TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL ANNUAL REPORT Year Ended December 31, 2020 (Administrative)

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 2 MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR 3 COMMUNITY PROFILE 4 SUMMARY OF SERVICES & OPERATIONS 7 MAYOR & COUNCIL 9 ORGANIZATIONAL CHART 11 VISION 13 MISSION, VALUES & ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE 14 2020 MUNICIPAL HIGHLIGHTS 15 ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT 16 DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT 18 ENGINEERING & PARKS DEPARTMENT 20 FINANCE DEPARTMENT 22 PROTECTIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT 24 2020 MUNICIPAL GOALS & OBJECTIVES 26 LOOKING AHEAD 33 FINANCIAL INFORMATION 42

INTRODUCTION

This year’s Annual Report outlines the Town’s achievements and major projects for 2020. It shows the progress on our 2020 municipal goals and objectives, highlights financial reporting, and gives insight into plans for the future.

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

On behalf of View Royal Council and staff, I am pleased to share with you some of the Town of View Royal’s key initiatives and accomplishments during the past year through our 2020 Annual Report.

This report is an opportunity to recognize the excellent work that has been done by staff, Council, volunteers, and residents to ensure View Royal remains a healthy, vibrant and sustainable community.

The year 2020 will always be remembered as the year the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world and as a result much of the normal work of our municipality was put on hold as we struggled to adapt and to maintain operations during a very difficult time.

Council and I want to offer sincere thanks to all involved with the running of our Town from the municipal staff to emergency responders, contractors, volunteers, and more. You all did an exceptional job of keeping the Town “open for business” and sustaining our high standards of service.

While we did scale back capital projects because of budget concerns, the acquisition of parkland in north View Royal is noteworthy. The Town purchased 1.78 hectares (4.4 acres) of vacant land adjacent to Eagle Creek Park and the Eagle Creek Village commercial area to the District of Saanich border. This land has been added to the Town’s inventory of parks and greenspace and a plan will be developed for it in the future.

The Town also implemented live webcasting during the year which is a significant advancement for View Royal. This technology allowed meeting accessibility and transparency during the pandemic and moving forward will provide added convenience post-pandemic for the public to attend Council meetings from the comfort of their home or office.

Please take a few moments to review the accomplishments of the Town in the following pages. Council and staff are collectively proud that View Royal is such a wonderful community and one of the best places to call home.

Once again, I thank all involved with the operations of our Town at a very difficult time.

Mayor David Screech

COMMUNITY PROFILE

The Town of View Royal is located on southern Vancouver Island, approximately six kilometers west of Victoria, British Columbia. On December 5, 1988 – with a population of less than 5,000 – the Town of View Royal was incorporated and became its own distinct municipality comprising approximately 2,500 hectares of land. Since that time, the community has experienced significant growth and development while still maintaining much of its small town character.

The Town of View Royal acknowledges with respect that it is within the unceded traditional territories of the Lekwungen peoples, known today as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, and that their historic connections to these lands continue to this day.

*as per Statistics Canada, 2016 Census

• INCORPORATED: DECEMBER 5, 1988
• POPULATION: 10,408
• LAND AREA: 14.36KM²
• HOUSEHOLDS: 4,300
• MUNICIPAL PARKS: 72
• BIKE LANES: 30.5KM
• TRAILS: 27.3KM

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

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

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

SUMMARY OF SERVICES & OPERATIONS

TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL SERVICES

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

• Transportation network (e.g. roads, bridges, street cleaning, sidewalks)*
• Stormwater management
• Garbage/household food waste collection
• Sanitary sewer collection system
• Parks, recreation and cultural facilities
• West Shore Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
• Fire protection and inspection
• Emergency preparedness planning
• Land use planning
• Building permits
• Business licensing
• Bylaw establishment and enforcement
• Economic development
• Heritage and revitalization

*excludes Admirals Road, Six Mile Road and the Trans Canada Highway (Highway 1) which are controlled by the Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure.

