Old Island Highway & Helmcken Proposal Exit Survey – Lion’s Cove Residents (Attachment 4)
A collection of exit surveys and letters of support from community members and local residents regarding the development proposal at 298 Island Highway.
Exit Surveys - Lion's Cove Residents
May 27th, 2020
I HAVE REVIEWED THE PRELIMINARY PROPOSAL FOR THIS SITE PREPARED BY ANKENMAN MARCHAND ARCHITECTS AND AM IN GENERAL SUPPORT OF THIS PROJECT BUT WOULD LIKE THE FOLLOWING CONSIDERED AS THE PROJECT MOVES FORWARD:
there needs to be sufficient guest parking for the strata section, at least 6 stalls.
S. WAGNER, 305-290 ISLAND HWY (LIONS COVE)
May 27th, 2020
I HAVE REVIEWED THE PRELIMINARY PROPOSAL FOR THIS SITE PREPARED BY ANKENMAN MARCHAND ARCHITECTS AND AM IN GENERAL SUPPORT OF THIS PROJECT
Charles La Vertu 104-290 Island Highway, Victoria, BC V9B1G5
Email Correspondence
From: Timothy Ankenman timothy@amarchitects.com Subject: Old Island Date: May 29, 2020 at 12:38:38 PM PDT To: tikkygc@gmail.com Cc: JEFFREY SENGARA budandblues@shaw.ca, Dimitar Bojadziev dimitar@amarchitects.com, Misha Sydorenko misha@amarchitects.com
Hi, Kitty!!! Thank you for reaching out! I was thrilled with the outcome of the meeting and was so very happy to feel the excitement around the room for what we're proposing. As mentioned in the meeting successful development needs to be a win-win for all stakeholders and early workshops are the best way to communicate to gauge support and had I heard any concerns or complaints, it would have been clearly an appropriate time for us to retool, and represent but honestly - having a standing ovation at the end of our Workshop from our immediate neighbours was both humbling and exciting!!
I will also address your points as follows:
The presentation and information last night at Lions cove was great and easy to understand and totally in favour of this improvement to our area Again fantastic and SO exciting! In the height of my excitement though I neglected to leave exit surveys which I dropped off yesterday to the Strata President Chris Perry and I am hoping that some or all of you can fill in as it will be important as we move forward to allow Council the ability to understand the support we have gained for this project. As noted in our meeting, in all of our door-knocking and outreach program we have come across not one person that has any issues with what we're proposing which In my line of work is very unusual (albeit highly refreshing!!). Perhaps I've learned a thing or two over my 40 years in this profession? Ha ha
A dog wash and maybe outlet for scooped poop to exit thru sewer system would be very modern and desirable Yes , consistent with our post-meeting chat we will ensure that these dog-waste disposal bins are placed in various areas around the building, including the plaza where it could become more of an issue for non-residents visiting the market and spending time at the gathering areas designed for the public plaza - .I have cc'd my Project Manager here to ensure these are included and will form part of our application package and will be coordinated into our landscape architect's work.
I don't own and dog but am vehemently opposed to dog droppings in plastic bags tossed all over the world as am I but at least slghtly better than 10 years ago when no-one even picked up (ha ha).
Keep well and keep up the progressive work Thank you! I extend the same wishes to you, your family and all the lovely people living in Lion's Cove!
PS in your plans to you included locked cages for bikes? Sure wish our council would change our cable lock area as have had 3 bikes stolen in the past few years and they are never the dusty flat tired bikes ( we have e bikes we use almost exclusively and sure do envy good lockup's ) As noted in our presentation, some people are spending more money on bikes now than then they spend on their cars, and ever soince the chord less riciprocating saws were invented the problem has become far worse. What we do (and what we're doing up on the "Glen" for example), is instead of leaving a large number of bikes parked in one room leaving them vulnerable to theft, we instead create smaller rooms that are monitored and they are built with concrete block, steel doors, steel strike plates and the like and (finger's crossed) have had no issues with those bike rooms that we have built in that manner. Cages as you suggest unfortunately can be cut through and further, thieves can see what's behind them, so we do go far above and beyond. If residents don't feel comfortble that their $5-$10,000 bike investment is secured they of course drag it (often wet and muddy) through the lobby, up the elevator and down the corridor to their suites and lock it onto their balcony guard rail all of which cause major issues including overall building asthetics so we do take bike lockers very seriously.
Should you have any further questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out at this email address which comes to me directly vs. our general mailbox at my Vancouver offices.!!!!
