICENSED BY VIEW ROYAL. THERE ARE ADEQUATE BYLAWS IN PLACE TO ENSURE THAT THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN, HOWEVER THE TOWNSHIP DOES NOT CHOOSE TO EITHER ENFORCE THE BYLAWS OR TERMINATE THE BUSINESS LICENSE OR BOTH. THIS HAS CREATED A RAT RIDDLED WARREN OF AN EYESORE AND IT EFFECTS THE ENJOYMENT OF PROPERTIES ALONG THE STREET. THE OWNER IS QUITE AWARE AND ACTUALLY DRAWS ENJOYMENT FROM HIS SENSE OF POWER WHICH THE TOWNSHIP IS ENABLING. I HOPE THE TOWNSHIP CAN EFFECT A POSITIVE CHANGE IN A PROBLEM IT HAS THE POWER TO REMEDY. IT IS NOT JUST PROPERTY VALUES, BUT THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR HARD WORKING RESIDENTS WHO CARE ABOUT THEIR COMMUNITY.
• EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RISK MITIGATION PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION FOR VR BEFORE THE NEXT MASSIVE SUBDUCTION EARTHQUAKE.
• CLIMATE CHANGE IS THE BIGGEST THREAT TO OUR HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE HERE IN VIEW ROYAL AND AROUND THE WORLD. DROUGHT, FOOD SECURITY, FLOODS, SEA-LEVEL RISE, WATER QUALITY, FOREST FIRES, AIR QUALITY NEED TO BE ADDRESSED NOW. WE NEED TO DECLARE A CLIMATE EMERGENCY.
• TRAFFIC
• TRAFFIC CONGESTION
• A REVITALIZATION OF THE E&N RAILWAY TO PROVIDE A MUCH NEEDED OPTION TO THE CURRENT TRAFFIC CONGESTION THAT EXISTS IN THIS COMMUNITY.
• EFFICIENT TRANSPORTATION NETWORK.
• MAINTAINING VIEW ROYAL’S SMALL-TOWN FEEL. NOT TURNING IT INTO ANOTHER CONDO TOWN LIKE LANGFORD.
• GVA AMALGAMATION OF ALL SERVICES
• TRANSIT
• GLOBAL WARMING
• TRANSPORTATION
• TRAFFIC CONGESTION
• THE WASTEFUL SPENDING OF OUR TAX DOLLARS ON ITEMS LIKE FLOWER PLANTERS (TRAFFIC CALMING?) IN THE MIDDLE OF BUSY ROADWAYS OR EXCESSIVE SPENDING ON THE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT WHEN THE MONEY WOULD BE BETTER SPENT ON MORE POLICING OR IMPROVING TRAFFIC FLOW THROUGH VIEW ROYAL.
• PARKING AND USING PUBLIC TRANSIT. PARKING, BECAUSE THERE ARE LOTS OF ILLEGAL STREET PARKING ( EVEN WHEN THERE ARE SIGNS ARE THERE ) AND THE ENFORCEMENT OF OUR OWN BYLAWS IS MINIMAL IF NOT IGNORED . USING PUBLIC TRANSIT AND ROADS: BUSES ARE ALWAYS LATE BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE E&N CORRIDOR SITS UNUSED. MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE IN REGARDS TO THE E&N CORRIDOR, NOT JUST TALKS, STUDIES AND AGAIN TALKS AND MORE STUDIES
• MORE POLICE PRESENCE.
• KEEPING TAXES LOW KEEPING UP WITH INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS
• WE SHOULD AMALGAMATE WITH A LARGER MUNICIPALITY.
• ESTABLISHMENT OF A TOWN CENTRE PREFERABLY AROUND HELMCKEN AND ISLAND HIGHWAY.
• KEEP VIEW ROYAL AS A COMMUNITY. LOOK & FEEL TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS SLICE THROUGH OUR TOWN MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO KEEP IT COHESIVE. I THINK BY ADDING ANOTHER TRANSPORTATION LINE THROUGH IT E.G. UTILIZE E&N LINE AS A REGULAR COMMUTING CORRIDOR; THAT WILL BE THE END OF OUR COMMUNITY.
• PROVIDE A MORATORIUM ON DENSIFICATION AND DEVELOPMENT UNTIL TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE CATCHES UP. VR IS BECOMING UNLIVEABLE. MEASURE QUALITY OF LIFE NOT STANDARD OF LIVING. ENHANCE AND PRESERVE BEAUTY IN NATURE. CONCENTRATE ON WHAT TO PROVIDE TO CHILDREN THAT WILL MAKE THEM CARING AND RESPONSIBLE ADULTS COMMITTED TO THE WELFARE OF OTHERS. PLACES TO MEET LIKE A "SQUARE" IN ALL NEIGHBOURHOODS. BUILD A TOWN CENTRE. MORE PARKS. CONNECT ALL COMMUNITIES WITH SAFE WALKABLE TRAILS. ENCOURAGE SINGLE FAMILY DWELLINGS; AND TOWN-HOUSES AND SMALL CONDOS AROUND CENTRAL "SQUARES". ENCOURAGE OFFICE BUILDINGS AND LOCAL JOBS TO MATCH GROWTH. YOU'LL GET MUCH MORE PUBLIC INPUT IF YOU STREAM COUNCIL MEETINGS. PUT RECORDINGS ON LINE FOR INFORMATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY.
• TRAFFIC
• INCREASE BUSINESS IN VIEW ROYAL BY LOWERING COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TAXES
• TAKE YOUR PICK: 1. LACK OF HONEST COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OR 2. THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MANIPULATING/AMENDING BYLAWS AND/OR SEEKING VARIANCES TO NEW BYLAWS PERTAINING TO THE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE 6 MILE/CHILCO COMMUNITY. WHEN THESE MATTERS ARE BROUGHT FORWARD, THE MAYOR IS BELLIGERENT AND DISMISSIVE OF RESIDENTS CONCERNS. 3. ROADS - COUNCIL IS LOOKING LIKE A MORE “RUBBER STAMP” FACTORY IN SUPPORT OF DEVELOPERS AND AT THE EXPENSE OF THE RESIDENTS. MORE DEVELOPMENTS/DEVELOPERS. MORE RESIDENTS MEAN MORE TRAFFIC ON THE ROADS. ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE IS HORRIBLE AND THE TOWN REFUSES TO ADDRESS IT - DISMISSING OR BLAMING OTHER FACTORS. SOMEONE WILL BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED IF THE LACK OF ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE IS NOT ADDRESSED.
• PROPERTY TAX COSTS.
• TRAFFIC CONGESTION
• THE INABILITY TO GO TO AND FROM MY HOME DURING RUSH HOUR.
• LACK OF CONTROLLED GROWTH AND LACK OF MATCHING INFRASTRUCTURE. MOST IMPORTANT TO OUR FAMILY IS TRAFFIC PROBLEMS IN THE MORNING AND AFTERNOON WHICH DIRECTLY IMPACT OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD.
• FACILITIES FOR YOUNG FAMILIES
• OVERDEVELOPMENT AND INAPPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENT FOR THE NATURE OF THE COMMUNITY.
• CLIMATE CHANGE. THIS MEANS CLIMATE LEADERSHIP AND ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
• INTELLIGENT REGULATION OF DEVELOPMENT IN ORDER TO SUSTAIN THE FEELING OF VIEW ROYAL AS A SPECIAL, UNIQUE TOWNSHIP.
• OVER DEVELOPMENT
• VIEW ROYAL AS A 'CUT THROUGH' COMMUNITY AND HOW THAT ADDS TO THE FEELING OF A DISCONNECTED MUNICIPALITY. OF COURSE TRAFFIC PLAYS INTO THIS BUT THE LACK OF COHESIVE NEIGHBOURHOODS.
• MAINTAINING THE FEELING OF VIEW ROYAL WITH CAREFUL PLANNING OF GROWTH
• AFFORDABLE HOUSING
• AFFORDABLE AND INCLUSIVE HOUSING
• TRANSPORTATION ACROSS THE REGION
• TRAFFIC CONGESTION
• GETTING THE E&N RAILWAY HAPPENING AGAIN, EITHER AS A COMMUTER TRAIN OR SOMETHING, TRAFFIC IS AN ISSUE IN VIEW ROYAL.
• THE INTERSECTION AT HELMCKEN RD AND WATKISS WAY, PUT IT BACK TO TWO LANES HEADING DOWN TO THE TRANSCANADA HIGHWAY. ITS A MESS AT RUSH HOURS.
• SCHOOL CATCHMENT BOUNDARIES
• TRAFFIC
• INCREASING TRAFFIC FLOW AND EASING THE CONGESTION CREATED BY "TRAFFIC CALMING" APPLICATIONS. MORE EFFECTIVE AND AVAILABLE PUBLIC TRANSIT ROUTES THAT ENTICE PEOPLE TO UTILIZE OPTIONS. E.G. DIRECT BUSES TO UVIC, TRAINS DOWNTOWN, FERRIES TO NADEN
• TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL WORKING CLOSE TO RESIDENTS, LISTEN TO THEIR CONCERNS. E.G. TRAFFIC PROBLEM IN MORNING HOURS ON SIX MILE ROAD. COMMUNITY ORIENTED TOWN HALL.
• TRAFFIC. HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS. LEAVING GREEN SPACE AS IS.
• KEEPING TAXES LOW
• WOULD LIKE TO SEE CONCRETE SIDEWALKS FROM FIRE HALL TO KNOLLWOOD INTERSECTION. ALSO A PROPER PLAY AREA / BENCH ON THE PEARCE PLACE PARK. GREAT JOB CLEARING THE ROADS AND SIDEWALKS THIS LAST WEEK OR TWO!
• MITIGATING AND ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE, ADDRESSING WASTE STREAMS AND ENCOURAGING MORE EFFICIENT PRACTICES (NO SINGLE USE PLASTIC BAGS, GIVE BUSINESSES A BREAK IN TAXES IF THEY LESSEN THEIR WASTE STREAM AND QUANTIFY THIS/ REDUCE USE OF PLASTICS) LASTLY, HEARTIER AND EDUCATED PROTECTIONS FOR OUR DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT THROUGH CLOSE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT.
• THERE ARE TOO MANY MULTIPLE UNIT RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS. EAGLE CREEK ON HELMCKEN HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SEVERAL YEARS, AND NOW ANOTHER LARGE DEVELOPMENT IS PROPOSED FOR THE HELMCKEN/BURNSIDE AREA.
• TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS (6 MILE), "BIKEABILITY" TO DOWNTOWN CORE, INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT AND GREEN SPACE RETENTION/MANAGEMENT. GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS AS PART OF DEVELOP PERMIT APPLICATIONS.
• IMPROVING TRAFFIC CONGESTION BY USING ENR RAIL LINE AS AN OPTION TO TRAVEL DOWNTOWN
• HANDI DART PROPOSAL - THIS SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED IN VIEW ROYAL
• RAPID GROWTH WITH MINIMAL THOUGHT FOR PARKING AND CONGESTION. LANDLORDS WHO MAY OWN SOME OF THE CONDOS BEING BUILT DON'T NECESSARILY INCLUDE PARKING - PARKING CAN THEREFORE BE EXPENSIVE BECAUSE RENTS CAN'T BE INCREASED - SO PEOPLE CHOOSE NOT TO PAY AND CONGEST EVERYONE ELSE. ALSO THE LARGE BUILDINGS ADD CONGESTION. THE CORNER OF BURNSIDE AND HELMCKEN IS CONGESTED AS IT IS AND NOW A HUGE DEVELOPMENT IS GOING IN. IT'S TOO MUCH TOO FAST. THERE ISN'T SPACE FOR IT ALL. THAT PARTICULAR CORNER IS AWFUL. NO ROOM FOR PEOPLE TO TURN ONTO HELMCKEN IN RUSH HOUR SO THEY JAM UP THE INTERSECTION. BURNSIDE WEST WILL SEE EVEN MORE TRAFFIC. THE SPEEDING IS INSANE ON THAT ROAD THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS IS RIDICULOUS BECAUSE NOTHING - NOTHING - HAS BEEN DONE TO TRY TO MITIGATE THAT PROBLEM. ADDING THAT DEVELOPMENT WILL FURTHER THE PROBLEM BUT THE TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE.
• TOO MUCH DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT IT. OUTLYING COMMUNITIES ALREADY PASS THROUGH VIEW ROYAL TOWARDS DOWNTOWN, BUT VIEW ROYAL ITSELF CONTINUES TO ADD DEVELOPMENT AND INCREASE DENSITY WHICH MAKES IT HORRIBLE FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN VIEW ROYAL TO DRIVE ANYWHERE. WE HAVE CLOGGED STREETS WITH NO SIDEWALKS AND INADEQUATE INTERSECTION CONTROL, BUT WE HAVE AN UGLY ROCK MURAL THAT COST WAY TOO MUCH AND NOTHING ELSE TO SHOW FOR ALL THE DEVELOPMENT. THE DEVELOPERS DON'T EVEN LIVE IN VIEW ROYAL, SO THEY DON'T HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT. IT FEELS LIKE FRIENDS GET TO DEVELOP AND GET RICHER WHILE TAXPAYING CITIZENS GET SCREWED.
• DEVELOPMENT ADJACENT TO OR WITHIN ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS, GREEN SPACES, RUNOFF AREAS AND STREAMS AND CREEKS.
• TRAFFIC FLOW
• I THINK A KEY ISSUE IS TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION, BUT A CHALLENGING ONE TO IMPROVE UPON OR RESOLVE, GIVEN THAT THIS AFFECTS AND INVOLVES THE GREATER VICTORIA REGION AS A WHOLE, SO IT'S NOT SOMETHING VIEW ROYAL CAN SOLVE ALONE. FURTHERMORE, I UNDERSTAND THAT COMPLETION OF THE MCKENZIE INTERCHANGE WILL PROVIDE NEEDED INPUT BEFORE ANY SOLUTIONS CAN BE PROPOSED.
• KEEPING TAXES LOW WHILE PROVIDING A FULL SUITE OF SERVICES
• TRAFFIC COMMUTING THROUGH OUR TOWN
• TRAFFIC. ESPECIALLY ON SCHOOL DAYS. I LIVE IN THE THETIS VALE AREA AND THE TRAFFIC IS CRAZY ON SCHOOL DAYS. HOPEFULLY WITH THE REDRAWING OF THE CATCHMENT BOUNDARIES THIS MAY IMPROVE BUT IT IS CURRENTLY TERRIBLE.
• KEEPING THE HANDY DART OUT OF THE LOCATION NEAR THE WEST BURNSIDE AND WATKISS WAY INTERSECTION, WHERE THE ARCHERY CLUB CURRENTLY RESIDES.
• FOLLOWING A STRATEGIC PLAN FOR DEVELOPMENT. THERE IS ONE I UNDERSTAND BUT MUCH OF DISAGREEMENT I HAVE ARE EXCEPTIONS TO THE PLAN IN ZONING AMENDMENTS. THE DIVERGENCE CAUSES IMBALANCE
• RENOVICTION, AND BUILDING DENSE POPULATION WITHOUT APPROPRIATE SERVICES AND SOCIAL SPACES. VR SHOULD NOT BE A DORMITORY TOWN, OR ON A MAJOR COMMUTING ROUTE - WE NEED SERVICES AND FAMILY GATHERING PLACES. WE NEED A "CITY CENTRE" AND NOT JUST A COLLECTION OF SHOPS AND BUSINESSES. THE ABOVE WOULD SERVE FAMILIES.
• LACK OF COUNCIL'S ABILITY TO HANDLE RESOURCES AS HIGHLIGHTED BY A WASTE OF $40K FOR THIS SURVEY
• TRAFFIC AND WALKABLE STREETS
• THAT HORRIBLE 4 MILE HILL. SO IT IS THE TRAFFIC!
• WASHROOMS IN PARKS
• TRAFFIC CALMING FOR SIX MILE ROAD, INCLUDING STREET LIGHTING, WIDER SIDEWALKS, SEPARATED BIKE LANE CONNECTING THE GALLOPING GOOSE AND THETIS LAKE, AND SPEED CHECKS (SIMILAR TO HELMCKEN RD IMPROVEMENTS BUT WITH BETTER BICYCLE INFRASTRUCTURE.
• THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE IN VIEW ROYAL IS DEALING WITH TRAFFIC WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY, PRIMARILY ON THE MAIN ARTERIAL ROUTES SUCH AS ADMIRALS, THE OLD ISLAND HWY, HELMCKEN RD AND BURNSIDE RD. THERE HAS BEEN MUCH FOCUS ON WALKING, CYCLING AND TRAFFIC CALMING SOLUTIONS, TO THE DETRIMENT OF VEHICULAR TRAFFIC INCLUDING TRANSIT. SO MUCH FOCUS IN FACT THAT THE CARBON FOOTPRINT IN VIEW ROYAL AND SURROUNDING MUNICIPALITIES HAS NOTABLY INCREASED AND FRUSTRATED COMMUTERS FORCED TO SPEND 15 TO 40 MINUTES IDLING AND CRAWLING THE FEW KILOMETRES THROUGH VIEW ROYAL, ARE USING HISTORICALLY QUIET COLLECTOR SIDE STREETS TO ATTEMPT CIRCUMNAVIGATION. OF COURSE THESE CIRCUMNAVIGATING COMMUTERS ADD SPEED AND POOR DRIVING TO THE CONGESTION AND HIGHER VOLUMES ON THE SIDE STREETS. THIS CREATES UNSAFE CONDITIONS FOR ALL USERS, INCLUDING NON VEHICULAR TRAFFIC ON THOSE SIDE STREETS, ALONG WITH CREATING STRESS, REDUCED PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP, NOISE AND POLLUTION IMPACTING THE RESIDENTS. OUR LEADERS NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT THE COSTS RELATED TO TURNING A BLIND EYE TO THE NEEDS OF THE HIGHEST USERS (AND FUNDERS) OF OUR ROAD SYSTEM AND THE IMPACT ON LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOODS DUE TO INADEQUATE ARTERIAL ROUTES IS DISPROPORTIONAL HIGH. THESE COSTS ARE NOT MONETIZED IN THE MUNICIPAL BUDGETS GREATLY INFLUENCED BY SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS AND TRENDY MUNICIPAL ATTITUDES. THESE COSTS ARE BEING BORN BY VIEW ROYAL RESIDENTS, VISITORS, AND COMMUTERS ALIKE, ECONOMICALLY AND BY THE NEGATIVE INFLUENCE ON THEIR HEALTH. OUR LEADERS NEED TO REFOCUS AND REALIZE THAT THE TRAFFIC IS NOT GOING AWAY, AND TRYING TO REDUCE TRAFFIC BY RESTRICTING AND BOTTLENECKING VEHICULAR TRAFFIC IS NOT VIABLE. OUR LEADERS NEED TO WORK TOWARD SOLUTIONS THAT EQUITABLE ATTEND TO THE ROAD USERS NEEDS, AND NOT BE SO EASILY SWAYED BY SPECIAL LOBBY GROUPS AND GREEN INITIATIVES.
• AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION
• PUBLIC SAFETY INCLUDING TRAILS ADJACENT TO CREEKS (CRD?)
• RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC ON SIX MILE ROAD TOWARDS OLD ISLAND HIGHWAY
• BASIC INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS SUCH AS SIDEWALKS, PROPER DRAINAGE FOR WATER RUNOFF IN FRONT OF OUR YARDS INSTEAD OF THIRD WORLD DRAINAGE DITCHES. MORE STREET LIGHTS IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOODS AND TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES ON BUSY SIDE STREETS.
• ROADWAYS! HELMCKEN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT CORRECTION FOR JEDBURGH ROAD TO BE ABLE TO TURN LEFT AGAIN. IT'S BEEN A PROMISE SINCE THE ERROR IN THE HELMCKEN ROAD PROJECT WAS BEING COMPLETED! JEDBURGH ROAD DOESN'T HAVE A GOOD SITE LINE TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT INTO HELMCKEN OR RIGHT TO OLD ISLAND HWY. TRAFFIC IS CRAZY THROUGH OLD ISLAND HWY AND HELMCKEN DURING TRAFFIC PERIODS
• KEEP TAXES AND COSTS DOWN,
• ADMIRALS INTERSECTION AND TRAFFIC BACK UP ALONG THAT AREA.
• THE TRAFFIC ON OLD ISLAND HIGHWAY IS AFFECTING THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND PROPERTY VALUES OF RESIDENTS WHO LIVE ON THE ROAD AND FOR BLOCKS SURROUNDING.
• TRAFFIC CONGESTION (ISLAND HIGHWAY, JUST OFF ADMIRAL'S)
• TRAFFIC CONGESTION THROUGH OUR TOWN AND THE EFFECTS ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND QUALITY OF LIFE FOR RESIDENTS.
• TRAFFIC SAFETY
• TRAFFIC CONGESTION AND TRANSIT
• COORDINATED REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION
• TRANSPORTATION
• TRAFFIC CONGESTION AND TOWN PLANNING
• IMPROVED TRAFFIC ROUTES AND LESS MONEY SPENT ON BIKE LANES. GALLOPING GOOSE MONEY IS WELL SPENT BUT NOT ON OLD ISLAND HIGHWAY.
• MAINTAINING EXCELLENT SERVICES TO EXISTING RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES. TO WORK WITH OTHER CRD REPS TO RESOLVE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION ISSUES, ESP AS THEY INVOLVE VR. TO PROTECT THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.
• LESS DEVELOPMENT, BETTER INFRASTRUCTURE (TRANSPORTATION)
• THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH WE LIVE. ONCE IT IS ALL BUILT OVER OR POLLUTED, IT WILL BE JUST LIKE DOWN TOWN VANCOUVER.
• PROTECTION OF PORTAGE INLET, SPECIFICALLY FROM OVER-DEVELOPMENT AND CONTAMINATION FROM SEDIMENTATION (MOST NOTABLY RUNOFF FROM THE VANDEKERKHOVE CLEARED LAND AND CURRENT WORK BEING DONE AT THE MCKENZIE INTERCHANGE). STOP DENSIFICATION THE INFRASTRUCTURE CANNOT SUPPORT. CORPORATE INTERESTS ARE SUPPORTED, WHILE INDIVIDUAL HOMEOWNER RIGHTS ARE BEING TRAMPLED.
• TRAFFIC
• TAXATION. TOO MUCH TAXATION STAFFING AT TOWN HALL
• EXPANDING THE ECONOMIC BASE OF THE TOWN TO ENCOURAGE MORE COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES IN ORDER TO DIVERSIFY TAX REVENUES BEYOND RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TAXES
• TRAFFIC
• TRAFFIC, IT SHOULD NOT TAKE ME 25 MINUTES TO GET FROM 6 MILE AREA TO VIEW ROYAL ELEMENTARY. WE LEAVE AROUND 7AM TO GET TO BEFORE SCHOOL CARE.
• NOISE REDUCTION ALONG THE ISLAND HWY FOR THE RESIDENTS. NOT SURE HOW ONE ACCOMPLISHES THIS BUT IT IS A VERY PREVALENT FACTOR AND SOME VEHICLES ARE VERY LOUD. PERHAPS A BYLAW ABOUT VEHICLES AND UNNECESSARY NOISE WOULD WORK?
• LACK OF SIDEWALKS IN CERTAIN AREAS, ON-STREET PARKING AND NARROWNESS OF ROADS
• VALUABLE LAND DESTROYED FOR MORE CONDOS AND THE TRAFFIC THAT COMES WITH IT.
• HEAVY TRAFFIC PASSING THROUGH OUR COMMUNITY MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR RESIDENTS TO TRAVEL TO AND FROM THEIR HOMES. WOULD LIKE TO ENCOURAGE COMMUTERS TO USE TCH
• MAKING IT A LIVEABLE COMMUNITY WITH A TOWN CENTRE IE. A GATHERING PLACE, EVENTS, RETAIL, WITH CAR FREE ZONE
• TRAFFIC ON THE VIEW ROYAL ROADS ESPECIALLY ON SIX MILES ROAD. IT TAKE 10-15 MINUTES TO JOIN HWY.
• TRANSPORTATION / LACK OF SERVICE ON THE E & N - THE ONLY REAL ANSWER TO ADDRESSING THE QUESTION OF TRAFFIC THROUGH OUR COMMUNITY.
• CLIMATE CHANGE
• SUSTAINABILITY OF CRAIGFLOWER CREEK, HOUSING FOR YOUNG WORKING ADULTS WHO CANNOT AFFORD THE CURRENT MARKET AND TRAFFIC CONGESTION THROUGH VIEW ROYAL. ALL THE TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES HAVE INCREASED CONGESTION AND THEREFORE GAS EMISSIONS. I BELIEVE THIS HAS BEEN A STEP BACKWARD IN THE FIGHT AGAINST GLOBAL WARMING.
• FROM AN ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENJOYMENT OF LIFE PERSPECTIVES THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE TO ME IS VIEW ROYAL NOT ALLOW BC TRANSIT TO ESTABLISH THE HANDY DART DEPOT AT THE CORNER OF BURNSIDE ROAD AND WATKISS WAY
• TRAFFIC - WE LIVE JUST OFF A MAIN ARTERY AND IN OUR VIEW, THERE IS UNNECESSARY GRIDLOCK CREATED DURING PEAK COMMUTER HOURS DUE TO POOR TIMING OF KEY INTERSECTION LIGHTS. THESE APPEAR TO BE TIMED TO HAMPER FLOW, RATHER THAN IMPROVING IT. WE LIVED IN COQUITLAM, WHERE SIMILAR ISSUES WERE VERY SUCCESSFULLY RESOLVED BY A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE MAIN BOTTLENECKS, AND RETIMING THE LIGHTS TO CREATE BETTER FLOW. WE ALSO SUPPORT THE ADDITION OF SOME SORT OF LRT THROUGH THE AREA, TO REMOVE MORE CARS FROM THE ROADS.
• ROAD SAFETY AND TRANSPORTATION. SPEEDING AND DANGEROUS DRIVING IS RAMPANT, COMPROMISING SAFETY OR ALL, ESPECIALLY PEDESTRIANS. ACCOMMODATIONS FOR PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS NEED IMPROVEMENT IN MANY AREAS. BUS SERVICE COULD USE IMPROVEMENT IN MANY AREAS.
• TRAFFIC CONGESTION IS HORRIBLE IN THE TOWN DURING BUSINESS HOURS.
• CLIMATE CHANGE
• CLIMATE CHANGE
• INCREASED TRAFFIC AND CONGESTION ON ISLAND HIGHWAY, PARTICULARLY DURING COMMUTING HOURS. DURING THE MORNING COMMUTE, ISLAND HWY IS BACKED UP FROM ADMIRALS ROAD ALL THE WAY UP ISLAND HWY INTO COLWOOD. DURING THE AFTERNOON COMMUTE THE ADMIRALS/CRAIGFLOWER/ISLAND HWY INTERSECTION IS A MESS.
• TRAFFIC CONGESTION