TOWN SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE CAPTIAL REGIONAL DISTRICT

• Animal control
• Sewer system management
• Water management
• Recycling & Blue Box Program

TOWN SERVICES PROVIDED BY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

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

MAYOR & COUNCIL

Mayor and Council of the Town of View Royal were elected for a four-year term in the municipal election held in October 2018. Each Council member is also appointed to various Town and Regional committees.

Mayor David Screech (December 2, 2014 - present)

• Finance & Administration - Chair
• CRD Board/Committee of the Whole
• CRD Housing Trust Fund Commission
• Capital Region Emergency Service Telecommunications Inc. (CREST)
• CRD Hospital Board
• Municipal Insurance Association
• Police Building Liaison Committee
• West Shore Parks and Recreation Owners
• South Island Prosperity Association
• Te’Mexw Treaty Advisory Committee
• View Royal Reading Centre

Councillor Damian Kowalewich (December 5, 2017 - present)

• Public Works & Transportation - Chair
• Community Development Advisory Committee - Liaison
• Joint School District / Municipal Committee
• Parents’ Advisory Committee
• Westshore Chamber of Commerce
• West Shore Parks & Recreation Society Board

Councillor Gery Lemon (November 6, 2018 - present)

• Protective Services & Community Services - Chair
• Parks, Recreation & Environment Advisory Committee - Liaison
• CRD Arts Commission
• CRD Climate Action Steering Committee
• Greater Victoria Public Library
• Westshore Community Policing Advisory Committee

Councillor Ron Mattson (December 6, 2011 - present)

• Planning & Development - Chair
• Parks, Recreation & Environment Advisory Committee - Liaison
• Colquitz/Gorge Watershed Special Management Area Initiative
• Esquimalt Harbour Advisory Committee
• Victoria Family Court & Youth Justice Committee

Councillor John Rogers (December 2, 1996 - present)

• Parks, Recreation & Environment - Chair
• Community Development Advisory Committee - Liaison
• CRD Regional Water Supply Commission
• Friends of Cole Island Society
• Juan de Fuca Water Distribution Commission

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

2020 Town of View Royal Organizational Chart

• Mayor & Council
  • Chief Administrative Officer
    • Executive Assistant
    • Director of Corporate Administration
      • Deputy Clerk/Confidential Secretary
      • Corporate Services Clerk/Receptionist
      • Records Coordinator/Archivist
    • Director of Engineering & Parks
      • Deputy Director of Engineering
        • Engineering Technologist
        • Engineering Technologist - Development & Asset Management
        • GIS Technician
        • Engineering Clerk
      • Parks Supervisor
        • Parks Workers (x4)
    • Director of Protective Services/Fire Chief
      • Firefighter/Training Coordinator
      • Firefighter/Fire Inspector
      • Firefighter/Emergency Programs
      • Firefighter/Maintenance
      • Firefighter
      • Fire Department Clerk
      • Building Inspector
      • Bylaw Enforcement Officer
      • Bylaw Enforcement Services Clerk
    • Director of Finance
      • Manager of Accounting
      • Accountant/IT Coordinator
      • Accounting Clerk 2
      • Finance/Engineering Clerk
    • Director of Development Services
      • Senior Planner
      • Community Planner
      • Development & Licensing Services Clerk

VISION

View Royal is a dynamic and inclusive community that manages growth, while retaining the charm of its traditional neighbourhoods. It is home and workplace to people from all walks of life. Its neighbourhoods are attractive, affordable, walkable and safe. Each neighbourhood has an identifiable character and is connected to nearby centres – and a recognizable central community gathering place – through greenspace corridors and pedestrian/cyclist-friendly streets. Some centres are parks for families to gather and youth to play sports. Others are bustling, mixed-use places with a range of services, amenities, businesses and housing.

View Royal recognizes the impacts of climate change, and is responding by actively promoting energy-efficient, sustainable development, and environmental protection. Well-designed compact housing ensures choice, affordability and better use of land. Infill and redevelopment near neighbourhood centres and transit corridors provides jobs and services closer to where people live – minimizing the need for commuting, and creating pedestrian-friendly streets and destinations.

The local economy is diversified and strong, providing employment, shopping and service options to local and regional residents. Heritage tourism and eco-tourism are promoted as sustainable ways to stimulate the economy and showcase View Royal’s environmental and cultural assets.