Kitty Chavarie Timothy Ankenman Architect I AIBC I MRAIC I M.Arch. I AIA I Founding Principal
From: Timothy Ankenman timothy@amarchitects.com Subject: Re: Namaste Developement corner of Island Highway and Helmcken, View Royal, BC Exit survey Shumey Date: Sat, May 30, 2020 at 9:36 AM To: Bea Shumey bshumey@gmail.com Cc: JEFFREY SENGARA budandblues@shaw.ca, Dimitar Bojadziev dimitar@amarchitects.com
Hi Bea and thank you for reaching out!! I am sorry that you were unable to make the presentation the other night but happy we can communicate electronically!
I will try to address your comments as follows:
Although I was unable to attend the meeting at Lion's Cove and was unaware of the virtual meeting, I have read through your presentation and have filled out the exit survey as requested. Thank you!!! Overall the proposal looks amazing with striking architecture. I greatly appreciate that! I only worry about the impact on traffic as it is a very busy corner with a bus stop just by the property. Traffic is raised as a concern on virtually every project we do and I can't at this time provide any proper answers for you at this time. We study traffic through science meaning we hire a traffic consultant / engineer who surveys how many vehicles currently use both the highway and Helmcken, and at what times of the day peak traffic flows are the highest, how the bus stop operates and whether it's in the ideal location, how much new traffic is being generated from both the commercial and residential components, locations of our proposed crossings, what we have done to minimize traffic counts (ie, shared work opportunities on-site, shared vehicle parking, alternate forms of transportation, who will be living there (for example retirees vs a couple n their 30s working downtown) etc. So as we wanted to reach out to the community before we locked our plans, spent money on various consultants (including traffic) and formalized an application it has been our goal despite Covid to reach out and see if we're on the right track. Once we have a traffic report finalized, depending on the results of that report, changes may be required. These may include moving crossings, including more shared vehicles, moving the bus stop etc. Once we have the traffic study complete and we have made the necessary revisions (if any) we will of course circulate that report and any associated changes, but at this time it's a bit of a cart in front of the horse, but please understand that your concerns are noted and we will definitely address them as we move along. The thought of cars turning into the development to access the parkade, and bus stopping while I am trying to exit Eltham turning left is of concern, especially during peak periods. I completely understand the potential conflict, and while the current restaurant crossing location is also near this conflict we fully recognize it does not create as much conflict due to hours of operation and reduced vehicle counts currently using that crossing, so again this will be thoroughly studied as we move forward. I simply don't have the answers for you right now. I have attached the survey and shared the link. Again fantastic and thank you so much. Enjoy your weekend!!!
Thank you for taking the time to be so inclusive. It was truly a pleasure!!
Cheers
Timothy Ankenman Architect I AIBC I MRAIC I M.Arch. I AIA I Founding Principal
On Fri, May 29, 2020 at 1:12 PM Bea Shumey bshumey@gmail.com wrote:
Hi There
Although I was unable to attend the meeting at Lion's Cove and was unaware of the virtual meeting, I have read through your presentation and have filled out the exit survey as requested. Overall the proposal looks amazing with striking architecture. I only worry about the impact on traffic as it is a very busy corner with a bus stop just by the property. The thought of cars turning into the development to access the parkade, and bus stopping while I am trying to exit Eltham turning left is of concern especially during peak periods. I have attached the survey and shared the link. Thank you for taking the time to be so inclusive.
Cheers Bea Shumey 103-290 Island Highway ( Lion's Cove)
From: Timothy Ankenman timothy@amarchitects.com Subject: Fwd: letter of support from 1 Date: Wed, Jun 10, 2020 at 11:28 AM To: Dimitar Bojadziev dimitar@amarchitects.com
---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Jeffrey Sengara budandblues@shaw.ca Date: Tue, Jun 9, 2020 at 10:07 PM Subject: letter of support from 1 To: Timothy Ankenman timothy@amarchitects.com
Letter of support from Lions Cove
---------- Forwarded message -------- From: S.Wagner 1st.wagner@gmail.com Date: Sun., May 31, 2020, 9:17 a.m. Subject: support for view royal project To: tim@amarchitects.com
Hi Tim, I was in the peanut gallery the other night when you presented to the Lions Cove owners. It was a pleasure to meet you and the project developers.
You have my full support, see attached letter, for View Royal Council.