Question 1b

In your view, as a resident of the Town of View Royal what is the most important issue facing your community; that is, the one issue you feel should receive the greatest attention from your local leaders? [RECORD FIRST ISSUE] Are there any other important local issues? [RECORD SECOND ISSUE]

• TRAFFIC, ESPECIALLY AS NEIGHBOURING COMMUNITIES GROW AND USE THE TOWN AS A THOROUGH WAY.
• LONG TERM PLANNING AND COMMUNICATION OF LONG TERM PLANS SO IT’S CLEAR WHAT’S CONTEMPLATED FOR KEY AREAS OF VIEW ROYAL.
• CRIME. I HAVE SEEN A HUGE HIKE IN CAR BREAKS IN, PEOPLE LURKING IN MY NEIGHBOURHOOD AND INCREASING HOMELESSNESS IN OUR TOWN.
• FAMILIES, LOW INCOME, HOMELESSNESS, CRIME UP FOR SURE I LIVE RIGHT ALONG THE GALLOPING GOOSE AND IT’S A CONSTANT DAILY ISSUE WHETHER IT’S CAR THEFTS, PROPERTY DAMAGE, THEFT FROM MY SIDE YARD.
• ESQUIMALT AND VIC WEST ARE ALMOST AN ISLAND EXCEPT FOR VIEW ROYAL AND THE CONNECTION AT HELMCKEN AND CRAIGFLOWER. THIS MEANS A LARGE AMOUNT OF CITY TRAFFIC AND MOST OF THE TRAFFIC FROM THE NAVY BASE TRAVELS THROUGH THOSE POINTS ON THEIR COMMUTE. BECAUSE OF TOPOGRAPHY THERE ARE ONLY THREE LINES OF TRAVEL WHICH CREATES AN INCREASED BURDEN ON THOSE ARTERIES WHICH DOES NOT REFLECT THE LOWER POPULATION OF THE CAPITAL REGION TO THOSE LINES OF TRAVEL. I PROPOSE A BRIDGE FROM HALLOWELL RD. TO WILFERT RD OR SOME POINT ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE INLET. SINCE SOME OF THAT LAND IS FEDERALLY OWNED ON THE FAR SIDE, AND SOME OF THE PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY FEDERAL PERSONAL COMMUTING, I WOULD GUESS THE CASE FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE IN THIS PROJECT WOULD BE ATTAINABLE, AND GREATLY AID IN THE TRANSPORTATION WOES WE ARE EXPERIENCING PRESENTLY.
• UTILIZE THE E&R RAILWAY FROM LANGFORD TO THE CITY OF VICTORIA USING STATE OF THE INDUSTRY ALL ELECTRIC TRAINS & AND LOW NOISE TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE RAPID AND SAFE TRANSPORT OF LARGE NUMBERS OF COMMUTERS.
• TRANSPORTATION GRIDLOCK NEEDS SOLUTIONS AND ANY ACTIONS MUST BE LOOKED AT THROUGH THE LENS OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY. THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES HERE TO SEEK SOLUTIONS THAT ACTUALLY IMPROVE OUR HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE.
• UNSIGHTLY FRONT YARDS NOT DEALT WITH. BYLAWS FOR SAANICH AND ESQUIMALT ARE EXCELLENT. WE NEED TO FOLLOW THEIR POLICIES.
• ELTHAM ROAD NEEDS TO HAVE APPROPRIATE LIGHTING FOR THE SAFETY OF RESIDENTS WHO LIVE ALONG THIS ROUTE INCLUDING ASHLEY GATE, AND LIONS COVE COMPLEXES.
• CONTINUING COUNCIL’S GREAT WORK IN MAKING VIEW ROYAL A GREAT LIVEABLE TOWN, INCLUDING PARKS, TRANSPORTATION NETWORK, ONGOING BEAUTIFICATION.
• TRAFFIC
• CONCERN OF THE TOWN, MORE AND MORE INTERFERING WITH HOME OWNER'S BUSINESS
• RENTAL HOUSING (ENCOURAGING MORE)
• WALKING ROUTES AND PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIONS
• RESTRICTIVE TREE BY-LAW WHICH ENDANGERS HOMES DURING HIGH WINDS.
• THE FACT THAT COUNCIL BOWS DOWN TO BIG DEVELOPMENTS THAT ARE LARGELY OPPOSED BY THE RESIDENTS OF VIEW ROYAL. SPECIFICALLY CHRISTIE POINT.
• ANSWERING YOUR RESIDENTS CALLS AND EMAILS. WHY YOU HAVE TO WAIT DAYS, SOMETIMES WEEKS TO GET AN ANSWER BACK FRO THE TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL EMPLOYEES?
• SNOW REMOVAL EQUIPMENT IS ATTEMPTING TO CLEAR ROADS THAT HAVE ALREADY BEEN CLEARED WHEN NO NEW SNOW HAS FALLEN AND SIDE STREETS ARE LEFT NOT CLEARED. NOT ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE! THE SAME APPLIES TO THE STREET CLEANER CLEANING ALREADY CLEARED STREETS. AT TIMES BEFORE ANY LEAVES HAVE FALLEN. VERY EXPENSIVE AND NOT ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE! WE HAVE NO STREET LIGHT ON OUR STREET. USE THE MONEY SAVED ON UNNECESSARY STREET MAINTENANCE ON A LIGHT! USE OF EXPENSIVE ANNUALS IN GARDEN BEDS. GERANIUMS FOR EXAMPLE ARE DUG UP AND DISPOSED OF EVERY YEAR, SO WHY SPEND SO MUCH ON PRICEY PLANTS AND LABOUR. ZONAL GERANIUMS ARE ABOUT $4.00 A POP. (YOU ASKED)????NOT ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE!
• EVERYONE SAYS TRAFFIC BUT THE OLD ISLAND HIGHWAY IS REALLY ONLY BUSY FOR ABOUT 1 1/2 HOURS IN THE EVENING AND AN HOUR IN THE MORNING AND OTHERWISE I HAVE NOT TROUBLE
• START HIRING IN HOUSE FOR SERVICES LIKE GARBAGE COLLECTION AND PARKS/GARDENS. WE SHOULD ALSO HAVE A FULL TIME PAID FIRE DEPARTMENT.
• MORE RENTAL ACCOMMODATION. ADVERTISE OUR PARKS
• MULTI-SPORT AND RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES (NOT JUST BASEBALL) KEEPING THE TOWN GREEN. FOR EVERY DEVELOPMENT (E.G. EAGLE CREEK) THE TOWN SHOULD BE REQUIRING LARGE TREES TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE DESIGN AND ALSO PLANTED AROUND THE TOWN
• DEVELOPERS TO PROVIDE 10% AFFORDABLE HOUSING. DEVELOPERS TO PROVIDE CONTRIBUTIONS TO OFFSET RENOVICTION. ENCOURAGE A WEEKLY MARKET IN SEASON. VISION STATEMENT IS "LIVEABLE". VISION DOES NOT MEAN "DREAM".
• PROTECT AND INCREASE AFFORDABLE HOUSING
• TAKE YOUR PICK: 1. LACK OF HONEST COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OR 2. THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MANIPULATING/AMENDING BYLAWS AND/OR SEEKING VARIANCES TO NEW BYLAWS PERTAINING TO THE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE 6 MILE/CHILCO COMMUNITY. WHEN THESE MATTERS ARE BROUGHT FORWARD, THE MAYOR IS BELLIGERENT AND DISMISSIVE OF RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS. 3. ROADS - COUNCIL IS LOOKING LIKE A MORE “RUBBER STAMP” FACTORY IN SUPPORT OF DEVELOPERS AND AT THE EXPENSE OF THE RESIDENTS. MORE DEVELOPMENTS/DEVELOPERS. MORE RESIDENTS MEAN MORE TRAFFIC ON THE ROADS. ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE IS HORRIBLE AND THE TOWN REFUSES TO ADDRESS IT - DISMISSING OR BLAMING OTHER FACTORS. SOMEONE WILL BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED IF THE LACK OF ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE IS NOT ADDRESSED.
• OVER DEVELOPMENT, BARKING DOGS,
• VIBRANT USE OF VIEW ROYAL PARK FULL COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IE STRONGER SENSE OF COMMUNITY TOILETS AT ALL PUBLIC PLACES E.G. PORTAGE PARK, VIEW ROYAL PARK, WELLAND PARK, AND OTHERS. IMPROVE DIALOGUE AND VISIBILITY OF MUNICIPAL STAFF.
• WE FEEL THERE IS A LACK OF TRANSPARENCY FROM OUR TOWN COUNCIL AND STAFF. WE DO NOT FIND OUT ABOUT REZONING OR OTHER CHANGES THAT MAY AFFECT OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD UNTIL THE NEWS TRAVELS THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE, WHEN THE TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL SHOULD BE THE DISSEMINATOR OF SUCH INFORMATION. DUE TO MY SHIFT WORK, I CANNOT ATTEND COUNCIL MEETINGS, AND I DO VISIT THE WEBSITE REGULARLY, BUT STILL DO NOT SEEM TO GET IMPORTANT INFO. MAYBE THE WEBSITE NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED AS WELL?
• TRAFFIC ON ISLAND HWY PEDESTRIAN SAFETY ON ISLAND HWY SMALLER PLAYGROUNDS THAT NEED TO BE REPLACED
• TRAFFIC CONGESTION, WALKABILITY, NEED FOR LIGHT COMMERCIAL BUSINESS (NOT BOX STORES OR CHAINS)
• LISTENING TO YOUTH ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE AND PROTECTING OUR FUTURE. THE TOWN NEEDS TO GET BEHIND EMPOWERING YOUTH AND HELPING WITH CLIMATE ACTION. THIS MEANS PIONEERING.
• REGULAR, CONSISTENT AND TRANSPARENT COMMUNICATION WITH RESIDENTS
• TRAFFIC CONGESTION
• I LISTED TWO IN THE FIRST QUESTION AS THEY ARE INTERCONNECTED.
• MAINTAINING LOTS OF GREEN SPACE
• TRANSPORTATION
• TRAFFIC ISSUES
• HOMELESSNESS
• WITH THE INCREASED AMOUNT OF RESIDENTS MOVING TO THE MUNICIPALITY - ARE WE PREPARED TO MANAGE THE VEHICLE TRAFFIC, PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC, TIMING OF LIGHTS AT INTERSECTIONS TO CREATE A FLUID FLOW OF TRAFFIC.
• I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THERE HAS BEEN NO PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE PROPERTY AT #7 ERSKINE LANE. WHAT WILL THE TOWN DO ABOUT ERSKINE LANE, IT IS A NARROW ROAD AND WITH THE PROJECT THAT IS PROPOSED FOR #7 ERSKINE THIS WILL DOUBLE THE TRAFFIC AND THE ROAD JUST ISN'T WIDE ENOUGH. WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE 12 OR SO PARKING SPOTS ON ERSKINE? WHAT ABOUT A SIDEWALK ALONG ERSKINE? THERE ARE CARS NOW THAT SPEED DOWN THE HILL TO GO UP TO THE TOP, WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH ALL THOSE EXTRA VEHICLES? WILL THERE BE SOME FORM OF A TRAFFIC SLOWING DEVICE?
• SAFETY ON THE GOOSE TRAIL
• TRAFFIC ISSUE ON SIX MILE ROAD
• OVER DEVELOPMENT ON ERSKINE LANE, A VERY SMALL STREET THAT CAN NOT ACCOMMODATE OVER DEVELOPMENT.
• MAINTAINING AND BUILDING NEW PARK AREAS, MAINTAINING ROADS, TRAFFIC MOVEMENT THROUGH CORRIDORS ON ISLAND HWY AND HELMCKEN RD/ EAGLE CREEK AREA, INCREASING CORPORATE/ BUSINESS TAX BASE.
• CONTINUE SPENDING MONEY ON TRAILS AND PARKS BUT KEEP TAXES WHERE THEY ARE AT. OPEN THE GATES ON THE PARKING LOT WHERE THE AMICA LODGE BUS AND TRAILERS ARE ALWAYS PARKED (WHY IS THIS CLOSED?) NEED MORE PARKING FOR THE GORGE WALKWAY ON VR SIDE.
• USING THE CRD CLIMATE EMERGENCY DECLARATION AS STRATEGICALLY AS POSSIBLE AND ENGAGING OUR YOUTH THROUGH DIFFERENT MEANS. PERHAPS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS AND OUR BACKYARD, BIKE SKILLS WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS ETC
• TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON WILKINSON AND HELMCKEN ROADS CREATES GRIDLOCK FOR HOURS - IN BOTH THE MORNING AND AFTERNOON - EVERY DAY.
• INTERCOMMUNITY TRAIL CONNECTION
• MORE PARKS AND GREEN SPACE E.G. PARK AT CORNER OF BURNSIDE AND WATKISS WAY. PROTECTION OF SALMON HABITAT - CRAIGFLOWER CREEK.
• TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON HELMCKEN A ROAD NEAR WATKISS WAY
• LIGHT TIMING IS HORRIBLE IN SOME SPOTS AND IT LEADS TO RED LIGHTS BEING RUN. EXAMPLE IS HELMCKEN AND WATKISS/CHANCELLOR. IF TRAVELLING FROM WATKISS TO GO LEFT TO HELMCKEN OR STRAIGHT INTO CHANCELLOR, IF NO ONE IS COMING THE OTHER WAY, THE LIGHT IS TIMES SO 3 CARS GET THROUGH. THEN THE RED LIGHT IS RIDICULOUSLY LONG BECAUSE OF RUSH HOUR. PEOPLE GET MAD AND RUN THE LIGHT. THEY GET MAD AND TURN LEFT WHEN PEDESTRIANS ARE IN THAT CROSSWALK. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL PEOPLE, INCLUDING MYSELF WITH 2 YOUNG CHILDREN, ALMOST GET HIT AT THAT INTERSECTION BECAUSE OF PEOPLE TURNING LEFT BECAUSE THE LIGHT IS POORLY TIMED. I HAVE HIT (WITH MY HAND) 3 CARS WHILE IN THE CROSSWALK. IT'S INSANE AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. I SHOULDN'T BE ABLE TO TOUCH A CAR WHILE I'M IN A CROSSWALK, ESPECIALLY WHEN I HAVE KIDS WITH ME. 6 MILE AND OLD ISLAND IS THE SAME IN RUSH HOUR - ONLY A FEW CARS GET FROM 6 MILE ONTO OLD ISLAND AND SO PEOPLE RUN REDS BECAUSE HAVING A 10 SECOND LIGHT IS RIDICULOUS.