Getting around safely by foot, bike, bus and train is convenient and enjoyable, and a viable alternative to car travel. Train, light rail and other forms of rapid transit are supported by development that facilitates ridership and walkable places.

The Town is endowed with unique natural environments – Thetis Lake Park, Millstream Creek, Craigflower Creek, Esquimalt Harbour and Portage Inlet. The integrity and beauty of these natural amenities are protected and enhanced, while public access to recreation and natural areas is improved. The Town’s vast recreation assets are well promoted and integrated into the community. Environmental stewardship and better use of resources – such as alternative energy generation and enhanced waste management – are pursued.

Livable View Royal – simply the best place to call home!

MISSION, VALUES & ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE

MISSION

View Royal is committed to building a resilient and vibrant community that provides good government; delivers services, laws and other matters for community benefit; provides stewardship of the public assets; and fosters economic, social and environmental well-being.

VALUES

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

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

ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE

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

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

2020 MUNICIPAL HIGHLIGHTS

ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT

The Administration Department provides operational support through customer service, meeting management, communications, web and social media, archives and records management, information and privacy compliance, legal and risk management, and elections administration. This division plays a key role in strategic planning and community engagement.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• The Town of View Royal purchased a 1.78 hectare (4.4 acre) vacant property located at 1642 Little Road in the Watkiss Way/Helmcken Road area in the spring. The land was purchased for $750,000 with funds coming from Development Cost Charges – funds from the development community set aside by the Town for parkland and open space acquisition. Adjacent to Eagle Creek Park, the property will add more greenspace to the Hospital Neighbourhood and ensure View Royal has the land in place to deliver community amenities for all residents.
• Following budget deliberations and input received from the community, the Town’s 2019-2022 Strategic Plan was approved at the February 18, 2020 Council meeting.
• Live webcasting of Council meetings and public hearings began through the use of Microsoft Teams Events on July 7, 2020 to ensure these events could be seen and heard remotely. As well, people have the opportunity to provide input to Council in real time during the meeting or public hearing either by telephone or through the chat feature. Openness, transparency, accessibility, and accountability are important keystones of local government and are highlighted with the use of this technology.
• The Executive Assistant accepted the 2020 Outstanding Employee Campaign Chair Spirit Award from United Way in November for her work in coordinating the Town’s employee campaigns since 2011.
• In December, View Royal held a Christmas light display contest to brighten spirits in neighbourhoods across the municipality. Residents nominated almost fifty homes around the community. Members of Council viewed each nominated address and delivered a festive treat to the top five winners.

COVID-19 RESPONSE: ADMINISTRATION

• Town Hall moved to limited public access on March 23 while staff continued business operations.
• Relevant messaging was placed on the Town’s website regarding Town services and general COVID-19 information as it became available.
• The Town’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) operated at a Level 2 with daily meetings taking place each morning. After re-evaluation, moved to a Level 1 with meetings moving to a twice weekly basis. All Directors completed daily status reports and position logs for their EOC roles. The EOC then later concluded.
• On June 1, Town Hall reopened following WorkSafe BC guidelines including a COVID-19 Safety Plan, engineering barriers, directional arrows, signage, and room capacity limits. An online appointment bookings app was introduced to assist with the number of customers in Town Hall at one time.
• Some Administration staff worked from home to reduce staffing numbers and allow for physical distancing at Town Hall.
• With Town Hall having limited access, Council meetings were held electronically starting in April and on July 7, the Town held their first live webcast Council meeting.
• Committee of the Whole meetings were cancelled from April to August but recommenced on September 15 via live webcast.
• After not having met since January, Advisory Committee meetings recommenced on September 29 with virtual meetings.
• View Royal Archives closed to volunteers and the public; research requests were conducted via email. Staff engaged with the Archives volunteers through virtual visits and regular conference calls.
• An online wellness webinar series was provided for staff and Emergency Support Services volunteers.