My only concern is having sufficient guest parking stalls, so as to have minimal impact on the neighbourhood. Depending on the operation hours of the retail section, their stalls could be used for evening strata guest stalls.
I'm happy to provide strata training to the strata council once they are formed, looking ahead.
Sandy Wagner Strata Treasurer - Lions Cove Past President - Vancouver Island Strata Owners Association
Letters of Support
May 18nd , 2020 View Royal Mayor and Council 45 View Royal Ave, Victoria, BC V9B 1A6 Re: Corner Old Island Highway & Helmcken, View Royal
I was recently approached by the Lewis Ratcliff, who is a member of the Development & Sales team responsible for the above project. After careful review of the plans for the corner of Helmcken & Old Island Highway, I wanted to share my thoughts.
This location could not be a better suited for a condo building and, in my opinion, is exactly the type of development that View Royal needs! I believe that View Royal is in desperate need of a 'rebranding' and needs a downtown hub of some kind. View Royal is overrun with industrial & commercial properties and without a real heart of the city that its residents can be proud of. I believe this building will be seen as the hub to our town and the design response to this site is amazing. It offers a big gathering plaza along the entire length of the building, all parking is hidden away from the roads, and having the ground floor use as commercial will allow many surrounding residents to walk to this location to pick up their groceries or other items that may be sold.
Please support this project as it moves forward. View Royal is in desperate need!
Madelyn McWatt May 19, 2020
May 19th, 2020 View Royal Town Hall 45 View Royal Ave, Victoria, BC V9B 1A6 Attention: Mayor and Council Re: 298 Island Highway, Victoria. B.C.
Dear Council:
I am writing to you to express my full support for the development plans that have been prepared by Ankenman Marchand Architects for the corner of Helmcken & Old Island Hwy.
I must to say this development looks amazing and is just what View Royal needs. The aesthetic look of the building is beautiful and the way the building looks like a 4 story building, with the top two floors setback, is stunning. The Developers attention to detail is clear and the use of wood elements around the base of the building and around its façade that gives it a true West Coast & View Royal look. I also really appreciate all the design work that has gone into the fronts and sides of the building—the ideas for signage, the custom canopies that will provide protection from the rain, and the plaza in front!
This could be an amazing meeting place and create a downtown core for us in View Royal. This is exactly what our town needs and I therefore offer my full support as this project moves ahead.
Thank you for listening!!
Cayli Ratcliff May 19, 2020
May 19th, 2020 View Royal Town Hall 45 View Royal Ave, Victoria, BC V9B 1A6 Attention: Mayor and Council Re: 298 Island Highway, Victoria. B.C.
Dear Council:
I am writing to you to express my full support for the development plans that have been prepared by Ankenman Marchand Architects for the corner of Helmcken & Old Island Hwy.
I must to say this development looks amazing and is just what View Royal needs. The aesthetic look of the building is beautiful and the way the building looks like a 4 story building, with the top two floors setback, is stunning. The Developers attention to detail is clear and the use of wood elements around the base of the building and around its façade that gives it a true West Coast & View Royal look. I also really appreciate all the design work that has gone into the fronts and sides of the building—the ideas for signage, the custom canopies that will provide protection from the rain, and the plaza in front!
This could be an amazing meeting place and create a downtown core for us in View Royal. This is exactly what our town needs and I therefore offer my full support as this project moves ahead.
Thank you for listening!!
April Thompson May 19/20
May 18th, 2020 The Town of View Royal 45 View Royal Ave, View Royal, BC V9B 1A6 Attention: Mayor Doug Screech, Councillors Damian Kowalewich, Gery Lemon, Ron Mattson & John Rogers Regarding Existing Indian Restaurant - Corner Island Highway and Helmcken:
Our Mayor & Council:
I have been approached by Lewis Ratcliff who is a member of the team putting together their plans for a project at the Indian restaurant site. Honestly though the restaurant offers great food and we go there from time to time, the project that is on the drawings that I was shown would be a massive improvement over what's there now.
I was originally worried about the height of the building but then realized when looking at the drawing package that as the grades of this site are so much lower than the 4 story condo building located to the north the actual height of the building is very compatible to the condo building and will look amazing. I also really appreciate the sensitivity to the condo building to the north as the design steps back significantly from that property line which allows all the sunlight to remain onto that building's south face without any shadowing. I would like to voice my full support for this project as it moves forward and encourage our Mayor and Council to do the same please.