• THETIS LAKE LAND BEING SOLD TO A DEVELOPER. PEOPLE WILL USE IT AS THEIR BACKYARD AND THETIS WILL BE RUINED. THERE IS ALREADY VERY LITTLE CONTROL REGARDING DOGS, LITTER AND ALCOHOL, AND NOW THAT A DEVELOPER IS BUILDING VIRTUALLY ON THE BEACH ONE OF OUR OLDEST LOCAL PARKS WILL BE DESTROYED AND VIEW ROYAL DOESN'T GIVE A DAMN. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE LESSER OF THE EVILS TO MAKE A FEW HOUSES, NOT 4 CONDO TOWERS. FEELS LIKE ANOTHER BACK ROOM DEAL... THE CAMPGROUND SHOULD HAVE BEEN PURCHASED AND ADDED AS PARKLAND.
• RESIDENTS AND ADJOINING PROPERTIES SHOULD BE CANVASSED MORE EXTENSIVELY ON DEVELOPMENTS WHICH HAVE FAR REACHING IMPLICATIONS TO QUALITY OF LIFE, TRAFFIC AND ENVIRONMENT. NEIGHBOURS WERE NOT CONSULTED ADEQUATELY REGARDING THE “CHOICES” PROGRAM AT THE YOUTH DETENTION CENTRE, OR THE TRANSIT PROPOSAL AT THE CORNER OF WEST BURNSIDE AND WATKISS WAY. THE MAYOR ACTS LIKE AN AUTOCRAT AND DOES NOT CONDUCT HIMSELF APPROPRIATELY WHEN DEALING WITH THE RESIDENTS, REGARDING RESPECT AND DIGNITY.
• PARKLAND
• I THINK COMMUNICATION IS KEY. I VERY MUCH APPRECIATE MAYOR DAVID SCREECH'S AND COUNCILLOR DAMIAN KOWALEWICH'S ENGAGEMENT WITH THE CHILCO COMMUNITY GROUP ON FACEBOOK! AN AREA WHERE PERHAPS COMMUNICATION COULD BE IMPROVED WOULD BE IN THE RESPONSE TIME FOR INQUIRIES - FOR EXAMPLE, TREE REMOVAL, AN ISSUE THAT HAS ARISEN IN THE STONECLIFFE TOWNHOUSE COMPLEX, BOTH FOR OUR SITE AND FOR EDWARDS PARK. IF LONG DELAYS ARE EXPECTED IN PROVIDING A RESPONSE, AN INTERIM UPDATE WOULD PROVIDE REASSURANCE THAT THE REQUEST ISN'T LANGUISHING IN SOMEONE'S INBOX.
• EASING TRAFFIC FLOW THROUGH THE COMMUNITY AND RESTRICTING DEVELOPMENT UNTIL ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE CAN BE PROVIDED BEFORE DEVELOPMENT STARTS.
• DO NOT WANT TO SEE THE OLD ISLAND HIGHWAY A CORRIDOR OF CONDO BUILDINGS ADDING TO TRAFFIC, BUT DOING LITTLE TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN VIEW ROYAL.
• THE VEHICLES THAT DRIVE UP AND DOWN CREED ROAD ON THE WAY TO AND FROM THE HIGHLAND PACIFIC GOLF COURSE. ALTHOUGH THE POSTED SPEED IS 30, MOST PEOPLE DRIVE FASTER. WHEN I AM SITTING AT THE STOP SIGN ON EVELYN HEIGHTS WAITING TO TURN LEFT ONTO CREED TO GO DOWN TO WATKISS WAY, THE TRAJECTORY OF THE ROAD MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE VEHICLES COMING UP CREED FROM WATKISS WAY HEADING TOWARD THE GOLF COURSE, UNTIL THEY ARE PRACTICALLY IN FRONT OF ME. I WOULD LIKE A 4 WAY STOP.
• ENVIRONMENTAL BALANCE IN DECISION MAKING FOR DEVELOPMENT. ALLOCATION OF GREEN SPACE AND INFRASTRUCTURE WITH INCREASE IN POPULATION
• SILT, FROM THE MACKENZIE INTERSECTION CONSTRUCTION, IS ENTERING PORTAGE INLET VIA THE COLQUITZ RIVER. THIS CAN AFFECT FISH AND WATER BIRDS TRYING TO FEED.
• EFFORTS BY BC TRANSIT TO DUMP A FACTORY FOR SERVICING BUSES ON OUR SCARCE PARKLAND
• AFFORDABLE HOUSING
• IT IS REALLY NEEDED FOR BIKES TO HAVE A LICENCE. OWNERS WANT THE USE OUR ROADS, AND THE MONEY WE HAVE SPENT ON BIKE TRAILS IS A CRIME, WITH NO CONTRIBUTING TO THE COST IS UNHEARD OF. IF MY LITTLE WEE DOG NEEDS A LICENCE FOR $20. AND NEVER LEAVES THE HOUSE THEN PEOPLE WITH BIKES MUST CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAUSE AS WELL. AT A RED LIGHT. A BIKE RIDER LEANED ON MY CAR AND THEN THE BUS AND THEN THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME TO GET TO THE FRONT OF THE LANE. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN OFF WE ALL WENT AND WHEN I GOT HOME THERE WAS A SCRATCH ON MY CAR. THEY MUST BAY THEIR SHARE. THEY HAVE NO IDENTIFICATION!!! YEARS AGO, WHEN I WAS YOUNG, AND I HAVE LIVED IN VICTORIA ALL MY LIFE, THERE WAS A LICENCE ON EVERY BIKE. EVERYONE I TALK TO ABOUT THIS, AGREES. GET ON WITH IT!!!!!
• REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS TO DOWNTOWN, LANGFORD CORE, AIRPORT, ETC. TO OFFER AFFORDABLE OPTIONS TO TRAVEL; COMBINED WITH DISINCENTIVES TO DRIVING AND OTHERS COMMUTING THROUGH OUR COMMUNITY. - MAINTAIN ANNUAL PROPERTY TAX INCREASES
• LEADERS MAY WISH TO PROVIDE GREATER ACCESS FOR SMALL WATERCRAFT ACCESS TO WATERWAYS. VIEW ROYAL HAS MANY PUBLIC SPACES FRONTING WATERWAYS BUT FEW CONVENIENT EASILY ACCESSIBLE LOCATIONS TO LAUNCH A SMALL BOAT.
• THE LACK OF TRANSPARENCY WITHIN TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS/DECISIONS.
• BUDGETING INCLUDING SPENDING & TAXATION.
• ENCOURAGING RECYCLING AND REDUCING GARBAGE
• POLICING OF THE HELMCKEN PARK AND RIDE AND THE NOISE AND LITTERING ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH IT. SPEED CALMING MEASURES SUCH AS ROAD HUMPS ON ST. GILES TO CURB SPEEDING TRAFFIC TO THE PARK AND RIDE.
• AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND PROPERTY TAX
• TRAFFIC - CONSIDER LIGHT RAIL THROUGH E& N CORRIDOR, BRIDGE FROM HALLOWELL RD TO COLWOOD. LICENCE CATS AND KEEP THEM IN OWNERS YARDS AS THEY KILL BIRDS AND DIG IN GARDENS
• TRAFFIC AND COMMUTE ARE BIG
• LACK OF VISIBLE POLICING.
• CONTINUE TO SUPPORT REGIONAL ISSUES SUCH AS TRANSPORTATION, HOMELESSNESS, AND ARTS AND CULTURE SUPPORT. CONTINUE TO PRESERVE AND EXPAND GREEN SPACES.
• HOME HEATING RETROFITS
• MORE RESOURCES FOR LOCAL RCMP AND TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT
• THE LACK OF LEADERSHIP OF ELECTED OFFICIALS AND THE TOWN EMPLOYEES WHO ARE DOING THE BARE MINIMUM AND HAVE NO REAL INTEREST IN PROVIDING INNOVATIVE SERVICES.
• GREEN SPACE, OVER DEVELOPMENT
• DO NOT ALLOW CHRISTIE POINT TO BE REDEVELOPED TO A DENSITY HIGHER THAN EXISTS NOW; TO ENSURE ALL ASPECTS OF IT MEET VR OCP, NO EXCEPTIONS. TO ENSURE ALL ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA, GUIDELINES, ETC ARE ADHERED TO.
• TOO MUCH EMPHASIS ON STAFF MAKING DECISIONS ON COMMUNITY MATTERS
• TRAFFIC. WATKISS/HELMCKEN INTERSECTION IS A BAD BOTTLENECK AND ONE OF THE WORST PEDESTRIAN CROSSING I HAVE ENCOUNTERED IN VICTORIA. THE L HAND TURN LIGHT IS TOO SHORT AND FRUSTRATED CARS DO NOT STOP TO LET YOU CROSS. JUST WAITING FOR A HIT AND RUN TO HAPPEN THERE.
• STOP ALLOWING MASS EVICTION OF EXISTING TENANTS TO BUILD NEW RENTALS AT HIGH MARKET RATES. FORCE DEVELOPERS TO PROVIDE AFFORDABLE UNITS IN ALL NEW MULTI-UNIT BUILDINGS.
• TRAFFIC, AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING, DEVELOPMENT OF TOWN CENTRES/HUBS, WALK ABILITY
• HAVING A FEW MORE FAMILY DOCTORS IN THE AREA WOULD BE A REAL BENEFIT, SINCE THERE SEEMS TO BE A SHORTAGE AT THE MOMENT. WE ARE BLESSED TO HAVE THE VGH IN OUR MIDST BUT MORE DOCTORS WOULD BE BETTER AND WOULD MEAN FEWER TRIPS TO THE ER I SHOULD THINK?
• TRAFFIC ALONG ADMIRALS, HELMCKEN AND ISLAND HIGHWAY
• REPRESENTATION IN THE CRD
• GETTING PEOPLE OUT OF THEIR CARS (SCHOOL BUSES, MASS TRANSIT, E AND N TRAIN)
• TRAFFIC PROBLEM TO RESIDENTS DUE TO LOTS OF RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL LICENSES ISSUED BY MUNICIPALITY WITHOUT ACCESSING INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS. ONLINE SERVICES TO RESIDENTS, USE OF TECHNOLOGY.
• WE QUESTION THE IMMINENT THREE-FOLD INCREASE OF OCCUPANCY IN CHRISTIE POINT. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES DO WE WISH TO SEE MONEY SPENT ON MODIFYING ISLAND HIGHWAY WEST OF SHORELINE DRIVE. TWO OFFICIAL STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT THE AREA OF CRAIGFLOWER, ADMIRALS, ISLAND HIGHWAY, SHORELINE DRIVE IS AT - BEYOND - MAXIMUM CAPACITY. IT IS TIME TO FOCUS ON MORE THAN ROADWAYS/HIGHWAYS.
• TRAFFIC CONGESTION. AIR POLLUTION - I’M VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE WELL KNOWN NEGATIVE HEALTH IMPACTS.
• THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH SPORTS FIELDS AND DRY COURTS FOR THE COMMUNITY OF NOT ONLY VIEW ROYAL BUT ALSO GREATER VICTORIA. I BELIEVE THAT THE CORNER OF WATKISS AND BURNSIDE COULD HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BUILD AN OUT DOOR MULTI-USE DRY-COURT WITH A ROOF AND MAYBE A FIELD. IT IS ALREADY ZONED FOR THIS AND CRAIGFLOWER CREEK WOULD BE PROTECTED. THE ENTIRE REGION WOULD BENEFIT FROM THIS. OUR YOUTH AND FAMILIES ARE OUR MOST IMPORTANT ASSET.
• TRANSPORTATION IS A REGIONAL ISSUE. A FORM OF LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED
• IMPROVE ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE DEVELOPERS TO THE CITY. WE HAVE BEEN UNDULY INCONVENIENCED, ARE NOW SUBJECTED TO SOME TERRIBLE DESIGN DECISIONS (SIGNIFICANT ROAD NARROWING, NEW SIDEWALKS WITH POLES PLANTED SQUARELY IN THE MIDDLE MAKING THEM IMPASSABLE FOR ANYONE WITH MOBILITY ISSUES OR MOTHERS WITH STROLLERS ETC) AND PARKING SEEMS TO BE AN AFTERTHOUGHT, AS PART OF THE SECONDARY SUITES APPROVAL PROCESS. WE ARE CURRENTLY CONTENDING WITH HAVING OTHER PEOPLES CARS (UNKNOWN TO US) PARKED IN AND ACROSS OUR DRIVEWAYS, SO THAT WE HAVE TO GO LOOKING FOR THE OWNER TO LEAVE OUR OWN PROPERTY AND GO TO WORK! THIS IS EXPRESSLY AS A RESULT OF NOT HOLDING BUILDERS ACCOUNTABLE TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURES FOR THEIR DEVELOPMENTS AS PART OF THE APPROVED DESIGN. AND WHERE ARE ALL THE PROMISED TREES BEING PLANTED??? WE UNDERSTAND THAT BUILDERS WHO REMOVE TREES, ARE REQUIRED TO REPLACE THEM. VIEW ROYAL TOWNSHIP MUST BE ABLE TO MONITOR AND TRACK THIS - IT DIRECTLY AFFECTS OUR COMMUNITY ONCE THE BUILDERS HAVE TAKEN THEIR MONEY AND LEFT.
• CREATION OF NEW PARKS AS NEIGHBOURHOODS DENSIFY (PARTICULARLY THE HOSPITAL AREA). RENTAL AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING. BUILDING MORE COMMERCIAL TAX BASE. PROTECTION OF WATERWAYS BY LIMITING RESIDENTIAL SEPTIC RUNOFF AND OTHER POLLUTION.
• KEEPING JOBS LOCAL AND NOT CONTRACTING OUT CITY JOBS TO OTHER COMPANIES
• CREATING DEDICATED TRANSIT /HOV LANES ON TCH TO LANGFORD
• TRAFFIC CONGESTION
• OVERDEVELOPMENT AND PRESERVING MORE NATURAL GREEN SPACE
• HOUSING AFFORDABILITY

Question 3a

Why do you say the overall quality of life in the Town of View Royal is [good/very good]? [RECORD VERBATIM]