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT

The Development Services Department provides the current and future land use, planning, and zoning work for View Royal and is responsible for the Official Community Plan that guides future growth. Additionally, Development Services supports economic development initiatives and programs.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Since 2010, the Town has accomplished a great deal in View Royal Park including installation of fitness equipment, walking loop improvements, new playground equipment, community garden and even a bike pump track. Due to many factors such as population growth, demographic change, and increasing effects of climate change, there was a need to update the View Royal Park Master Plan. The process to update the Plan included an online survey as well as an open house held in View Royal Park. The updated View Royal Parks Master Plan was approved by Council on November 12, 2020.
• The Town initiated a Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) to better understand the current and future housing needs in View Royal and how to respond to housing pressures due to market conditions and changing demographics. The HNA identified there are both owners and renters who live in View Royal who are challenged to afford to continue living here. It also highlighted that over the next five years there will be a need for an additional 70 affordable housing units (both rental and ownership tenures), as well as added demand for market housing from within the community - particularly for young people moving out and for seniors who wish to downsize and remain in View Royal.
• In December, Development Services staff reviewed the existing Official Community Plan (OCP) with a view to scoping Council’s priorities for the upcoming OCP review. Looking ahead, Council will see more information about the OCP review as staff work to refine this Request for Proposals and better scope the project.
• Development Services staff put forward a Zoning Bylaw amendment to accommodate charging facilities for electric vehicles and bicycles which received two readings from Council.

COVID-19 RESPONSE: DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

• Endeavored where possible to continue business as usual by using existing online tools, maintaining staff availability by phone or appointment, and working with developers to ensure applications were not unduly delayed.
• Supported a revised format for public hearings to allow for live webcasting combined with phone-in and chat feature option to encourage continued public participation.

ENGINEERING & PARKS DEPARTMENT

The Engineering & Parks Department is responsible for the maintenance and capital programs for View Royal’s roads, streets, bridges, sidewalks, street signage, boulevards, bus shelters, street lighting, traffic signals and storm drains. The Parks section is responsible for the maintenance and development of over 70 parks in View Royal, including manicured and natural green spaces, trails, and sports fields. Parks also maintains the grounds at Town Hall and oversees building and fleet maintenance.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• The Town converted the majority of the traffic corridor street lighting to LED, including Island Highway, Watkiss Way, Burnside Road W, Helmcken Road and Six Mile Road. Not only improving visibility, LED lighting provides the opportunity to realize cost savings in electrical and maintenance costs over the lifespan of the equipment.
• To help draw more attention to 30/km school zones, the Town added speed boxes to all three View Royal schools (View Royal Elementary, Eagle View Elementary, and Shoreline Middle School).
• In summer of 2020, Town crews worked to remove the invasive plant Parrot’s Feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) from the Stoneridge Wetland. The project involved removal of the invasive plant, constructing temporary access into the wetland area for equipment, reshaping the ground surface, and replanting the wetland with native vegetation.
• The Town completed the staircase replacement project into Portage Park (located off the Town Hall lower parking lot). The old stairs were heavily travelled by park users and definitely in need of replacement. The new staircase is wider to allow for pedestrians to pass by each other more comfortably. Other improvements include benches along the staircase, upper and lower handrails for adults and small children, as well as non-slip expanded aluminum treads.
• The Town’s Geographic Information System (GIS) continues to expand and now contains tree data including active and historical tree permits issued as far back as 2013.
• Worked with BC Transit to incorporate rapid bus lane infrastructure within View Royal on the Island Highway Corridor.
• Designed a four-way stop for Six Mile Road and the Chilco Road/Nursey Hill Drive intersection to be installed in 2021.

COVID-19 RESPONSE: ENGINEERING & PARKS

• On March 23, 2020, the Town closed all outdoor recreation facilities and public fountains in View Royal parks to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Crews posted signs throughout the municipality notifying of closures and public health advice.
• Parks crews increased cleaning schedules for garbage and litter pick up in parks and public spaces.
• Procedures were updated to limit Engineering & Parks fleet vehicle use for staff to single occupancy to allow for physical distancing.
• In May/June 2020, outdoor recreation facilities were re-opened to the public. Signage remained posted reminding facility and equipment users of continued public health advice such as social distancing and hand washing.
• Parks crews assisted with additional cleaning and building maintenance routines inside Town Hall to benefit health and safety of staff and the public.