Ken LeClair May 18, 2020
May 18th, 2020 The Town of View Royal 45 View Royal Ave, View Royal, BC V9B 1A6 Attention: Mayor Doug Screech, Councillors Damian Kowalewich, Gery Lemon, Ron Mattson & John Rogers Regarding Existing Indian Restaurant - Corner Island Highway and Helmcken:
Our Mayor & Council:
I have been approached by Lewis Ratcliff who is a member of the team putting together their plans for a project at the Indian restaurant site. Honestly though the restaurant offers great food and we go there from time to time, the project that is on the drawings that I was shown would be a massive improvement over what's there now.
I was originally worried about the height of the building but then realized when looking at the drawing package that as the grades of this site are so much lower than the 4 story condo building located to the north the actual height of the building is very compatible to the condo building and will look amazing. I also really appreciate the sensitivity to the condo building to the north as the design steps back significantly from that property line which allows all the sunlight to remain onto that building's south face without any shadowing. I would like to voice my full support for this project as it moves forward and encourage our Mayor and Council to do the same please.
Jacqueline Ratcliff May 18, 2020
May 15th, 2020 View Royal Town Hall 45 View Royal Ave, Victoria, BC V9B 1A6 Attention: Mayor and Council Re: 298 Island Highway, Victoria, B.C.
Dear Worship & Council:
I am writing to you to express my full support for the development plans that have been prepared by Ankenman Marchand.
I appreciate all the design work that has gone into the fronts and sides of the building—the ideas for signage, the custom canopies that will provide protection from the rain, and the plaza in front! Brilliant! It seems that we will all finally have a place to go and gather outside for coffee and a snack!
This in my opinion is exactly what our town needs and I therefore offer my full support as this project moves ahead.
Sincerely, Jason Boyd 24 May 2020
May 20th, 2020 The Town of View Royal 45 View Royal Ave, View Royal, BC V9B 1A6 Attention: Mayor Doug Screech, Councillors Damian Kowalewich, Gery Lemon, Ron Mattson & John Rogers Regarding Existing Indian Restaurant - Corner Island Highway and Helmcken:
Our Mayor & Council:
I would like to voice my full support for this project as it moves forward.
I think View Royal is in need of some development that will continue to keep the small town feel. Having a building that increases density while improving the look of the area and providing some small commercial space is exactly what I would be looking for.
The design is very impressive and hopefully a market of some kind will fill the space on the ground floor. It would fit right in with the existing buildings on the south side of Old Island Hwy and will hopefully start a change north as well.
Turning the corner into an area where all amenities are available by walking would be an excellent change.
CHRIS CAVAGHAN 20 MAY 2020
May 19th, 2020 View Royal Town Hall 45 View Royal Ave, Victoria, BC V9B 1A6 Attention: Mayor and Council Re: 298 Island Highway, Victoria. B.C.
Dear Council:
I am writing to you to express my full support for the development plans that have been prepared by Ankenman Marchand Architects for the corner of Helmcken & Old Island Hwy.
I must say, this development looks amazing and is just what View Royal needs. The aesthetic look of the building is beautiful and the way the building looks like a 4 story building, with the top two floors setback, is stunning. The Developers attention to detail is clear and the use of wood elements around the base of the building and around its façade that gives it a true West Coast & View Royal look. I also really appreciate all the design work that has gone into the fronts and sides of the building—the ideas for signage, the custom canopies that will provide protection from the rain, and the plaza in front!
This could be an amazing meeting place and create a downtown core for us in View Royal. This is exactly what our town needs and I therefore offer my full support as this project moves ahead.
Thank you for listening!!
Mitch McMichael, Jessica McMichael May 19, 2020
May 19th, 2020 View Royal Town Hall 45 View Royal Ave, Victoria, BC V9B 1A6 Attention: Mayor and Council Re: 298 Island Highway, Victoria. B.C.
Dear Council:
I write to you to extend my full support in regards to the development plans that have been prepared by Ankenman Marchand Architects for the corner of Helmcken & Old Island Hwy. I am more than happy to so as I see this as a very important, and needed progression for our community.
The building looks absolutely amazing! The thoughtfully designed the exterior is nothing I have ever seen before, the top floors of the building are very modern, and the plans to have a plaza below would be an exceptional addition for residents of the building, and locals within View Royal as well! View Royal does not have a central area, and I believe every town should have one. It brings people in, and provides amenities for those who are already residing in the area.
This could be an amazing addition to our town and I truly believe it is needed. I push forth my full support of this new development and am very excited to see the what else is to come in our beautiful town. I sincerely thank you for taking the time to listen to what I have to say, all the best!