• LOVELY GREEN SPACES AND RECENT INITIATIVES FOR FAMILIES (ARTS EVENT, NEW PARK EQUIPMENT AND PROPOSED BIKE PARK).
• SAFE, PRETTY, WELL MANAGED, PERSONALISED
• BECAUSE IT IS
• LOVE THAT IT’S WALKABLE, LOVE THE TREES AND PARKS SPACES, THE LOCATION WITHIN THE REGION IS CENTRAL AND DOESN’T REQUIRE LONG COMMUTE TO ANYWHERE. ENJOY THE COMMUNITY PRIDE. ADDING COMMUNITY AMENITIES AT EAGLE CREEK AND THOUGHTFULLY (NEST AT WATKINS’S AND BURNSIDE) ADDS TO THE NEIGHBOURHOOD AND CREATES PLACES TO COME TOGETHER
• QUIET, PEACEFUL NEIGHBOURHOOD
• GENERALLY SAFE, TOWNSHIP WELL CARED FOR VISUALLY, NEIGHBOURS KEEP GREAT CARE OF THEIR PROPERTIES
• IT’S A NICE PLACE, SEASIDE, I SEE THE OCEAN (PORTAGE INLET FROM MY HOME). WE ARE FORTUNATE (MORE THAN MOST) TO OWN A HOME HERE BUT THERE WILL ALWAYS BE DOWNSIDES. IT’S HARD TO GET HERE IN RUSH HOURS IT’S INCREASINGLY MORE FRUSTRATING EVERY YEAR AS MORE AND LOT PEOPLE MOVE HERE AND NOTHING IN REGARDS TO INFRASTRUCTURE CHANGES (40 TOWNHOUSES AT THE END OF MY STREET AND THEY ARE FIXING 400METRES IF RD. NO INCREASE IN PARKING AVAILABILITY YET OUR STREET IS IMPASSABLE MOST DAYS DUE TO CARS PARKED EVERYWHERE..... IT’S A GOOD PLACE TO LIVE COMPARED TO A LOT OF OTHERS BUT STILL NEEDS SO MUCH IMPROVEMENT....
• SAFE NEIGHBOURHOODS
• VR NEEDS TO UPGRADE ITS STREET LIGHTING SYSTEM... ESPECIALLY POOR IN OLDER RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBOURHOODS. OTHER THAN THE TWO MAIN PUBS, THERE IS NO " VR TOWN CENTRE" TO ATTRACT RESIDENTS OF VR OR FOLKS JUST PASSING THROUGH VR TO STOP AND ENJOY OUR COMMUNITY.
• WE HAVE GREAT NEIGHBOURS. THERE IS A RURAL FEEL TO WHERE WE LIVE YET WE ARE ONLY 10 MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN VICTORIA. HAVE MANY AMENITIES CLOSE BY. I WISH WE HAD MORE GREEN INITIATIVES LIKE SOLAR CHARGING STATIONS AND INCENTIVES FOR GOING SOLAR.
• EXCELLENT COMMUNITY GARDENS, SNOW REMOVAL AND GARBAGE PICKUP.
• WE HAVE ACCESS TO MANY AMENITIES LIVING IN THIS AREA. SHOPPING AT TWO MALLS SUCH AS ADMIRALS WALK, AND QUALITY FOODS.
• I’VE LIVED HERE TEN YEARS AND I’M SO IMPRESSED BY THE WORK DONE TO DATE UPGRADING AND MODERNIZING THE ROADS, PARKS, AND TOWN AMENITIES WHILE KEEPING TAX RATES LOW.
• SMALL TIGHT KNIT COMMUNITY WITH LOTS OF GREEN SPACE, PARKS FOR OUR KIDS AND VERY SAFE.
• LOVE WHERE I LIVE. PROXIMITY TO EVERYTHING LIKE PARKS, TRAILS, GROCERY STORE, HOSPITAL, WATER/OCEAN.
• CLEAN AND QUIET. LOW TAXES. ACTIVE COUNCIL.
• SMALL ENOUGH TO KNOW PEOPLE, INCLUDING COUNCILLORS. FRIENDLY. QUIET. GREEN WITH FOREST. BEAUTIFUL SETTING.
• LOW CRIME, REASONABLE TAX RATE, DECENT COUNCIL, WELL MAINTAINED.
• LIKE LIVING IN A SMALLER MUNICIPALITY WHERE STAFF ARE ACCESSIBLE AT TOWN HALL.
• MOST NEIGHBOURHOODS ARE RELATIVELY QUIET AND HAVE A GOOD MIX OF RESIDENTS. THE PARKS ARE ALSO A WELCOMING ATTRACTION.
• NOT COMPARED TO THE MANY OTHER TOWNS AND CITIES WHERE I HAVE LIVED. SAANICH IS BEST, WITH AN EXCELLENT POLICE FORCE WITH A PRESENCE, AND THAT ENFORCES THE LAWS. IN PARTICULAR, TRAFFIC.
• LOVE THE DIFFERENT NEIGHBOURHOODS AND HOW THEIR DIVERSITY ENRICHES OUR TOWN
• I THINK THERE IS A CLEAR DIVIDE BETWEEN OLD AND NEW. MORE EFFORT NEEDS TO BE PUT INTO PLANNING FOR BURNSIDE/WATKINS’S AREA. BIKE LANES EXIST BUT ARE USED FOR PARKING FOR THE NEST COFFEE SHOP, OTHER BUSINESSES AND THE TOWNHOUSES. THERE SHOULD BE A CROSSWALK AT FRANCIS VIEW. THERE IS DANGEROUS BLIND SPOT CREATED BY CARS PARKING IN BIKE LANES AND SPEED ISSUES ON THE CORNER BY THE NEST. FRANCIS VIEW IS THE ONLY STREET THAT DID NOT RECEIVE TRAFFIC CALMING OR A CROSSWALK BESIDES FLURRY HEIGHTS DURING SAFETY UPGRADES ON WATKISS BETWEEN BURNSIDE AND HIGHLAND ROAD/THETIS LAKE PARK.
• CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN VICTORIA. BUS ROUTING IS GOOD. QUIET, CLOSE TO CITY BUT FEELS COUNTRY
• IT STILL FEELS LIKE A COMMUNITY / NEIGHBOURHOOD. I THINK IF THE TOWN WAS TO AMALGAMATE WITH OTHER MUNICIPALITIES WE COULD STILL KEEP THAT FEEL (LIKE SAY FERNWOOD)
• IT IS STILL SUBURBAN, SAFE, LOW CRIME, PEOPLE ARE WORKING AND SHOPPING. BUT IT IS GETTING CROWDED AND CONGESTED & NOISY. INCREASING POPULATION WITHOUT JOBS IS CONTRARY TO GOOD LAND USE PLANNING.
• PEOPLE TEND TO OVERLOOK VIEW ROYAL BUT IT CONTAINS SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND AFFORDABLE AREAS IN VICTORIA
• EASY ACCESS TO SERVICES AND BUSINESSES, INCLUDING HOSPITAL, SHOPPING AND SCHOOLS
• THIS IS NOT A BLANKET STATEMENT FOR LIFE IN THE TOWN OF VR. THE OVERALL QUALITY OF LIFE IS GOOD FOR ME IN VIEW ROYAL. VIEW ROYAL IS WHERE I RESIDE, BUT NOT MUCH ELSE. IT'S A BEDROOM COMMUNITY. I AM DISSATISFIED WITH THE GOVERNANCE OF THE TOWN AND I QUESTION IF THE TOWN IS REALLY SPENDING PUBLIC FUNDS FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THE RESIDENTS OF VIEW ROYAL, AS OPPOSED TO THE BETTERMENT OF DEVELOPERS.
• DECENT INFRASTRUCTURE, CLEAN
• BEAUTIFUL WELL KEPT AND CLOSE TO TOWN AND LANGFORD AT THE SAME TIME
• AS ANSWERED IN THE FIRST QUESTION, TRAFFIC IS AN IMPORTANT ISSUE FOR OUR HOUSEHOLD AND NEIGHBOURHOOD. IT DOES AFFECT OUR OVERALL QUALITY OF LIFE.
• ACCESS TO BIKE TRAILS AND BEACHES SMALL TOWN FEELING
• FAMILY-FRIENDLY, NATURAL AND PARK SPACES, QUIET, LARGE SINGLE-FAMILY LOTS, PROXIMITY TO DOWNTOWN, RESPONSIVE CIVIL SERVICES, E.G., ROAD CLEARING AND GARBAGE COLLECTION
• IT HAS A GOOD MIX LARGE LOT RESIDENTIAL AND SMALLER LOT RESIDENTIAL, AND COMMERCIAL AREAS ARE KEPT IN SPECIFIC AREAS. HAS ATTEMPTED TO NOT OVERDEVELOP
• GREAT PARKS AND SERVICES
• LOCATION IS GOOD AND QUITE CENTRAL FOR CONNECTING WITH OTHER AREAS. AND QUIET/SERENE ON THE WEEKENDS AND EVENINGS. THERE IS SOME ASPECTS OF RURAL WHICH FOSTER THAT AND ENOUGH AMENITIES TO PROVIDE QUALITY.
• BEAUTIFUL NATURAL LOCATION EXCELLENT VIEW ROYAL COUNCIL
• LOTS OF PARKS AND NATURE. WE ARE A VERY WALKABLE COMMUNITY. LOW TAXES ALONG WITH GOOD SERVICES.
• HAS A SMALL TOWN FEEL WITHIN THE LARGER CITY (CRD). I LIKE THAT WE KNOW OUR MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS. IT IS WELL LOCATED AS A COMMUNITY. NEIGHBOURS ARE FRIENDLY!
• IT’S A GREAT COMMUNITY WITH GREAT LEADERSHIP
• LOW TAXES, SAFE AND REASONABLY AFFORDABLE. HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE
• OUR FAMILY HAS NOT HAD TO INTERACT WITH THE TOWN OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS. THERE ARE DEFINITELY SIGNIFICANT CHANGES THAT NEED ADDRESSING AND WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT MAYOR & COUNCIL WILL ADDRESS TRANSPORTATION ISSUES WITH OTHER MUNICIPALITIES INCLUDING PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT.
• WE'RE CENTRAL TO VICTORIA AND CLOSE TO MOST EVERYTHING. THE GALLOPING GOOSE TRAIL GOES THROUGH OUR COMMUNITY AS WELL AS THE E& N TRAIL.
• NOT MUCH CRIME, PLEASANT NEIGHBOURHOODS
• VIEW ROYAL IS VERY CENTRAL FOR ALL OUR NEEDS, BEING A RETIRED COUPLE
• OUR ROADS ARE WELL MAINTAINED DURING SNOWFALL. PUBLIC PLACES ARE ALSO BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED, AND I LOVE THE PARKS FOR CHILDREN
• SEMI-RURAL COMMUNITY, CLEAN, SAFE AND EXCELLENT ACCESS TO TRANSPORTATION ROUTES
• THIS SURVEY, PROPERTY TAXES FAIRLY REALISTIC FOR SERVICES, THE DETENTION CENTRE FINALLY BEING UTILIZED FOR A PRODUCTIVE CAUSE RATHER THAN A SQUATTERS PLACE FOR CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES.
• TOWN STILL HAS A LOT TO DO IN TERM OF DEVELOPING INFRASTRUCTURE.
• CLEAN, EASILY ACCESSIBLE, GOOD LOCATION.
• PROXIMITY TO PARKS, DOWNTOWN, FERRIES, AIRPORTS, AND HIGHWAYS. SERVICES PROVIDED BY VIEW ROYAL IN TERMS OF SNOW REMOVAL, MAKING COMPOSTING AVAILABLE, SMALLER TOWN FEELING.
• GREAT PATHWAYS, BEACHES AND VERY CLEAN. WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE WATER ACCESS OFF PRICE ROAD (KAYAK LAUNCH)
• LIFE IN VR IS GREAT, OUR FUTURE IS DISMAL. HISTORICALLY THE ENTIRE REGION HAS RESTED ON THEIR LAURELS WITH MANY SMALL GROUPS WORKING TIRELESSLY TO MAINTAIN SOCIAL EQUITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS OFTEN WITH ROADBLOCKS CREATED BY ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNANCE. WE HAVE TO DO BETTER, WE HAVE NO CHOICE. WE NEED TO WORK COLLECTIVELY, BE TASK ORIENTED AND GET THINGS DONE.
• IT IS GENERALLY A QUIET, CLEAN COMMUNITY. PLEASE KEEP IT THAT WAY BY NOT ALLOWING ANY MORE LARGE RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
• JUST MOVED HERE IN DECEMBER. HAVE RECEIVED A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM TOWN COUNCILLOR; MAYOR SEEMS TO BE ENGAGED W/ THE COMMUNITY. OVERALL GOOD SENSE OF COMMUNITY - BUT HAVE NOT LIVED HERE LONG ENOUGH TO HAVE A FULLY DEVELOPED OPINION. TOWN DEALT WELL W/ THE RECENT SNOW FALL AND SNOW REMOVAL.
• WE ARE FORTUNATE TO LIVE IN VIEW ROYAL. BEAUTIFUL CITY AND GOOD COMMUNITY SPIRIT
• PARKS, NEARBY SHOPPING AND AMENITIES, CENTRALLY LOCATED, SO CLOSE TO TOWN AND ALSO WESTERN COMMUNITIES
• HAVE EVERYTHING WE NEED HERE - WALKWAYS, GOOD PARKS, ACCESS TO AMENITIES, LOWER TAXES THAN OTHER CRD PLACES, SENSE OF COMMUNITY.
• I MOVED HERE FROM LANGFORD 20 YEARS AGO AND I WAS HAPPY ABOUT THE APPARENT CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, AIR QUALITY AND CONCERN FOR PARKS AND STREAMS. I BELIEVE THAT THIS SHOULD BE MAINTAINED IN FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
• GREAT COMMUNITY FEEL EXCEPT FOR THE TRAFFIC
• THE PARKS, FORESTS, PLAYGROUNDS, GREEN SPACE, HIKING TRAILS AT THETIS LAKE AND ELSEWHERE ARE ALL FEATURES THAT LED US TO MOVE TO VIEW ROYAL A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO. THE TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL SEEMS TO BE VERY WELL RUN. THE FIRE HALL AND PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING IS FIRST CLASS.
• LOCATION NEAR WATER FEATURES WITH RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES CLOSE BY AND ADEQUATE SERVICES AND MOSTLY LOW DENSITY HOUSING THAT AVOID THE CLUTTER AND MESS FOUND IN MOST HIGHER DENSITY COMMUNITIES.
• GOOD PARKS AND TRAILS. EASY ACCESS TO SERVICES ON TOWN BOUNDARY.
• OVERALL THE SERVICES ARE GOOD.
• I ENJOY THE AMOUNT OF TREES STILL LEFT, THE PARK SPACE, AND THE OVERALL NATURAL LOOK OF THE AREA. IT HASN'T BEEN STRIPPED BARE LIKE IT HAS IN LANGFORD, FOR EXAMPLE. IT APPEARS THAT VIEW ROYAL PAYS MORE ATTENTION TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND ALL OF ITS INHABITANTS.
• SERVICES AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ARE GREAT.
• FOR MY AGE - OVER 70 - I LIVE IN A QUIET AND PRETTY AREA (CHRISTIE POINT), AND MOST OF THE SERVICES I NEED ARE AVAILABLE, SUCH AS: FOOD, MEDICAL, VEHICLE SERVICES, ETC.
• IT IS CENTRALLY LOCATED FOR ACCESS TO ALL PARTS OF THE SOUTH ISLAND
• CLOSE PROXIMITY TO DOWNTOWN VICTORIA, READY ACCESS TO SERVICES AND RETAIL
• PRETTY PLACE, I FEEL SAFE AT NIGHT. HAVE NOT ENCOUNTERED ANY BAD PEOPLE. NO HOMELESS ON THE STREETS.
• FEEL SAFE
• TAX RATE INCREASES ON AVERAGE TEND TO BE FAR ABOVE RATE OF PAY INCREASES FOR THE AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD, WHICH WILL INEVITABLY LEAD TO AN UNAFFORDABLE PLACE FOR MANY CURRENT RESIDENTS. THAT SAID, VIEW ROYAL CURRENTLY OFFERS A WONDERFUL BALANCE OF COMPACT NEIGHBOURHOODS WITH SOME COMMERCIAL/RETAILS AMENITIES; REASONABLE ACCESS TO WATERFRONT, PARKS AND NATURAL AREAS; AND ACCESS TO THE GALLOPING GOOSE AND E& N TRAILS TO GET DOWNTOWN DURING THE MORNING COMMUTE. THE TOWN IS ATTRACTIVELY MAINTAINED, SEEMS WELL MANAGED BY STAFF AND COUNCIL, AND HAS MAINTAINED ITS UNIQUE SENSE OF PLACE WITHIN THE LARGER SOUTH ISLAND REGION.
• ACCESS TO FACILITIES, GREEN SPACES, CLOSE TO VICTORIA DOWNTOWN CORE FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND WORK
• GREAT COMMUNITY SPIRIT
• NO SIGNIFICANT COMPLAINTS AT THIS TIME.
• GOOD QUALITY AMENITIES
• OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD IS WELL MAINTAINED AND CARED FOR - PARKS AND STREETS ARE TIDY, BY-LAW OFFICERS DOING THEIR ROUNDS
• WE HAVE THE LOWEST TAXES IN THE CRD. WE HAVE BEAUTIFUL GREEN SPACES FOR ALL ACTIVITY LEVELS. WE ARE NOT OVERDEVELOPED WITH COMMERCIAL FACILITIES.
• PARKS, SIDEWALKS, RESOURCES ARE HERE
• CONVENIENT LOCATION, SOME GOOD NEIGHBOURS
• IT IS QUIET AND SAFE IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD. GOOD ACCESS TO BIKING HIKING AND THE WATER AND BUSES EASY ACCESS TO DOWNTOWN IN NON PEAK TIMES AND REST OF WEST SHORE. ACCESS TO REC CENTRES
• VIEW ROYAL IS A LOVELY COMMUNITY WITH QUITE A RURAL FEEL. THE TRAILS ARE REALLY WELL DONE AND ENJOYABLE AS IS THE PARK AND COMMUNITY GARDENS.
• LOCATION IS DECENT. IT'S CLEAN. I'M STILL FAIRLY NEW HERE SO STILL FIGURING OUT WHAT THERE IS
• LOWER TAXES, QUALITY SERVICES AND RESPONSIVENESS OF COUNCIL AND STAFF ON ISSUES AND RECENT IMPROVEMENTS TO CYCLING AND PEDESTRIAN EXPERIENCE (E & N) AND SAFETY BUILDING.
• EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS A CLOSE DRIVE AWAY. NEED MORE RETAIL WALKING DISTANCE TO HOMES
• TAXES ARE RELATIVELY LOW AND SERVICES RELATIVELY GOOD
• GOOD AMENITIES (JDF), GOLF COURSES, CLOSE TO SHOPPING, DOWNTOWN. QUIET NIGHTS, NATURAL SETTING, THETIS LAKE
• SAFE PLACE TO LIVE, STORES AND MEDICAL SERVICES NEARBY.
• SMALL PARTNER IN CRD, WELL MAINTAINED PARKS, BOULEVARDS, ETC. RESPECT FOR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT, WORKING WITH OTHER CRD MEMBERS TO RESOLVE LONG-STANDING AND WORSENING TRANSPORTATION ISSUES.
• CLOSE TO PARKS AND DRIVING UP ISLAND
• IT IS GOOD BUT IT WAS BETTER. TRAFFIC NOSE IS UP +++. WE ARE IN GRIDLOCK IN ALL DIRECTIONS. AIRPLANES CLIMB OVER US AS WELL AS THE OLD FLIGHT PATH IN, SO NOISE NOISE NOISE. THE INLET IS POLLUTED, AND EEL GRASS MEADOWS ARE GREATLY DEPLETED. FISH AND BIRD COUNTS ARE DOWN...BUT WHEN WE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY SLOW CAR EXHAUST, AIR QUALITY SEEMS GOOD. IT FEELS SAFE HERE. ROADS AND PATHS WELL MAINTAINED IN WINTER, WE HAVE A WONDERFUL NEIGHBOURHOOD. IT IS BEAUTIFUL HERE. BUT THAT MAY CHANGE.
• IT IS A VERY BEAUTIFUL NATURAL AREA, ALTHOUGH WE ARE BECOMING ALARMED AT HOW IT HAS CHANGED OVER THE YEARS, AND THE WAY DEVELOPMENT IS PROCEEDING CURRENTLY.
• GREAT PLACE TO LIVE
• QUIET NEIGHBOURHOODS, GOOD TRANSIT, PLEASANT PARKS AND WALK WAYS
• PROPERTY TAXES ARE REASONABLE, SERVICES ARE GENERALLY GOOD, PARKS AND TRAILS
• SMALLER COMMUNITY, CLOSE TO ALL SERVICES.
• I LIKE THE PARK AREAS. LOTS OF GREEN SPACE IS GREAT. TRAFFIC IS THE ONLY MAJOR CONCERN.
• I LOVE LIVING IN VIEW ROYAL. THERE IS VIRTUALLY EVERYTHING I NEED HERE AND I LOVE THE SALVATION ARMY THRIFT STORE! I CAN BUY MY GROCERIES, GET MY PRESCRIPTIONS FILLED IF I NEED SOME, GET A GREAT COFFEE, GO OUT FOR DINNER AND JUST SIMPLY RELAX AND ENJOY BEING AT HOME HERE. AND NEVER TOO FAR FROM LANGFORD, VICTORIA AND EVEN SIDNEY, SHOULD I CHOOSE TO JUMP IN THE CAR AND GO.
• NICE QUIET NEIGHBOURHOODS
• I STILL HAVE EASY ACCESS TO NATURE AND BIKE PATHS. CLOSE TO AMENITIES.
• BEAUTIFUL WELL MAINTAINED NEIGHBOURHOODS. LOTS OF WALKING AREA AND GREEN SPACE. WATERFRONT ACCESS. BICYCLE TRAILS. SAFE. LOTS OF TREES. TOWNSHIP PROVIDES GOOD RELIABLE SERVICES.
• NATURAL SURROUNDINGS, SHORELINE ACCESS, THETIS LAKE, BIKE TRAILS
• 1. TAXES IN VIEW ROYAL ARE MORE. 2. RESIDENTS ARE NOT GETTING ONLINE SERVICES, ONE HAS TO GO TO TOWN HALL TO GET THEIR PROBLEMS ADDRESSED. 3. MUNICIPALITY VS COMMUNITY INTERACTIONS ARE NOT THERE OR MISSING.
• ALL SERVICES ARE WELL DONE - FIRE, POLICE, STREET CLEANING, ETC.
• WE LIVE IN A BEAUTIFUL AREA. THE HEAVY TRAFFIC IS A BURDEN ON OUR HEALTH THOUGH.
• IT IS CENTRAL. AMENITIES ARE CLOSE. WE HAVE PARKS. IT IS QUIET. AND I BELIEVE WE HAVE A GOOD COUNCIL THAT IS EASY TO COMMUNICATE WITH.
• GOOD QUALITY AMENITIES, PROXIMITY TO OTHER MAIN CENTRES.
• VIEW ROYAL IS SCENIC WITH A WONDERFUL CLIMATE. IT IS SITUATED TO HAVE GOOD ACCESS TO ALL OF THE CRD. IT IS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY OF WEST SHORE REC SERVICES. THE TOWN GENERALLY PROVIDES VERY GOOD SERVICES (PARKS, COLLECTIONS) AND IS RESPONSIVE TO CITIZENS.
• THE STREETS AND SIDEWALKS ARE CLEAN, THE TOWN STAFF ARE EASY TO ENGAGE
• TOO MUCH RELIANCE ON THE CASINO, WE MUST DO MUCH MORE TO ADDRESS THE EMERGENCY IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE... THE TOWN INITIATIVES ARE LESS THAN AVERAGE IN THE REGION.
• REASONABLY SAFE, BUT FEW SERVICES IN MIDDLE OF TOWN
• WE LOVE OUR LOCATION IN VIEW ROYAL AND IT'S CLOSE PROXIMITY TO DOWNTOWN, PARKS AND AMENITIES. HOWEVER, THE INCREASING TRAFFIC OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS HAS BECOME INTOLERABLE, ESPECIALLY WHEN COMMUTING DOWNTOWN ON A REGULAR BASIS.
• CONVENIENT LOCAL AMENITIES, CONVENIENCE OF E & N TRAIL TO TRAVEL ON BIKE TO NEIGHBOURING COMMUNITIES, EASY ACCESS TO NEIGHBOURING COMMUNITY CITIES, ACCESSIBILITY TO OCEAN AND BEACHES WITH LOW TRAFFIC VOLUME, ENGAGING COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Question 3b