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

The Finance Department provides the systems, tools, processes, and personnel to plan, record and report View Royal’s financial position and operations. It is instrumental in preparing the annual five-year financial plan, financial statements, tax and utility billings and ensuring suppliers and employees are paid accurately and on time. Under the Finance Department, the Information Technology function is responsible for the maintenance and security of electronic information systems and the delivery of technology enabled projects, including expanding online and electronic billing services. Staff work with a contracted managed service provider for IT service desk, maintenance, and project work.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• The Town of View Royal received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the 2020-2024 Financial Plan. This award is given to local governments whose budget document meets criteria established by GFOA best practices and industry standards for budgeting and reflects the highest quality achievable.
• The Town made changes to CRD sewer charges. Starting in 2020, the amount users paid for the CRD’s sewer system was billed as a separate user fee on annual View Royal sewer utility invoices instead of on the property tax notice. The change resulted in sewer charges being based solely on metered water consumption rather than on the assessed value of the home. Basing sewer charges on water consumption is considered a best practice, transparent to all property owners, and a more equitable system than one based on assessed property value or a flat fee system. This revenue neutral shift redistributes the total cost of operating and maintaining the CRD’s component of the sewer system to reflect each user’s impact on the system.
• The Town successfully launched the new online Citizen Budget engagement tool that enabled residents to provide input and voice their opinions on the annual budget prior to Council approval. The intake period ran from March 13-31, with the results reported to Council on April 14, 2020.
• Enhanced front-counter customer service by transitioning to acceptance of credit cards for payment of certain items.
• The Town upgraded its online business licence functionality providing businesses with the option of paying for business licence renewals online and offering an online searchable database of business with valid View Royal business licences. Forty-eight percent (48%) of payments from customers were received electronically, up more than 20% from last year.

COVID-19 RESPONSE: FINANCE

• Worked with Administration staff to launch the live webcasting of Council meetings and public hearings. The new webcast meetings allow the public to view the meeting and give opportunity to provide comments or questions via phone or chat feature.
• Council approved 2020 property tax relief measures to help support taxpayers who are facing financial hardship by delaying the 10% penalty normally applied for late payment until October 1, 2020.
• An application was developed to streamline the daily health check requirement for all staff to complete prior to commencing work.
• An online appointment bookings application was developed for customers to assist with public safety by limiting the number of people accessing services in person at the same time as well as reducing exposure time spent waiting in a line up.

PROTECTIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT

The Protective Services Department includes View Royal Fire Rescue which is a composite paid and volunteer fire department responsible for fire suppression, fire inspections, and related training and education. It also encompasses policing provided under contract with the RCMP through the West Shore detachment, emergency planning and preparedness, and enforcement of municipal bylaws.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• In February, the View Royal Fire Department, as well as Colwood Fire Rescue, made the transition to the new CREST P2500 radio system with no major issues. Shortly after, Langford Fire Rescue followed, completing the transition for all of the Town’s mutual aid partners in the region.
• The Bylaw Enforcement Officer successfully concluded the removal of an abandoned dock in Portage Inlet. As a result of the occupant’s vessel sinking and three separate rescues by three separate fire departments, the result was an abandoned wharf remaining in Portage Inlet. With co-operation of local contractors and the Fire Departments marine unit, the dock was removed.
• The Fire Department signed a partner agreement with Wounded Warriors and were the first agency in Canada to put their logos on our fleet.
• Dispatch services from the City of Surrey continue to improve with changes to technology and infrastructure to ensure compatibility with Next Generation 911. As well, Surrey is implementing an Active Incident Viewer which will allow View Royal Fire to see other partners in the region on a map and geolocate their calls, showing truck positions and response.
• The View Royal Firefighters Association partnered with the Esquimalt Firefighters Charitable Association to create and fund a scholarship program for youth at Songhees Nation. A presentation was made to Chief Sam and members of Songhees Nation as a kickoff to the program.