Why do you say the overall quality of life in the Town of View Royal is [poor/very poor]? [RECORD VERBATIM]

• THE TRAFFIC. THIS IS NOT A WALKABLE COMMUNITY - IF YOU WANT TO WALK TO AMENITIES, YOU NEED TO WALK BESIDE BUSY ROADS WITH LOTS OF TRAFFIC. WALKWAYS AREN'T ALWAYS WELL MAINTAINED, EITHER (E.G. THE BUSHES IN FRONT OF CANADIAN TIRE OVERTAKE THE SIDEWALK, REDUCING THE AMOUNT OF SPACE FOR PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC).
• THERE ARE MANY AREAS WITH NO SIDEWALKS, A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO IMPROVE LIVEABILITY IS NONEXISTENT. A BLANKET ATTITUDE TOWARDS PROTECTING TREES FOR THE SAKE OF JUST PROTECTING TREES DOES NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE LIVEABILITY OF THE RESIDENTS. THE ABILITY TO HAVE PRODUCTIVE GARDENS, FRUIT TREES, AND VIEWS SHOULD BE PRIORITY NOT THE PRESERVATION OF TREES THAT MAY BE HAVING A PROBLEM IN THE CHANGING CLIMATE, BECAUSE THE CLIMATE “IS CHANGING”.
• THE STREETS AND THE SIDEWALKS ARE POORLY MAINTAINED. LOOK AT THE LATEST SNOW STORMS IN FEBRUARY WHEN PUBLIC SIDEWALKS WHERE NOT CLEANED, PRIVATE SIDEWALKS WERE ALSO NOT CLEANED AND OUR BYLAW DEPARTMENT WAS NOT OUT GIVING PEOPLE WARNINGS AND WHY NOT EVEN FINES. AFTER EACH WIND STORM, THERE IS A LOT OF DEBRIS ON THE STREET, NOBODY CARES.
• NO TOWN CENTRE POOR WALK ABILITY
• BECAUSE IT WILL BE FOR MY CHILDREN IF WE DON'T TAKE ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE. LOWERING EMISSIONS CREATES A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL. AND WE CAN SEE THAT CITY'S LIKE THE CITY OF VICTORIA ARE TAKING ACTION. WE NEED TO AS WELL!!!!!!!!!
• OVERDEVELOPED WITH NO AMENITIES. WHAT TO SHOP? LEAVE VIEW ROYAL. NEED A DOCTOR? LEAVE VIEW ROYAL. WANT TO SEE INCREASED DENSITY WITHOUT INFRASTRUCTURE? CHECK OUT HOW COUNCIL IS TURNING VIEW ROYAL INTO ONE MASSIVE TRAILER PARK.
• VIEW ROYAL IS A SMALL BEDROOM COMMUNITY THAT DOESN’T SERVE THE RESIDENTS WELL. DEVELOPERS ARE GIVEN WAY TOO MUCH AND DON’T FOLLOW RULES. IF (RARELY) CALLED ON THEIR MISTAKES, THEY JUST ASK FOR A VARIANCE, AND TOWN COUNCIL GIVES IT, DESPITE KNOWING THE PROBLEMS THAT IT WILL CAUSE, SUCH AS PARKING ISSUES AND SPEEDING. AS THEY BUILD, THEIR CONTRACTORS DON’T OBEY LOCAL TRAFFIC SIGNS, PARK WHERE THEY LIKE, AND INSULT THE RESIDENTS. POOR NEIGHBOURHOOD DESIGN CAUSES MANY ISSUES, ESPECIALLY TRANSPORTATION ISSUES BOTH ON ROADS AND THE LACK OF GOOD PUBLIC TRANSPORT. THE TOWN IS VERY SLOW TO ACT ON COMPLAINTS, EMAILING THE TOWN THE ONLY RESPONSE ONE GETS IS A GENERIC AUTO REPLY. THE MAYOR HAS ANGER MANAGEMENT ISSUES, AND PRETENDS TO LISTEN, BUT HAS PUBLICLY ANNOUNCE HIS BELIEFS TRUMP PUBLIC INPUT (LAST CHOICES EXTENSION IS A GOOD EXAMPLE.) ANOTHER ISSUE IS THAT BYLAWS ARE ON A COMPLAINT BASIS, RATHER THAN THE TOWN BEING PROACTIVE AND USING PLANNING TO AVOID ISSUES. THE TOWN IS NOT ATTEMPTING TO BUILD COMMUNITY IN ALL THE NEW DEVELOPMENTS, RATHER THEY IGNORE ALL THE PROBLEMS THAT OCCUR. THE SENIOR ENGINEER IS VERY OUT OF TOUCH, HE CRITICIZES CITIZEN VOLUNTEERS AS UNRELIABLE, BUT HE DOES NOT RESPOND TO REAL CITIZEN DESIRES. THE TOWN GETS A LOT FROM IT’S VOLUNTEERS, BUT FAILS TO REALLY PUBLICLY ACKNOWLEDGE THEM, NOR DO THEY PROMOTE BEING ONE. OVERALL THE TOWN IS REACTIVE RATHER THAN PROACTIVE ON MOST ISSUES, AND THE MAYOR HAS SAID THE ONLY WAY TO IMPROVE WOULD BE MORE TAXES. THE TOWN BELIEVES IT IS GREEN, YET IT OVERWATERS PARKS, CUTS GRASS & COLLECTS GARBAGE TOO FREQUENTLY. NON- NATIVE PLANTS IN TOWN FLOWERBEDS ARE TREATED BETTER THAN CITIZENS. PERHAPS CUTTING SALARIES AND NUMBERS AT THE TOWN OFFICE (BOTH ELECTED AND OTHERWISE) MIGHT BE A WAY TO GET BETTER SERVICES HERE.

Question 8

For the next few questions, please think about the last time you contacted or dealt with the Town of View Royal. How did this contact occur? Was it… [READ LIST-IF MENTION MORE THAN ONE TYPE, ASK WHICH WAS THE MOST DOMINANT TYPE OF CONTACT][SINGLE MENTION]

• STARTED WITH EMAIL, THEN MOVED TO TELEPHONE THEN BACK TO EMAIL.
• EMAIL MOSTLY BUT ALSO IN-PERSON, TOWN MEETINGS, PUBLIC CONSULTATION
• SOCIAL MEDIA AND FACE TO FACE AT TOWN COUNCIL MEETING. MANY COMMENTS MADE (ON SOCIAL MEDIA) BY MANY RESIDENTS ABOUT RECENT VARIANCE PROPOSALS/FURTHER DEVELOPMENT PLANS. ON SOCIAL MEDIA MAYOR SCREECH WAS OVERLY HOSTILE TOWARDS ANY RESIDENT THAT EXPRESSED CONCERN OR OPPOSITION. MANIPULATION (VIA AMENDMENT TO BYLAWS) OF PROVIDING NOTICES TO ONLY 100 SQ METERS ON A DEVELOPMENT VARIANCE WAS AN INSULT. TOWN COUNCIL WAS A SHAM AND AN EMBARRASSMENT TO THE PRINCIPLES OF GOOD GOVERNMENT - REPEATEDLY CUTTING OFF RESIDENTS WHO WISHED TO SPEAK.
• BOTH BY EMAIL, PHONE AND IN-PERSON
• PAYING TAXES OR COMING INTO TOWN HALL
• IN PERSON, EMAIL, TOWN MEETING
• EMAIL, TELEPHONE, COUNCIL MEETINGS, IN PERSON
• SOMETIME IT TAKES LOTS OF TIME TO REACH THE RIGHT PERSON TO GET A PROBLEM FIXED

Question 11

Thinking about your information needs, what kinds of information do you want the Town of View Royal to provide you with? [RANDOMIZE LIST; READ OPTIONS 1-7; SELECT ALL THAT APPLY]

• WELL YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE IS LAME AND BASICALLY NON EXISTENT. I FEEL YOU COULD GROW LEAPS AND BOUNDS THERE. ALSO PARK SURVEYS AND LAND USE APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE MAILED OUT (EMAIL WORKS TOO!) IN FACT EVERYTHING SHOULD BE MAILED OR EMAILED. POSTING IN YOUR LANE WEBSITE OR POSTING DAY OF ON FB DOESN’T GIVE ANYONE TIME TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS NEEDED TO ATTEND IMPORTANT MEETINGS ON ISSUES CONCERNING OUR TOWN. I HAVE LIVED HERE FOR 14 YEARS AND IF I DID NOT REGULARLY SEEK OUT INFO I WOULD KNOW NOTHING ABOUT WHAT’S GOING ON HERE (AND MANY RESIDENTS WILL NOT SEEK OUT INFO WHICH MEANS THEY KNOW NOTHING!)
• WHEN THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL CONSIDER FORWARDING LETTERS THREATENING THE CANADA'S ENERGY INDUSTRY, I STRONGLY THINK PUBLIC INPUT SHOULD BE REQUESTED FIRST BEFORE ANY POTENTIALLY DAMAGING AND OR EMBARRASSING CORRESPONDENCE TO PARTIES OUTSIDE OF VR IS APPROVED BY COUNCIL.
• REPORTS ON THE FIRE SERVICE
• TRAFFIC DELAYS THAT ARE EMAILED THE DAY AFTER THE EVENT. I HAVE DRAWN THIS TO STAFF'S ATTENTION MORE THAN ONCE, AND THEY STILL CANNOT FIX THE EMAIL QUEUE TO ACTIVATE ON THE CORRECT CYCLE.
• THE TWO I CHECKED BECAUSE I DON’T HEAR MUCH ABOUT THEM. THE REST I HEAR ABOUT FREQUENTLY.
• ON LINE STREAMING OF MEETINGS AND BETTER MINUTES
• INFORMATION ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TOWN OF VR AND DEVELOPERS, AS WELL AS ANY FORMS OF REMUNERATION THAT MAYOR/COUNCIL OR TOWN RECEIVED FROM DEVELOPERS. MAKE SURE ALL RESIDENTS ARE PROVIDED NOTICES AND QUIT AMENDING BYLAWS TO LIMIT SCOPE OF ENGAGEMENT TO AVOID CONFLICT ON ISSUES. IT IS CALLED TRANSPARENCY!
• NOT INTERESTED IN FANCY EVENTS LIKE TRAIL OPENINGS IN MY NEIGHBOURHOOD - WHAT WE NEED IS TIMELY INFORMATION ABOUT REZONING/VARIANCE APPLICATIONS/TRAFFIC STUDIES/ETC.
• CLIMATE ACTION!!!!!!
• I STATED DON'T KNOW AS SOMETIMES I HEAR ABOUT THINGS QUITE AFTER THE FACT, IE. IMPORTANT MEETINGS THAT REQUIRE ME TO BE LOOKING FOR THEM RATHER THAN THE TOWN INFORMING US ABOUT THEM. THE FRIENDS OF VIEW ROYAL FACEBOOK PAGE HAS HELPED AS THE MAYOR IS QUITE ENGAGED THERE AND BRINGS ITEMS FORWARD. I DON'T HAVE FB BUT DO HEAR ABOUT ITEMS THROUGH ANOTHER HOUSEHOLD MEMBER WHO DOES.
• PUBLIC WORKS, GARBAGE, GARDEN WASTE
• LAND DEVELOPMENT WITH MORE DETAILS. MORE WOULD PAY ATTENTION IF WE GOT MORE THAN A CHANGE OF DESIGNATION NOTICE ORNA MORE CLEAR IDEA OF WHAT WAS HAPPENING.
• I THINK THE INFO CURRENTLY MAILED OUT IS SUFFICIENT FOR MY NEEDS. WHEN I WANT SPECIFIC INFORMATION, E.G. TO REVIEW MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS, I USE THE TOWN'S WEBSITE. JUST THIS MORNING I FOUND THE TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL FACEBOOK PAGE, SO I AM NOW FOLLOWING IT FOR MISCELLANEOUS UPDATES. OBVIOUSLY WHAT MEETS MY NEEDS IN TERMS OF ONLINE ACCESS WOULD NOT WORK FOR THOSE WHO DON'T USE THE INTERNET, BUT I AM VERY SATISFIED.
• NEWSLETTER FROM THE MAYOR. EASY ACCESSIBLE SUMMARY OF DECISIONS. EASY ACCESSIBLE LIST OF UPCOMING DECISIONS AND DATE OF MEETING THEY WILL BE ADDRESSED.
• WEB SITE IS SOURCE OF INFORMATION
• A BRIEF SUMMARY OF COUNCIL MEETINGS ONLINE (RATHER THAN THE CUMBERSOME LENGTHY PDF FORMAT) WOULD BE GREAT. FULL ONLINE ACCESS TO DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS AND STAFF REPORTS PRIOR TO MEETINGS INSTEAD OF HAVING TO GO INTO THE MUNICIPAL HALL... CURRENTLY NOT TRANSPARENT.
• HISTORICALLY COMPARATIVE SPENDING
• UPDATING STATUS OF CURRENT DEVELOPMENT, ALREADY PERMITTED (FOR EXAMPLE, CHRISTIE POINT REDEVELOPMENT) SAME FOR STATUS OF BRINGING FIBRE OPTIC INTO NEIGHBOURHOODS.
• COULD GO ON LINE TO FIND TAXES AND FINANCIAL INFO IF THE WEBSITE IS EASIER TO USE.
• ALL PLANNING NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT WITH A CLIMATE CHANGE LENS.
• TRANSPORTATION PLANNING

Question 12

If you were looking for information on the Town of View Royal, what sources would you use to find this information? [DO NOT READ LIST EXCEPT TO CLARIFY; SELECT ALL THAT APPLY]

• I LOOK IN ALL THESE PLACES AND THE PASS ON INFO TO FRIENDS IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD AND AT SCHOOL. BUT THE INFO IS WEAK AND LACKING SUB PAR IN MY OPINION AND COULD BE SO MUCH BETTER (BUT I BET YOU DON’T WANT TO GIVE ANY TOO MUCH CAUSE IT’S LESS CONTROVERSIAL IF LESS PEOPLE KNOW, RIGHT!?)
• PLEASE DO NOT DISCONTINUE HAVING STAFF ANSWER THE PHONE!!!!!!! I WOULD RATHER PAY SOMEONE'S SALARY THAN WAIT ON THE PHONE FOR VA.
• EMAIL
• MAYOR'S LETTER
• MEMBERS ON COUNCIL
• REGULAR NEWSLETTER DELIVERED TO ALL RESIDENTS
• OUTSIDE NOTICE BOARD

Question 13

Of the following options, how would you most prefer to be contacted by the Town of View Royal in the future?

• THIS QUESTION IS CONFUSING AND LARGELY DEPENDS ON WHAT THEY’RE CONTACTING ME ABOUT. DO YOU MEAN HOW DO I WANT TO RECEIVE INFORMATION FROM THE MUNICIPALITY? THERE NEEDS TO BE GREATER EMPHASIS ON ONLINE (WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA) AND NOT JUST ABOUT LAND USE APPLICATIONS AND ROAD CLOSURES. WEBSITE NEEDS REVAMP. AND I LIKE THE HOUSEHOLD NEWSLETTER BUT I THINK IT NEEDS TO BE REVAMPED IN TERMS OF FORMAT AND USE OF GLOSSY PAPER
• EMAIL AND MAIL WORK WELL. NOT EVERYONE IS IN SOCIAL MEDIA SINCE THE AVERAGE AGE IN VIEW ROYAL IS LIKE 60, BUT YOU DEFINITELY NEED TO INCREASE THE LEVEL OF CONTACT WITH RESIDENTS. IT’S APPALLING WHAT PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT I OUT COMMUNITY! SHANE IN THE TOWN FOR NOT KEEPING VOTERS AND RESIDENTS INFORMED
• TELEPHONE AND MAIL IS BEST. PLEASE SPEAK TO THE MAYOR ABOUT HIS TREATMENT OF VR RESIDENTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA. HE IS A BULLY AND HARANGUES PEOPLES PERSONAL OPINIONS. ONE RESIDENT ON A COMMUNITY FACEBOOK SITE EXPRESSED FRUSTRATION WITH THE TOWN AND THE MAYOR RESPONDED IN THE MOST NEGATIVE AND RUDE MANNER. THE RESIDENT ACTUALLY SUGGESTED THAT SOCIAL MEDICAL WAS NOT A GOOD PLACE FOR A MAYOR TO SCOLD A LOCAL CITIZEN/RESIDENT. THE MAYOR ASSUMED THAT HE WAS BEING TOLD NOT TO RESPOND AND WHEN THE RESIDENT WAS SUGGESTING THAT A DIFFERENT VENUE TO ADDRESS THE CONCERN WAS REQUIRED, THE MAYOR CONTINUED TO CHASTISE THE PERSON AND DISMISS THE CONCERN. THE MAYOR BEHAVES LIKE A CHILD, OR LIKE A MINI TRUMP. HE IS WORSE THAN GRAHAM HILL. MUCH WORSE!!
• DEPENDS ON THE REASON FOR CONTACT. FOR A PARTICULAR MATTER: PHONE OR EMAIL DEPENDING ON THE NATURE OF IT. GENERAL UPDATES: EMAIL
• WEBSITE ONLINE, SOCIAL MEDIA
• AN EMAILED NEWSLETTER THAT IS FUNKY AND FUN. CAN ALERT LINKS TO UPCOMING EVENTS, PROPOSALS, WAYS WE AS RESIDENTS CAN PARTICIPATE IN REGIONAL ISSUES AND BE HEARD
• I WANTED TO SELECT BOTH EMAIL AND SOCIAL MEDIA, BUT THE SURVEY'S QUESTION IS WHAT I WOULD "MOST PREFER", NOT WHAT ARE MY TOP TWO. :)
• PUT ME ON DO NOT CALL OR EMAIL LIST
• DRIVE BY NOTICE BOARD/SIGN SIMILAR TO FIRE HALL SIGN, POSSIBLE PLACE NEAR TOWN HALL AND NEAR EAGLE CREEK/HOSPITAL
• TEXT
• ON THE WEBSITE IF IT WERE BETTER ORGANIZED. EVENTS PAGE ONLY LISTS 3 PER PAGE. SEARCHES ARE TOO CONFUSING. OTHER MUNICIPALITIES ARE MUCH EASIER TO USE.

Question 20

In general, which of the following funding approaches would you prefer the Town of View Royal use to fund future large projects? Would you rather they borrow funds, put aside funds in a savings account until sufficient funds are available to undertake the project, or raise taxes to meet the immediate demand?

• THIS QUESTION IS ONLY RELEVANT IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU’RE BORROWING OR SAVING FOR. EACH CAPITAL PROJECT IS DIFFERENT
• PUT ASIDE FUNDS AND RAISE TAXES, IF REQUIRED, BUT UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD MUNICIPALITIES BORROW!
• BUT REALLY RAISING TAXES ON ALREADY HIGH TAXES IS ABSURD! PEOPLE ARE STRUGGLING EVERYDAY ALREADY TO PUT GROCERIES ON THE TABLE AND CHILDCARE WE DO NOT NEED MORE FANCY SERVICES WE NEED TO NEGOTIATE BETTER. AND STOP OVERPAYING FOR MINIMAL WORK...
• BUILD CONTINGENCY FUND FOR VERY LARGE CAPITAL PROJECTS PLUS PRUDENT BORROWING POLICIES PRACTICES... NEVER BORROW MORE THAN 60% FOR ANY SINGLE PROJECT
• COMBINATION, AND AGGRESSIVELY PURSUE GRANTS THAT LINE UP WITH THE TOWN’S STATED PRIORITIES.
• DEPENDS ON THE PROJECT. SOMETIMES IS BETTER TO BORROW, OTHER TIMES TO INCREASE TAXES, OR A COMBINATION OF THE FIRST 3.
• LARGE PROJECTS, LIKE THE PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING, SHOULD GO TO REFERENDUM. RAISING TAXES THAT WILL NEVER END AND RAISE TAXES FOR UNKNOWN PROJECTS DOES NOT HAVE MY APPROVAL.
• IT REALLY DEPENDING ON THE FUTURE LARGE PROJECT.
• IT DEPENDS WHAT THE PROJECT IS. HAVE THE DEVELOPER KICK IN $. USER FEES, ETC. TAXES ARE ALREADY TOO HIGH IN VR
• INVESTIGATE PRIVATE-PUBLIC PARTNERSHIPS
• MAKE THE DEVELOPERS PAY FIRST AND UP FRONT INSTEAD OF THE TOWN BENDING OVER AND GRABBING IT'S PROVERBIAL ANKLES. IF THERE IS GOING TO BE AN INCREASE IN RESIDENTS/HOUSING THEN MAKE THE DEVELOPERS PAY FOR EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING NEW (COST WILL BE RECOUPED IN THE PRICE OF THE NEW HOMES WHEN SOLD). ROADS, SEWERS, WATERLINES, WHATEVER... YOU NAME IT. MARGINALLY RAISE TAXES TO SUPPORT/MAINTAIN/BUILD LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ESTABLISHED NEIGHBOURHOODS. DON'T OVER SATURATE VR WITH HOUSING/CONDO/APARTMENT DEVELOPMENTS.
• PROJECTS SHOULD BE REVENUE NEUTRAL
• I THINK THIS AND THE LAST TWO QUESTIONS ARE NOT EASILY ANSWERED IN THIS FORMAT. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A SUPPLEMENTAL SECTION OR A MORE OF A REPORT WHICH OUTLINES THE SERVICE LEVELS AND WHAT % OF THE BUDGET THEY CONSUME. THAT WAY WE COULD UNDERSTAND AREAS THAT MIGHT BENEFIT FROM IMPROVEMENT OR OF HIGH VALUE. ONCE THOSE ARE DECIDED IT WOULD DETERMINE IF THE HIGHER OR EXPANDED/ENHANCED SERVICES ARE REQUIRED AND IF THAT CONSTITUTES THE INCREASE IN TAXES ARE JUST COST OF LIVING OR ARE TO BE EXPECTED TO INCREASE THE SERVICE.
• USE THE CASINO FUNDS, THAT IS WHY WE HAVE IT.
• WITHIN EXISTING BUDGET HAVE TALENTED STAFF TO HANDLE THE PROJECTS... EFFICIENCY OF THE STAFF AND COUNCIL TO MANAGE WITHIN EXISTING RESOURCES.
• AS IN THE PAST, GRANT WRITING, PROPOSING PARTNERSHIPS TO THE PROVINCIAL AND/OR FEDERAL GOVT'S, BE CREATIVE IN DEVELOPING NEW REVENUE STREAMS. THE TOWN CAN BE A BUSINESS.
• RUN MORE EFFICIENTLY... PHONE CALLS ARE RARELY ANSWERED, AND IF THEY ARE, AFTER A LONG DELAY BY SOMEONE WHO DOESN'T KNOW OR CAN'T FIX IT. SEEMS LIKE THERE IS PLENTY OF STREAMLINING TO DO AT TOWN HALL BEFORE YOU TALL ABOUT RAISING TAXES.
• HOW ABOUT OTHER SOURCES OF REVENUE SUCH AS MODERNIZING COMMUNITY CENTRES TO CHARGE FOR A FEE AS WELL AS LEASING PROPERTY FOR COMMERCIAL BUSINESSES ON TOWN PROPERTY SUCH AS A RESTAURANT ON THE WATERWAY
• BORROW AND HAVE A STRATEGY TO PAY BACK B4HQND AND HAVE HALF SAVED PRIOR TO PROJECT
• DO NOT RAISE TAXES
• COMBO OF BORROW PUT ASIDE FUNDS AND RAISE TAXES. RAISE SLIGHTLY EACH YEAR PUT AWAY FUNDS AND WHEN NEEDED BORROW TO MAKE UP THE DIFFERENCE.
• DO MUCH BETTER WITH THE MONEY TAXES BRING IN. DO I NEED FLOWERS PLANTED YEARLY IN PUBLIC SPACE JUST FOR LOOKS? NO! DO I NEED THE GRASS CUT VERY THIRD DAY ON TOWN PROPERTY? NO! DO I NEED STAFF/OFFICIALS WHO AREN’T SERVING THE COMMUNITY? NO. DO I NEED TOWN THAT IS ONLY REACTIVE? NO! DO I NEED DEVELOPERS TO BUILD NEIGHBOURHOODS THAT WILL COST US IN THE LONG RUN? NO! DO I NEED ENLIGHTENED, WISE AND PROGRESSIVE PLANNING TO FUND AND MANAGE FOR FUTURE LARGE PROJECTS THAT WON’T TAX ME FURTHER? YES!!!!!!
• SET ASIDE THE FUNDS BUT ENSURE THAT THOSE FUNDS WILL BE USED FOR THE PROJECT SPECIFIED AND NOT THROWN INTO THE GENERAL COFFERS. INCREASING TAXES IS ALWAYS SOMETHING THE TAXPAYER DISLIKES - IF THERE IS AN IMMEDIATE DEMAND, THAT IS A DIFFERENT STORY, OF COURSE, AND TAXES MAY HAVE TO INCREASE, BUT PERHAPS SOME REDUNDANT PROGRAMS COULD BE CUT? I HAVE NO IDEA IF ANY PROGRAMS ARE REDUNDANT, JUST SAYING.............
• ALL OPTIONS
• PRIORITIZE SPENDING. BUT DON’T DELAY ON CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION
• IT DEPENDS VERY MUCH ON THE PROJECT - IS IT A CAPITAL (NET NEW) OR IMPROVEMENT TO EXISTING SERVICES?
• MAINTAIN TAXES, BUT RE-PRIORITIZE EXISTING SERVICES, SHIFTING FROM "WELL MAINTAINED" TO APPROPRIATE SERVICES / PROJECTS THAT ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE
• REALLOCATE BUDGET TO PRIORITIES LIKE CLIMATE CHANGE

Question 21

What services, programs or activities would you like the Town of View Royal to offer that would make the Town more liveable for you? Please be as specific as possible.

• COMMUNITY MUSIC NIGHTS LIKE THE SAANICH ONES IN THE SUMMER
• PARKS AND TRAILS
• I’D LIKE TO SEE THE YARD WASTE PROGRAM IMPROVED. WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON PARKS, TREES AND GREEN SPACE AND THEN WE LIMIT OURSELVES TO THE HOKEY BROWN BAGS FOR COLLECTION ON ONE DAY OF THE YEAR. I’D ALSO LIKE TO SEE MORE INNOVATIVE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND INFORMATION SHARING ABOUT SERVICES. IT’S HARD TO ASK RESIDENTS ABOUT INCREASING TAXES WHEN THEY DON’T REALLY KNOW WHERE THEIR TAXES GO.
• BETTER PLANNED YARD AND GARDEN WASTE PICKUP SCHEDULE (THE SYSTEM NOW IS RIDICULOUS AND NOT AT ALL EFFECTIVE. WE NEED TO PRESERVE THE HARRY OAKS YET THE LEAVES DON’T FALL TIL DECEMBER AND WASTE PICKUP IS END OF OCT EARLY NOV AND THEN EVERYTHING ROTS ON THEN GRASS AND RD AND MAKES A HUGE MESS OR CLOGS DITCHES AND UNDERMINES THE ROADS CAUSING POTHOLES AND CRACKING. BE LIKE SAANICH VACUUM THEM UP..... WE
• I HAVE ALWAYS FELT THAT COMMUNITY EVENTS HELP BUILD COMMUNITY
• BUILD A TOWN CENTRE
• CUT DOWN ON TRAFFIC CONGESTION SO OUR AIR QUALITY WILL IMPROVE, PROVIDE ELECTRIC MODES OF TRANSPORTATION INCLUDING ON THE E&N CORRIDOR. PLAN TO PREVENT, MITIGATE AND ADAPT TO CLIMATE CHANGE SO WE CAN PRESERVE OUR QUALITY OF LIFE.
• NOTHING MORE
• PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THE BASEBALL PROGRAM AT CENTENNIAL PARK. DISORGANIZED AND POORLY RUN. NUMBERS ARE DOWN BECAUSE KIDS IN COMMUNITY ARE LEAVING TO PLAY ELSEWHERE. ITS SO DISAPPOINTING
• PROVIDE A BETTER HYDRO SYSTEM TO SUSTAIN A LIGHTING STANDARD.
• I THINK SOME SERVICES WARRANT REVIEW TO STREAMLINE PROCESSES AND PROVIDE MORE TIMELY SERVICES. FOR EXAMPLE, IT TOOK ME 3 MONTHS TO GET A PERMIT FOR TREE REMOVAL, WITH A REQUEST, A VISIT FROM STAFF, DETERMINATION THAT ARBORIST REPORT REQUIRED, SUBMIT REPORT, TOWN STAFF PREPARE REPORT, AND THEN SCHEDULED FOR DECISION. STAFF WERE VERY HELPFUL BUT PROCESS WAS AWFUL. I’M SURE THERE ARE OTHER EXAMPLES WHERE A MORE TIMELY PROCESS WOULD IMPROVE SERVICES. STAFF ARE GREAT BUT TOWN PROCESSES COULD USE IMPROVEMENT THAT WOULD MAKE THE TOWN MORE LIVEABLE. I ALSO LIKED THE COMMUNITY EVENTS THAT USED TO BE HELD AT THE BASEBALL FIELDS. THE CANADA DAY EVENTS ARE GREAT TOO!
• THE TOWN IS VERY LIVE ABLE NOW, NO CHANGE, JUST MAINTAIN
• CITY HALL OPEN SATURDAYS, BUS STOP OUTSIDE CITY HALL. STREET LIGHTS ON MY STREET (ELTHAM)
• VIEW ROYAL CURRENTLY DOES NOT NEED ANY INCREASE IN PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES.
• MORE POLICE PRESENCE. ENFORCE NOISE POLLUTION LAWS ON ISLAND HWY. AND HELMCKEN RD. PARTICULARLY IN SUMMER WHEN THERE ARE A GREAT MANY NOISY MOTOR BIKES. ENFORCE TRAFFIC LAWS. DILIGENTLY!
• DO NOT ALLOW TRANSIT TO PUT IN A WORK YARD ON WATKISS BURNSIDE AREA.
• A PLAYABLE SPORTS (SOCCER) FIELD. PUT ONE IN OR COST SHARE WITH S61 TO FIX UP & MAINTAIN THE ONE ON SHORELINE OR VIEW ROYAL ELEMENTARY. THIS APPROACH IS USED IN VANCOUVER VERY SUCCESSFULLY
• INCREASE PARKS PRESERVE THE BEAUTY OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
• LOWER TAXES
• COMMUTER TRANSIT, HOW ABOUT BUSES ON THE E&N RIGHT OF WAY?
• I WANT BETTER SERVICE BY OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS. UNDER THE COMMUNITY CHARTER THE MAYOR MUST: PROVIDE LEADERSHIP TO COUNCIL INCLUDING BY RECOMMENDING BYLAWS, RESOLUTIONS AND OTHER MEASURES THAT MAY ASSIST IN THE PEACE, ORDER AND GOOD GOVERNANCE OF THE MUNICIPALITY. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THAT.
• LESS TRAFFIC CONGESTION!
• TOILET FACILITIES AVAILABLE IN ALL PUBLIC AREAS
• WALKABILITY
• ENCOURAGE MORE LOCALLY-FOCUSSED, LIGHT COMMERCIAL BUSINESS THAT CONTRIBUTES TO A “VILLAGE” FEELING. LESS “COOKIE-CUTTER” RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
• CLIMATE ACTION
• MORE SIDEWALKS, BMX TRACK.
• THE SNOW REMOVAL (SALT/ICE MELT DISTRIBUTION & PLOWING) HAS NOTABLY IMPROVED THIS YEAR OVER PREVIOUS WHICH IS GOOD. SIDEWALKS AND SIDE STREET PARKING TO MAKE COMMUNITIES MORE FRIENDLY AND NOT AN OBSTACLE COURSE. NEIGHBOURHOOD ENGAGEMENT AS A WAY TO DEVELOP A CONNECTION BETWEEN THE VARIOUS AREAS. OVERALL THE TOWN IS GREAT AND WORKS TO HAVE A COMMUNITY FEEL, FAMILIES APPEAR TO BE OF HIGH REGARD. MUCH OF THOSE ACTIVITIES ARE GEARED TO YOUNG FAMILIES, THERE NEEDS SOME ATTENTION PAID TO EMPTY NESTERS WHO HAVE RAISED THEIR FAMILIES AND CHOOSE TO REMAIN IN THE AREA. COMMUNICATION BETWEEN BUSINESS AND RESIDENTIAL OWNERS TO DISCUSS LIVEABILITY VS. BUSINESS INTERESTS TO SHARE PERSPECTIVES AND WINS.
• MAKE SPACE FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES TO GATHER. COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR (DROP-IN SESSIONS)
• ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT FOR KIDS
• CONTINUE TO INCREASE BUSINESSES IN VIEW ROYAL.
• HELP REDUCE TRAFFIC CONGESTION
• ASSORTMENT OF TRANSIT/EXPRESS ROUTES FOR WORK COMMUTING
• WORK FOR AVAILABILITY OF SERVICES ONLINE, EFFECTIVELY USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE TOWN TO PROVIDE SERVICES.
• ENHANCING RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AT RECREATION CENTRE, CONCENTRATE TRAFFIC FLOW TO MAIN ARTERIES, BUILDING AND ENHANCING PARKS. CLEARLY STATING WHAT THE MONEY FROM LOTTERY CORP IS BEING USED FOR AND CONCENTRATING ON SERVICES FOR COMMUNITY.
• SUPPORT COMMUTER RAIL (WHY IS THIS TAKING SO LONG!) JDF REC OPEN LONGER HOURS 1HR ON EACH END IT WOULD PAY FOR IT SELF
• MORE ENFORCEMENT OF CLEANUP OF UNSIGHTLY PREMISES (WEEDS, UNCUT GRASS, JUNK, SHIPPING CONTAINERS, TARPS ON ROOFS), MORE ILLEGAL PARKING ENFORCEMENT (PARKING IN NO PARKING ZONES, PARKED FACING WRONG DIRECTION)
• CO-OPERATION AND ACTION. WORKING TOGETHER TO GET PRIORITY ISSUES DEALT WITH AND/OR WORKED ON.
• MORE POLICE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT, PARTICULARLY OF SPEEDS IN SCHOOL AND PLAYGROUND ZONES, YIELDING TO PEDESTRIANS, ETC., BECAUSE VIEW ROYAL ROADS ARE USED BY COMMUTERS, WHO ARE OFTEN IN A HURRY.
• PROMOTION OF EASY TO WALK TO SERVICES (MIX OF HOUSING AND SMALL BUSINESS)
• THE TOWN IS QUITE LIVEABLE AS IT IS. PERHAPS MORE LIGHTING. THE RESIDENTIAL STREETS ARE VERY DARK AT NIGHT
• I'M NOT SURE IT COULD BE MADE MORE LIVEABLE - OTHER THAN TAKE A HARD LOOK AT THE CONGESTION PROBLEMS ALONG HELMCKEN ROAD, ESPECIALLY NEAR EAGLE CREEK AND BURNSIDE. THAT NEW (FROM WHAT I WAS TOLD) DEVELOPMENT WHERE ROBALEE IS WILL CAUSE NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS IN THAT AREA.
• SIDEWALKS. LIGHT CONTROLLED INTERSECTIONS. WALKABLE GROCERY STORES. DOCTORS. TOWN HALL OPEN LATE ENOUGH ONE DAY PER WEEK THAT WORKING PEOPLE COULD ACTUALLY ACCESS IT TO SEE DEVELOPMENT PLANS OR ADDRESS A PROBLEM IN PERSON.
• BYLAWS SHOULD BE REVIEWED AND ENFORCED. CAT CONTROL AND LITTER AND ILLEGAL GARBAGE DISPOSAL SHOULD BOTH BE ENFORCED. LOCAL RESIDENT CONSULTATION FOR MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS IMPACTING QUALITY OF LIFE AND TRAFFIC SHOULD BE GREATLY EXPANDED/ENHANCED. REFERENDUMS OR A BROADER CONSULTATION IS NEEDED SO THAT EXISTING RESIDENTS RIGHTS AREN’T JEOPARDIZED.
• START CONSIDERING COMMUTERS AND NOT MAKE CHOKE POINTS WITHIN THE MUNICIPALITY - BE A PROPER PARTNER IN THE BIGGER PICTURE OF COMMUTING!
• ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES/EVENTS TO BRING RESIDENTS TOGETHER. INCREASE ACTIVITIES/EVENTS FOR SENIORS TO REFLECT AGING POPULATION OF THE TOWN.
• I THINK THE TOWN PROVIDES ADEQUATELY
• PROVIDE MORE SINGLE FAMILY DWELLINGS AND PARK AREAS FOR FAMILIES TO FORM SOCIAL SUPPORT AND FRIENDSHIP GROUPS. PROVIDE APPROPRIATE INFRASTRUCTURE WITH DEVELOPMENT. FOR ME PERSONALLY - I AM SATISFIED WITH PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES FOR MY AGE GROUP, BECAUSE I RARELY USE THEM IN MY OWN LIFESTYLE.
• STOP PANDERING TO BIKE AND OTHER COSTLY LOBBIES
• WALKABLE ACCESS - WITH STROLLERS AND CHILDREN’S BICYCLES - TO LOCAL PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS
• RECREATIONAL AND CHILDREN'S SUMMER PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES AT JDF ARE EXCELLENT.
• TAKE BACK NEIGHBOURHOOD STREETS BY INTRODUCING BLENDED USE CONCEPTS. INCREASED GREEN SPACE AND EFFECTIVE TRAFFIC CALMING, INCREASE LANES ON ARTERIAL ROADS TO ALLOW VEHICLE USERS/COMMUTERS TO EFFECTIVELY MOVE THROUGH THE COMMUNITY.
• REDUCE EXPENSES AND TAXES THROUGH AMALGAMATION
• HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY. IE: CARE HOME(S) IN VR. THERE CURRENTLY NONE OF THESE IN VR.
• MORE BUS STOPS ON HELMCKEN. THERE ARE ENOUGH SERVICES... SOME SERVICES CAN BE MINIMIZED BY ANNUAL PLANTS.... LESS EXPENSES ON PLANTS/LANDSCAPING AND MORE ON TRANSPORTATION ANSWERS, ETC.
• WORK WITH OTHER MUNICIPALITIES TO GET RAPID TRANSIT
• PUMP TRACK.
• MAYBE JUST MORE COMMUNICATION? I DON'T REALLY KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT WHAT'S OFFERED
• MORE NEIGHBOURHOOD-LED INITIATIVES AND FUNDS TO SUPPORT INCREASED SOCIAL CONNECTIONS. THIS CAN TAKE THE SHAPE OF BLOCK PARTY PERMITS, COMMUNITY LED MURAL MAKING IN HEAVILY TAGGED AREAS, COMMUNITY GARDENS ETC. HOW DO WE SUPPORT EACH OTHER IN OUR COMMUNITY SO WE CAN SUPPORT THOSE THAT ARE SOCIALLY ISOLATED AS WELL AS CREATING THOSE SOCIAL BONDS TO CREATE A HAPPIER AND SAFER TOWN.
• MORE COMMUNITY EVENTS
• BETTER URBAN PLANNING AROUND FAMILY TIME BUDGETS. DAY CARE SPACES SHOULD BE DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBOURHOODS. SMALL NEW HOUSES AND TOWNHOUSES DO NOT AFFORD SPACE FOR FAMILY-RUN NEIGHBOURHOOD DAYCARES LIKE LARGER HOMES FROM THE 70S AND 80S. I DRIVE EVERYWHERE BECAUSE DAY CARE. AT LEAST I DRIVE AN EV. NEED MORE PUBLIC EV CHARGERS
• BUILD COMMUNITY, NOT DEVELOPMENTS. GET MEANINGFUL BYLAWS AND ENFORCE THEM. BE PROGRESSIVE & RESPONSIVE AND NOT ONLY REACTIVE. DO BETTER WITH THE MONEY PROVIDED, RATHER THAN JUST LOOK TO RAISE TAXES.
• MORE HELP FOR OUR SENIORS.
• PROTECT THE CURRENT BEAUTY OF OUR ENVIRONMENT IMPROVE THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC
• I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE CREATION OF A TOWN CENTRE AS CONTEMPLATED IN THE OCP.
• RECREATIONAL. WE HAVE ONE BALL PARK AND THE TOWN ALLOWS OTHERS TO CHARGE FOR USE. WE NEED SOME MULTI- USE FIELD THAT THE TOWN RUNS. LIKE ALL OTHER MUNICIPALITIES DO.
• REMOVE THOSE SILLY CEMENT PIECES RECENTLY INSTALLED ALONGSIDE THE HOMES JUST WEST OF THE SALVATION ARMY STORE......I HAVE FRIENDS IN THOSE HOUSES AND WHEN I TRY TO STOP AND PICK THEM UP, IT IS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO DO SO. I AM NOT SURE WHOSE IDEA THAT WAS, BUT MY OPINION IS THAT IT WAS A WASTE OF TIME, EFFORT AND MONEY. ALSO, PLANTING TREES IN THE MIDDLE OF A TWO WAY ROADWAY IS INTERFERING WITH EMERGENCY VEHICLES BEING ABLE TO DO THEIR JOB PROPERLY. AGAIN, MY PERSONAL OPINION BUT YOU ASKED...............
• TRAFFIC ISSUES THAT NEED TO BE SOLVED AT THE REGIONAL LEVEL
• PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH. BETTER RECYCLING SERVICES. PICK UP YOUR GARBAGE CAMPAIGNS! !
• CONTINUE WITH ADVISORY COMMITTEES HAVE A CAR FREE TOWN CENTRE
• INVOLVE COMMITTEES ON COMMUNITY FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND PREC TO ACCESS THE NEED IN VIEW ROYAL AND ALLOCATE FUNDS ACCORDINGLY. USER OF ONLINE SERVICES AND BETTER REPRESENTATION OF COMMUNITIES IN DECISION MAKING.
• FOCUS ON MAKING VR MORE GREEN. EV CHARGING STATIONS IN PARKS AND WIRED INTO EVERY NEW HOME WE BUILD. MAKE IT EASY FOR PEOPLE TO ADAPT.
• ROAD MAINTENANCE AND PARK AND TRAIL ENHANCEMENT
• LRT OR SIMILAR IMPROVED COMMUTER SERVICES
• INCREASED TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT BY POLICE.
• MORE COMMUNITY GARDENS THROUGHOUT VIEW ROYAL, ALSO PARKS DESIGNED FOR FAMILIES (SOCCER, BASEBALL, LACROSSE FIELDS)
• PROMOTING RAPID TRANSIT; SHIFTING TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES; REQUIRING DEVELOPERS TO BUILD REALLY ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS (RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL); ALTERNATE ENERGY SOURCES LIKE SOLAR, "GREEN" TRANSPORTATION ON THE E & N. WILL WE LOSE PARKS DUE TO SEA LEVEL RISE?
• CHURCH /SOCIAL / COMMUNITY SOCIAL AGENCIES FOR GATHERINGS
• WIDER VARIETY OF FITNESS RELATED SERVICES, SEPARATE FROM REC CENTRE SERVICES