COVID-19 RESPONSE: PROTECTIVE SERVICES

• Temporarily suspended in-person inspections by the Building Inspector.
• Made changes to shift rotations to ensure Fire personnel available at the Public Safety Building 24/7.
• Fire department training division introduced a new drill schedule and format with smaller groups to maintain social distancing.
• Suspended in person delivery of public education and smoke alarm campaign.
• Canceled the Fire Department annual open house.

2020 MUNICIPAL GOALS & OBJECTIVES

The 2019 - 2022 Strategic Plan provides an opportunity to step back, look at the bigger picture and identify a few key areas or opportunities that require special attention or emphasis. Six strategic priorities have been identified for 2019 - 2022:

• ENHANCE LIVEABILITY,
• COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH,
• ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP,
• FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY AND SERVICE EXCELLENCE,
• GOOD GOVERNANCE, and
• COMMUNITY SAFETY AND SECURITY.

The Plan is based on ongoing public input and specifically includes input from a survey conducted in Spring 2019 following the last municipal election. It is the roadmap for Council’s decision-making and for the work of municipal staff.

STRATEGIC PRIORITY - ENHANCE LIVEABILITY IN VIEW ROYAL

GOALS:

• Shift primary transport mode within View Royal away from vehicles to walking, cycling and transit
• Access to a broad range of housing options to meet the needs of various ages, family types and incomes
• Proximity to services
• Build strong relationships and engagement through community events and celebrations

STRATEGIC PRIORITY - COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC GROWTH

GOALS:

• Private investment in redevelopment of strategic sites
• Increase skilled employment
• Business retention/attraction
• Strategic investment in public realm

STRATEGIC PRIORITY - ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

GOALS:

• Respond to the declared climate action emergency by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in our community
• Support climate change mitigation and adaptation measures with an emphasis on transportation systems and energy efficient buildings
• Accelerate a transition to low carbon transportation modes within the Town
• Support community preparation for climate change impacts with respect to sea level rise, storm surge, forest fires, food security, and other extreme weather events

STRATEGIC PRIORITY - FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY & SERVICE EXCELLENCE

GOALS:

• Confidence in the fiscal health and financial sustainability of the Town
• Diversified revenue base
• Predictable property tax and user fee increases
• Citizen satisfaction with services and value

STRATEGIC PRIORITY - GOOD GOVERNANCE

GOALS:

• Strong and active citizen participation in community engagement in Town of View Royal meetings, open houses, survey, budget development
• Strong constructive relationships with neighbouring municipalities, Songhees Nation, Esquimalt Nation, and in relations at the CRD
• Respectful, constructive Council relationships

STRATEGIC PRIORITY - COMMUNITY SAFETY & SECURITY

GOALS:

• A real and perceived safe community
• Prepared for emergencies

LOOKING AHEAD - 2021-2024

Strategic Plan 2019-2022

We’re working together to make View Royal better everyday by focusing on what’s important to the citizens of our community, constantly improving how we do business and ensuring we plan for our future to build a strong, healthy, and thriving View Royal.

The Strategic Plan details what we heard from citizens about what is important to them and what they want the Town to do on their behalf. It is reviewed at least quarterly, with additional time spent as required to keep it current and update progress on specific projects.

The Strategic Plan outlines six key result categories, which describe the focus areas of our work to help us prioritize our efforts and resources, setting out specific goals with measures, targets, and planned timing for the work.

ENHANCE LIVEABILITY

Citizens told us they want to:

• Be able to move around the community efficiently;
• Have a range of housing options close to services;
• Participate in community events and have a sense of belonging;
• Celebrate View Royal’s unique history.

COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC GROWTH

Citizens told us they want:

• Controlled growth;
• Implications of growth considered.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Citizens told us they want to:

• Focus on community action around climate change.

FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY & SERVICE EXCELLENCE

Citizens told us they want to:

• Receive good value for tax dollars;
• Fund the continuation of current service levels through taxation;
• Fund future large projects through putting aside funds annually.

GOOD GOVERNANCE

Citizens told us they want:

• Transparency in decision-making;
• Respectful meetings.

COMMUNITY SAFETY & SECURITY

Citizens told us they want to:

• Live and work in a safe community prepared for emergencies.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

[Refer to page 42 and following for detailed financial reports.]