Question 22

And finally, do you have any further comments you’d like to add about the Town of View Royal? Please feel free to share any thoughts you may have on current services offered, as well as the future of the Town.

• GOOD JOB OVERALL
• LOVE IT HERE, BEST PLACE TO LIVE
• I THINK THERE NEEDS TO BE BETTER EDUCATION ABOUT WHERE THE BUDGET GOES, WHAT SERVICES YOU GET ETC. BEYOND THE BASIC PIE CHART IN THE TAX BILL. AND COMMUNICATE WHAT THE PRIORITIES ARE FOR THE COMING YEARS...BEYOND PARKS AND TRAILS OR “TRANSPORTATION”. I ALSO THINK THERE NEED TO BE OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN MORE AND PROVIDE INPUT WITHOUT ATTENDING A COUNCIL MEETING. OTHER THAN ELECTIONS YOU DON’T SEE YOUR COUNCILLORS AND SO MANY RESIDENTS ARE NEW TO VIEW ROYAL. WE ARE SMALL ENOUGH TO BE MORE CONNECTED AND SUPPORTIVE AND AWARE OF WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY. IF WE WAIT FOR LAND APPLICATIONS TO COME IN AND HAVE EVERYONE REACT, IT’LL NEVER GO WELL. THERE SHOULD BE GREATER ENGAGEMENT ABOUT WHERE VIEW ROYAL IS GOING AND WHAT IS NEEDED TO GET THERE.
• I FEEL VERY STRONGLY THAT THE PROTEST ZONE AROUND THE WOMEN’S CLINIC BE ADDRESSED. I FULLY SUPPORT THE CLINIC AND THINK THAT WHEN THE VARIOUS PROTEST GROUPS APPEAR, THEY NEED TO BE UNSEEN FROM ANY AREA ENTERING THE CLINIC. THE FEAR AND INTIMIDATION BY THERE RIOTOUS FEAR MONGERING DO NOT BELONG IN OUR COMMUNITY. I DRIVE PAST THERE EVERYDAY AND HAVE SEEN SOME HORRIBLE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN THEM AND PEOPLE TRYING TO USE THE CLINIC
• VIEW ROYAL HAS GREAT POTENTIAL IF THE DIRECTION IT TAKES IS TOWARDS A DISTINCTIVE COMMUNITY THAT OPTIMIZES LIVEABILITY FOR RESIDENTS. OTHERWISE REGIONAL GOVERNMENT WOULD BE MORE EFFECTIVE AND LESS ARBITRARY.
• WE HAVE LIVED IN VIEW ROYAL FOR JUST OVER 30 YEARS AND FEEL VERY BLESSED TO LIVE HERE IN A FAMILY FRIENDLY NEIGHBOURHOOD. CLIMATE CHANGE IS ON OUR DOORSTEP AND WE MUST ACT NOW TO PREVENT, MITIGATE AND ADAPT TO ALL THE SEVERE WEATHER EVENTS IT BRINGS WITH IT. THERE WILL BE THOSE THAT WILL GRUMBLE ABOUT THE COST OF TAKING ACTIONS OR THOSE WHO WILL BE MORE WORRIED ABOUT THEIR SHORT TERM POLITICAL CAREERS IF THEY RAISE TAXES THAN THE VERY EXISTENCE OF OUR PLANET. WE SINCERELY HOPE THIS WILL NOT BE OUR VIEW ROYAL MAYOR AND COUNCIL. WE NEED BOLD COURAGEOUS VISIONARY LEADERS THAT WILL FIGHT FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN WITH THEIR EVERY LAST BREATH. THE COST OF INACTION WILL DESTROY ALL THAT WE LOVE AND HOLD DEAR. TO QUOTE 15 YEAR OLD GLOBAL YOUTH CLIMATE STRIKE ORGANIZER GRETA THUNBERG, "I WANT YOU TO PANIC LIKE YOUR HOUSE IS OF FIRE BECAUSE IT IS. WE DON'T NEED HOPE, WE NEED ACTION."
• I GREW UP IN VIEW ROYAL. I MOVED TO SAANICH FOR MANY YEARS AND RETURNED TO VIEW ROYAL LAST YEAR. I LOVE BEING BACK. I HAVE ONE ISSUE AND THAT IS THE UNSIGHTLY CONDITION YARDS. IT TAKES AWAY FROM THE TOWN. I AM ANNOYED AND SEE NO IMPROVEMENT.
• BETTER ROAD MAINTENANCE FOR ACCESS TO LIVING AREAS.
• I LOOK FORWARD TO THE TOWN CONTINUING TO DEVELOP ALONG THE SAME LINES AS HAS OCCURRED OVER THE PAST TEN YEARS. I APPRECIATE THE CAREFUL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT AND THAT AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS A PRIORITY WHILE PRESERVING THE CHARACTER OF NEIGHBOURHOODS.
• STAY OUT OF THE PROPERTY OWNER'S BUSINESS THAT IS NOT A THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY/HEALTH OR CCC ILLEGAL.
• BEFORE MOVING TO VR I WAS IN FAVOUR OF AMALGAMATION. HAVING LIVED HERE FOR 2 YEARS NOW, I LIKE LIVING IN A SMALL TOWN. THE WORST PART IS THAT THE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IS HORRENDOUS AND NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED SOON. IF IT'S NOT VR WILL BECOME AN UNDESIRABLE COMMUNITY TO MOVE TO AND LIVE IN.
• VIEW ROYAL NEEDS TO EXPLORE THE FEASIBILITY OF REMOVING THE PLANTERS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ISLAND HIGHWAY AND ADDING A THIRD LANE THAT GOES INTO VICTORIA IN THE MORNING AND BACK OUT IN THE AFTERNOON. ALSO, HELMCKEN ROAD NEEDS TO BE INCREASED TO TWO LANES IN THE AREA BETWEEN WATKISS WAY AND BURNSIDE ROAD.
• IT IS NOT NECESSARILY ABOUT THE TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL, BUT I WANTED ONCE TO SPEAK / CONTACT MY COUNCILLOR DAMIAN KOWALEWICH. IT WAS VERY HARD. I KNOW IS NOT RELATED TO THE TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL, BUT IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING WHEN YOU PAY TAXES AND YOU ARE IGNORED.
• I'M VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE NEW BY-LAW OFFICER MARK GROULX. HE RESPONDS IN A VERY TIMELY MANNER AND DEALS WITH PROBLEMS, AS BEST HE CAN, WHEN HIS HANDS AREN'T TIED BY COUNCIL.
• I DO NOT WANT TO SEE THE OLD ISLAND HIGHWAY OR HELMCKEN ROAD WIDENED
• STOP SUPPORTING SILLY THINGS LIKE RATE PAYERS ORGANIZATION, COMMUNITY READING/LIBRARY, ETC. PARTNER WITH LARGER LIBRARY TO PROVIDE THAT AS AN OPTION
• LISTEN TO RESIDENTS. STOP FAVOURING DEVELOPERS. RESIDENTS WERE HERE FIRST. ALMOST ALL DEVELOPMENTS IMPACT RESIDENTS NEGATIVELY. MOST DEVELOPERS TAKE MONEY OUT OF VR WHO GAIN NOTHING
• THE TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT THE CRAIGFLOWER BRIDGE IS A REAL PROBLEM. ONLY A FEW CARS GET THROUGH THE LIGHTS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE BRIDGE AT A TIME. SO INEFFICIENT. YES, THE MCKENZIE OVERPASS WILL HELP, BUT WHY DO WE HAVE TO SUFFER SO IN THE MEANTIME
• COUNCIL NEEDS TO UNDERSTAND ROBERT'S RULES OF ORDER AND THE COMMON PARLIAMENTARY LAW IT IS BASED ON. ROBERT'S RULES OF ORDER REQUIRE THAT: MEMBERS OF A COUNCIL OR BOARD MUST BE COURTEOUS TO ONE ANOTHER AND TO THE ELECTORATE FOR WHOM THEY SERVE. THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MUST SPEAK TO THE ISSUES IN FAIRNESS, AND NOT TO PERSONALITIES. RESPECT IS WARRANTED, BUT IN VR THE TOWN IS CURRENTLY LACKING THIS QUALITY.
• FRONT LINE STAFF ARE RUDE!!! ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION! WORK ON CUSTOMER SERVICE.
• WE NEED TO FIX THE CONGESTION ON SIX MILE ROAD GOING ONTO OLD ISLAND HIGHWAY AND THEN OLD ISLAND HIGHWAY HEADING TOWARDS HELMCKEN.
• EXCELLENT USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA BY MAYOR SCREETCH EXCELLENT TRANSPARENCY
• KEEP SERVICES RESPONSIVE; INVEST IN GREEN SPACE AND PLAYGROUNDS; REDUCE TRAFFIC CONGESTION; MAKE SENSIBLE DECISIONS ABOUT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT THAT DON’T COMPROMISE THE INTEGRITY OF THE COMMUNITY.
• PLEASE LISTEN TO THE VOICES OF YOUTH ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE
• I LOVE LIVING IN VIEW ROYAL I WORRIED THAT THERE IS STARTING TO BE TO MUCH DEVELOPMENT AND SUBDIVIDING WHICH WILL LEAD TO A LESS BEAUTIFUL AND LIVEABLE TOWN.
• WE WOULD LIKE TO COMMEND SOME OF THE TOWNS EFFORTS IN THE LAST YEAR OR SO. ONE - GARY FAYKES DOES A GREAT JOB WITH BUILDING PERMITS AND SHARING HIS KNOWLEDGE WHEN ASKED OR REQUIRED IN ORDER FOR WORK TO BE DONE PROPERLY. THERE IS LIKELY SO MUCH WORK GOING ON WHICH DOES NOT RELY ON HIS SERVICES AS HOMEOWNERS STILL HAVE A RURAL TYPE MENTALITY AND DON'T PULL PERMITS BUT WE FOUND THE PROCESS QUITE COOPERATIVE AND HELPFUL. THE OTHER IS THE WORK THE WORKER HAVE DONE RESPONDING TO THE INCLEMENT WEATHER.
• THIS IS AN AMAZING PLACE TO LIVE
• WHEN DEVELOPMENTS ARE BEING PROPOSED THERE IS OFTEN ONLY 1 EVENING THAT ONE CAN GO TO LEARN ABOUT THE PROPOSAL. IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT YOU ARE OUT OF LUCK. PLEASE SCHEDULE MULTIPLE LEARNING SESSIONS ABOUT DEVELOPMENTS BEING PROPOSED.
• LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS. SAVE FOR BIG PROJECTS. LIVING BEYOND YOUR MEANS WILL GET IS ALL IN TROUBLE. OUR TAXES ARE HIGH ENOUGH! WE WANT TO BUY A HOUSE, RAISE CHILDREN AND RETIRE HERE. STABILITY IS KEY.
• WE RESIDE ON CHILCO ROAD AND THERE IS ONLY 1 WAY OUT OF OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD. WITH THE FINAL STAGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT COMING TO AN END ALONG WITH 3 ADDITIONAL CONDO BUILDINGS WHO REQUIRE SIX MILE ROAD - THERE WILL BE AN INCREASINGLY AMOUNT OF VEHICULAR TRAFFIC. ARE WE PREPARED FOR THIS INFLUX OF TRAFFIC? ARE THE TIMING OF THE LIGHTS ADEQUATE TO MOVE TRAFFIC EFFECTIVELY?
• TRAFFIC IS NOW HORRENDOUS IN VIEW ROYAL. WOULD LIKE TO SEE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS WHERE DRIVERS IGNORE STOP SIGNS (I.E. PHEASANT LANE) AND USE SIDE STREETS AS SHORT CUTS.
• I KNOW WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF VICTORIA, BUT WE NEED TO HAVE BETTER VEHICLE TRANSPORTATION AND WE NEED A SECOND BACK UP ROUTE WHEN AN ACCIDENT HAPPENS ON HIGHWAY #1. ALSO, THE TRAFFIC LIGHT AT 6 MILE & THE ISLAND HIGHWAY NEEDS TO STAY ON LONGER FOR THE TRAFFIC ON THE ISLAND HIGHWAY AS IT BACKS UP TERRIBLY THERE ON THE COMMUTE HOME. ALONG WITH THAT I'D LIKE TO SEE EXIT #8 STAY AS ONE LANE UNTIL IT MEETS UP WITH THE BURNSIDE ROAD EXIT AS IT IS DIFFICULT TO TURN YOUR HEAD BACK THAT FAR TO SEE THE ONCOMING VEHICLES.
• PUT A SOLID CONCRETE BARRIER INSTEAD OF THE SMALL GREEN PIPES THAT YOUR REPLACING EVERY MONTH AT THE SMALL ROUND ABOUT ON HELMCKEN RD SOUTH SIDE OF TRANSCANADA.
• KUDOS TO ANYONE IN PUBLIC SERVICE. I DO RESENT THOUGH ARBITRARY DECISIONS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND MAYORS THAT INTENSELY AFFECT OUR PERSONAL PROPERTY VALUES AND, WHEN CHALLENGED, ARE RECEIVED WITH INSINCERE ATTENTION AND DEALT WITH IN A "JUST STRING THEM ALONG" ATTITUDE...INSULTING AND DEFEATING TO THOSE WHO ARE PAYING THOSE TAXES. FINALLY, THE TOWN AND OUR SISTER CITIES ARE GROWING... WE SHOULD THOUGHTFULLY AND EFFICIENTLY GROW WITH IT AND RESIST ATTEMPTING TO STIFLE THE INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIRED TO ALLOW LIVES TO FUNCTION AND PAY TAXES AND ROOFS OVER HEADS.
• TOWN SHOULD WORK MORE CLOSELY TO COMMUNITY, INVOLVE THEM IN COMMITTEES AND SUB COMMITTEES.
• AS A RESIDENT WHO PAYS TAXES...TO BE HEARD BEFORE DECISIONS ARE MADE AT COUNCIL LEVEL.
• I WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE THE SNOW REMOVAL WE HAVE JUST SEEN OVER THE LAST COUPLE WEEKS. THE CONTRACTED SERVICE HAS BEEN EXCELLENT AND WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN THE MAIN ROADS AS WELL AS NEIGHBOURHOOD ROADS TO A HIGH LEVEL. GIVEN THE LARGE AMOUNT OF SNOW WE RECEIVED AND THE PACE AT WHICH IT FELL THIS WAS A SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE AN ALTERNATIVE COMPOSTING FACILITY THAT IS MORE CENTRAL FOR VIEW ROYAL CITIZENS.
• I SUPPORT GETTING THE E&N LINE AND COMMUTER RAIL THIS WOULD HAVE THE GREATEST POSITIVE IMPACT ON VIEW ROYAL. PLUS CONTINUE BUILDING TRAILS AND PARKS.
• DON'T TINKER WITH GARBAGE COLLECTION, GARDEN WASTE DROP-OFF, SNOW CLEARING.
• CLIMATE ACTION STRATEGY IMBEDDED IN THE OCP, EMPOWERMENT OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO PARTICIPATE IN TAKING CARE OF THEIR BACKYARD AND TO BE TRULY HEARD BY COUNCIL; HAVE THIS KNOWLEDGE BE RESPECTED AND ACTED UPON. LASTLY, A COUNCIL THAT TAKES IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL IN ADVOCATING FOR US ALL REGIONALLY. THANK YOU.
• DON'T APPROVE ANY MORE LARGE RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS. I WANT TO FEEL LIKE I LIVE IN VIEW ROYAL, NOT IN DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER.
• HAVEN'T LIVED HERE LONG ENOUGH TO FULLY KNOW ALL THE SERVICES.
• KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK - WE LIVE IN A GREAT COMMUNITY
• I’M VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF THE BC TRANSIT HANDIDART PROPOSAL. I’VE ATTENDED MEETINGS AND THE PROPOSAL SHOULD NOT BE SUPPORTED BY COUNCIL. A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBOURHOOD IS NOT THE RIGHT PLACE FOR THIS, AND I HOPE THAT COUNCIL WILL STOP THIS INITIATIVE
• IF WE NEED TO LOOK AT TAXES AND SERVICES, PERHAPS SO MUCH INTO FLOWERS AND WATERING THE FLOWERS SHOULD BE LOOKED AT. IT'S PRETTY, BUT IS IT NECESSARY WHEN EVERYTHING IS ALREADY INCREASING? LOOK AT PARKING WHEN THESE BIG CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS ARE GOING ON. IT'S A NIGHTMARE NEAR SIX MILE AND NURSERY HILL. ANYWHERE BIG PROJECTS ARE GOING ON THERE IS LIMITED PARKING AND NEIGHBOURS ARE FED UP WITH CONSTRUCTION WORKERS WHO DON'T CARE ABOUT THE NEIGHBOURHOOD AND PARK ON PEOPLE LAWNS, BLOCK PEOPLE IN, DRIVE ON BOULEVARDS, ETC. PROUD TO CALL VIEW ROYAL MY HOME BUT DO FEEL IT'S GROWING AT AN UNSUSTAINABLE RATE WHEN INFRASTRUCTURE IS LOOKED AT.
• MOT AND LANGFORD NEED TO STEP UP AND DEAL WITH THE COMMUTER ISSUE SINCE THEY ARE THE SOURCE OF SOME PROBLEMS. BETTER BUS ROUTES AND BUS STOPS FROM CRD. FUTURE MIGHT LOOK BETTER WITH A YOUNGER COUNCIL WHO UNDERSTANDS THE ISSUES BECAUSE THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED IT, NOT A BUNCH OF BABY BOOMERS SCRATCHING THE BACKS OF THEIR BABY BOOMER DEVELOPER FRIENDS.
• WE LOVE THE “TOWN” ATMOSPHERE OF VIEW ROYAL. THERE IS A BEAUTY TO KEEPING IT LIKE A NEIGHBOURHOOD. LARGE AND RAPID DEVELOPMENT IS NOT NECESSARY TO PAY THE BILLS.
• MAKE THE COMMUNITY BETTER AT TRAFFIC! STOP BEING A HINDRANCE!
• NOTHING SPRINGS TO MIND, BUT I WAS VERY GLAD TO HAVE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK. FUTURE SURVEYS WOULD BE A GREAT IDEA TO SOLICIT INPUT FROM VIEW ROYAL RESIDENTS!
• IT IS ESSENTIAL TO MOVE FORWARD TO REDUCE TRAFFIC CONGESTION. IF YOU SAY WE PRIORITIZE LOCAL TRAFFIC OK, BUT THAT GENERALLY RESULTS WITH OUTSIDERS NOT BEING ABLE TO PASS THROUGH AND LOCALS ARE STUCK ALONG WITH THEM. E.G. THE MESS AT EAGLE CREEK AREA WHERE LANE RESTRICTIONS ON HELMCKEN CRIPPLE ALL USERS IN OR OUT OF THE AREAS!!
• DO NOT PROCEED WITH LARGE PROJECTS WITHOUT CONSENT OF RESIDENTS. I DID NOT KNOW THERE WERE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE TOWN; INCREASE ACCESS TO THIS LIST. DID NOT SUPPORT LEVEL OF SPENDING ON THE NEW FIRE HALL/EMERGENCY BUILDING; PROJECTS SHOULD BE REFLECTIVE OF SIZE AND NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY -- NICE TO HAVE VERSUS WHAT IS NEEDED. DO NOT MAKE THE OLD ISLAND HIGHWAY A CORRIDOR OF CONDOS OR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS. IT WILL BE LESS ATTRACTIVE AND WILL ADD TO CONGESTION. SUFFICIENT SERVICES IN OR NEAR OUR COMMUNITY. WOULD LIKE GREATER TRANSPARENCY AROUND DECISIONS UPCOMING (LISTING WITH DATE WILL BE ADDRESSED) AND DECISIONS MADE. DESPITE THE SMALL TOWN, I DO NOT FEEL I KNOW THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL; MAKE MORE EFFORT TO MEET WITH RESIDENTS. BEFORE TAKING ON HOMELESSNESS AS A PROJECT, BE SURE TO UNDERSTAND THE LEVEL OF SUPPORT OF RESIDENTS AND THE IMPLICATIONS AND POSSIBLE IMPACTS (FINANCIAL AND OTHERWISE) THAT WILL BE BORNE BY THE COMMUNITY.
• VIEW ROYAL NEEDS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE CANNOT BE ANY MORE TRAFFIC BROUGHT TO THE WEST BURNSIDE AND WATKISS WAY INTERSECTION BY WAY OF A PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION DEPOT.
• INCREASE ENGAGEMENT WITH THE COMMUNITY. DECISIONS ON PARKLAND USE SHOULD BE A MATTER OF COMMUNITY INPUT NOT THE DECISION OF A LIMITED INTEREST COMMITTEE. KEEP GREEN SPACE GREEN WE HAVE PRECIOUS LITTLE OF IT
• I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE OCP BEING FOLLOWED AS IT WAS DEVELOPED. FOR EXAMPLE - DENSITIES ARE NOT BEING FOLLOWED IN NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENTS - AS IN THE PROPOSED DEMOVICTION OF CHRISTIE POINT.
• GET BACK TO BASIC COST BUDGETING TO ENSURE TAX BURDENS DO NOT ESCALATE AT MORE THAN INFLATION
• CONTINUE TO BUILD SERVICES THAT BENEFIT VIEW ROYAL FAMILIES.....
• I GOT THE STOP SIGN INSTALLED AT THE EXIT OF THE 4 MILE PUB. THE GENTLEMAN (ENGINEER)LISTENED TO MY CONCERNS AND WAS GREAT. GET ON WITH LICENCE'S FOR BIKES OR REMOVE THE NEED FOR A LICENCE FOR MY TINY DOG!!!!
• GREAT MAYOR - APPROACHABLE, LISTENS, PARTICIPATES, FORWARD THINKING, GOOD USE O SOCIAL MEDIA, VISIBLE
• STAY FOCUSED ON ITS SMALL-TOWN SENSE OF PLACE WITH INTERCONNECTED, AFFORDABLE, MIXED USE COMMUNITIES THAT FOCUS ON LOCAL TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS... WE ARE NOT A DRIVE-THROUGH SUBURB AND DESERVE TO MAINTAIN WHAT WE LOVE.
• OVERALL, LEADERS AND MUNICIPAL STAFF DO A GREAT JOB, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
• TOWN COUNCIL NEEDS TO LISTEN TO THE OPINIONS OF THE PEOPLE IT REPRESENTS, RATHER THAN SIMPLY DOING WHAT MAYOR SCREECH TELLS THEM TO DO
• ARE THERE COST/EFFICIENCY/EFFECTIVENESS BENEFITS TO BE GAINED FROM STREAMLINING POLICY & PROCEDURE?
• TOO MUCH TIME AND EXPENSE ON GARDENING IN SOME AREA. MAYBE YEAR ROUND PLANTS INSTEAD OF CHANGING FLOWERS OR SHRUBS THAT ARE STILL USEFUL
• WE ARE NEW RESIDENTS TO THE TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL AND ARE VERY PLEASED TO BE LIVING HERE. WE APPRECIATE THE SIZE OF THE COMMUNITY AND HOW ACCESSIBLE AND CONCERNED THE MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS SEEM TO BE.
• DO NOT JUMP ON BANDWAGONS IE SUING ALBERTA
• IT'S A LOVELY PLACE TO LIVE. I HOPE WE CAN STAY (CURRENTLY AT CHRISTIE POINT AND NOT SURE WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH THAT). HOPEFULLY HOUSING GETS MORE AFFORDABLE AND WE CAN BUY IN VIEW ROYAL.
• REALLY HAPPY WE MOVED INTO THIS TOWN 10 YEARS AGO. YES THE TRAFFIC IS GETTING WORSE BUT I AM ALSO SEEING MORE PEOPLE ON BIKES, WALKING TO TAKE THE BUS AND GENERALLY REALLY HAPPY TO COME HOME TO OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD WHERE PEOPLE STILL SLOW DOWN AND SAY HI TO EACH OTHER AND SHOVEL THE ELDERLY NEIGHBOURS DRIVE WAY, OR WATCH OUT FOR EACH OTHER’S CHILDREN AND PETS. I THINK WE NEED TO BUILD UPON THE POSITIVES AND LOOK FOR CREATIVE SOLUTIONS TO REGIONAL ISSUES THAT AFFECT OUR TOWN. LASTLY, STRONG LEADERSHIP FROM OUR MAYOR BOTH LOCALLY AND IN THE REGIONAL CAN NOT GO WITHOUT MENTION AS IT ALL STEMS FROM THE TOP!! GREAT JOB BY STAFF AND COUNCIL TOO.
• BARELAND STRATAS WITH PUBLIC PARKS AND TRAILS ACCESSED THROUGH THEM SHOULD RECEIVE SNOW AND ICE SERVICE VIA VIEW ROYAL'S CONTRACT WITH VICTORIA CONTRACTING. IT IS IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC SAFETY, AND KEEPING WITH CONSISTENT FAIR SERVICES FOR ALL RESIDENTS & TAXPAYERS.
• MORE REGIONAL AGREEMENTS TO DEVELOP A COORDINATED APPROACH TO DISTRICT ISSUES
• REALIZE THE TOWN IS AT BEST A BEDROOM COMMUNITY THAT CONNECTS LANGFORD TO SAANICH AND VICTORIA
• STAY AWAY FROM AMALGAMATION WITH VICTORIA, AT LEAST THE COUNCIL ARE OPEN TO PUBLIC INPUT AND WILL CHANGE POSITIONS AT TIMES. BUT LOOKING AT THE CURRENT VICTORIA COUNCIL I WOULD HOPE WE STAY WELL AWAY FROM THAT STYLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
• IT IS VIEW ROYAL. PLEASE KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL. DON'T BUILD ALL OVER IT.
• WE ARE A SMALL COMMUNITY, NOT A BIG CITY, AND WE SHOULD STOP TRYING TO ACT LIKE ONE. LET'S PRESERVE WHAT MAKES THIS AREA SO SPECIAL.
• I THINK THE TOWN IS OVER STAFFED AND OVER PAID. I THINK SOME ECONOMIES COULD BE MADE THEIR TO MAINTAIN OTHER SERVICES. THEY WORK A VERY SHORT DAY WITH NUMEROUS BREAKS THE PRIVATE SECTOR COULD NOT AFFORD
• EFFORTS BY THE TOWN TO CALM TRAFFIC HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO INCREASING TRAFFIC CONGESTION, E.G. THE RECONFIGURATION OF HELMCKEN ROAD BY EAGLE CREEK TO SINGLE LANE, THE MULTIPLE TRAFFIC LIGHTS ALONG ISLAND HIGHWAY. THE BACK UPS ARE NOT ONLY FRUSTRATING, THE EMISSIONS FROM THE IDLING VEHICLES MUST BE HAVING A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT.
• OUR TOWN RELIES TOO HEAVILY ON VOLUNTEERS AND NEEDS TO LOOK AT CHANGING CURRENT MODELS AND PROVIDING LOCAL JOBS.
• WE’RE RIGHT WHERE TRAFFIC CONVERGES IN THE MORNING COMMUTE. WE NEED TO FIND WAYS TO GET THE TRAFFIC THROUGH VIEW ROYAL TO MAKE THE OUR MORNING COMMUTES BETTER.
• I LOVE VIEW ROYAL. AND I LOVE THE FACT THAT WE CAN OFFER THE TOURISTS A PLACE TO STAY AT THE RV PARK HERE. THERE ARE FEWER AND FEWER LOCATIONS THAT THESE TOURISTS CAN BE ACCOMMODATED AND WE SHOULD FEEL FORTUNATE THAT WE HAVE THIS FACILITY IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD WHICH, IN TURN, BRINGS IN MORE REVENUE TO OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD WHEN THEY ARE HERE. SNOWBIRDS AND LONG TERM RESIDENTS AS WELL.
• NONE
• I LOVE LIVING HERE BUT THE RATE OF CONDO BUILDINGS ADD TO CRAZY TRAFFIC IN AN ALREADY CONGESTED SITUATION.
• ENHANCE BUILDING CODES TO MAKE NEW BUILDINGS GREENER BOULEVARD SIDEWALKS ON BUSY STREETS LIKE ISLAND HIGHWAY BETWEEN INTERCHANGE AND 6 MILE ROAD
• TOWN SHOULD COME OUT WITH TECHNOLOGY UPGRADE, WEB SERVICES ONLINE. USE VOLUNTEERS HELP WITHIN COMMUNITIES SERVICES.
• STOP PEOPLE FROM BURNING GARBAGE INDOORS AND OUT. AIR QUALITY IS CRUCIAL TO OUR WELLBEING. WE SHOULD MONITOR IT. MEASURE POLLUTION AND PUBLISH THE DATA IN THE LOCAL PAPER WEEKLY. WE CAN RAISE AWARENESS. VR CAN AND SHOULD LEAD THE REGION IN CLIMATE CHANGE AWARENESS/ PREVENTION AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES.
• FROM THE INTERACTIONS I HAVE HAD FROM THE STAFF AT VIEW ROYAL, THEY HAVE BEEN APPROACHABLE, INTERESTED ABOUT MY CONCERNS AND VERY HELPFUL.
• WITH THE RECENT SNOW, I WANT TO COMMEND THE SNOW REMOVAL CONTRACTOR FOR THEIR EXCELLENT SERVICE. IN MY OPINION, THEY HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB OF WITH SANDING, SALTING AND SNOW REMOVAL. OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD WOULD HAVE HAD A VERY DIFFICULT TIME WITHOUT THEIR LEVEL OF SERVICE.
• VIEW ROYAL IS A UNIQUE PLACE, AND WHILE WE SUPPORT FUTURE DEVELOPMENT, WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE THAT THIS IS DONE IN A SUSTAINABLE, NEIGHBOURHOOD FRIENDLY AND RESPONSIBLE WAY. WE DESPERATELY NEED AFFORDABLE HOUSING, AND WE HAVE TO RESOLVE OR AT LEAST START TO ADDRESS THE TRAFFIC ISSUE. COMMUTERS ARE A REALITY HERE, THEY BOTH LIVE HERE AND TRANSIT THROUGH. PEOPLE CAN'T COME TO OUR HOME AT CERTAIN HOURS OF THE DAY BECAUSE WE ARE GRIDLOCKED ON ALL SIDES, AND WE BELIEVE THIS IS AT LEAST IN PART, DUE TO POOR AND OUTDATED TRAFFIC PLANNING APPROACHES.
• WOULD LIKE THE TOWN TO REVIEW CONTRACTS FOR SERVICES SUCH AS SNOW REMOVAL AND BOARDWALK MAINTENANCE AND SEE IF ITS BENEFICIAL TO HIRE MORE STAFF AND KEEP CONTROL IN THE TOWN INSTEAD OF CONTRACTORS
• I WORRY THERE IS TOO MUCH RED TAPE WITH VR BEING ONE OF 13 MUNICIPALITIES, ALL DOING THE SAME THING. WHAT EFFICIENCIES CAN WE BRING IN FROM SMARTER, MORE ADVANCED LOCATIONS?
• INCREASE EMERGENCY SERVICE FUNDING TO MEET DEMANDS OF OUR GROWING COMMUNITY