Jacques Belanger May 22, 2020
May 24st, 2020 View Royal Mayor and Council 45 View Royal Ave, Victoria, BC V9B 1A6 Re: Corner Old Island Highway & Helmcken, View Royal
I have been approached by a member of the Development Team that are responsible for the above project and have reviewed the plans that have been prepared for this location where the existing Namaste Indian Restaurant is currently located. They have asked for my opinion on their proposal which I am happy to share.
I believe this is precisely the type of development that View Royal needs: it is a very high quality design, it offers a wide variety of much needed housing in our town, and is located on major road where this type of development is appropriate.
Please support this project as it moves forward as this is a project that our entire town will be very proud of!!!
Adam Milasko MAY 24 2020
May 26th, 2020 The Town of View Royal 45 View Royal Ave, View Royal, BC V9B 1A6 Attention: Mayor Doug Screech, Councillors Damian Kowalewich, Gery Lemon, Ron Mattson & John Rogers Regarding Existing Indian Restaurant - Corner Island Highway and Helmcken:
Our Mayor & Council:
We have been living in View Royal since 2005 and have loved the gradual development. The next step seems to be this corner and this design would look great. The amenities provided will enhance the neighbourhood and bring a nice feel to our municipality which we feel is a hidden gem in Victoria.
I would like to voice my full support for this project as it moves forward and encourage our Mayor and Council to do the same please.
Shannon Cavaghan 26 MAY 20
May 20th, 2020 View Royal Mayor and Council 45 View Royal Ave, Victoria, BC V9B 1A6 Re: Corner Old Island Highway & Helmcken, View Royal
In my opinion, I think this would be a positive development in this community. I would definitely be looking forward to the amenities that will be provided.
The whole corner is in need of improving and this would be a great start.
I will support this project.
Mark Cacovic 2020-05-26
May 21st, 2020 View Royal Mayor and Council 45 View Royal Ave, Victoria, BC V9B 1A6 Re: Corner Old Island Highway & Helmcken, View Royal
I have been approached by a member of the Development Team that are responsible for the above project and have reviewed the plans that have been prepared for this location where the existing Namaste Indian Restaurant is currently located. They have asked for my opinion on their proposal which I am happy to share.
I believe this is precisely the type of development that View Royal needs: it is a very high quality design, it offers a wide variety of much needed housing in our town, and is located on major road where this type of development is appropriate.
Please support this project as it moves forward as this is a project that our entire town will be very proud of!!!
Adam Pedersen President, Governors Point Strata, View Royal, BC May 21, 2020
May 19th, 2020 View Royal Town Hall 45 View Royal Ave, Victoria, BC V9B 1A6 Attention: Mayor and Council Re: 298 Island Highway, Victoria. B.C.
Dear Council:
The reason we are writing to you today is in regards to the new development plans that have been prepared by Ankenman Marchand Architects. We would personally like to extend our full, enthusiastic support for this new development.
The building itself is absolutely beautiful by design but furthermore, if we may say so, a necessary addition to our town. We have so much potential here to grow and expand and we believe this new development is the perfect first step in the right direction. It has the potential to be a central "downtown" for us here in View Royal, and with this said, both myself, and my partner pledge our full endorsement of this project. This development looks amazing and is just what View Royal needs. View Royal's need for growth aside, the aesthetic of the buildings exterior is breathtaking. We think that a 4 story building is a great and the architecture of the top floors is captivating. With having a plaza central to the building itself will be a huge asset for residents in the surrounding areas.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. All the best.
Carolyn Cooper May 25, 2020
May 19th, 2020 View Royal Town Hall 45 View Royal Ave, Victoria, BC V9B 1A6 Attention: Mayor and Council Re: 298 Island Highway, Victoria. B.C.
Dear Council:
I write this letter in respect to the development plans that have been prepared by Ankenman Marchand Architects for the corner of Helmcken & Old Island Hwy. I want to extend my endorsement verbally.
This Development, in my opinion, seems to be exactly what View Royal needs! The structure of the building is stunning. The sense of style displayed by the Developers is prominent in the way they have designed the infrastructure itself. The thoughtfully designed exterior is something to be appreciated, I absolutely love the West Coast feel to the building and the attention to detail is very clear.
The plaza in the front of the building is going to be a great asset to the residents of the building and View Royal. I believe View Royal is in need of a Downtown area to push View Royal to progress into a central hub for businesses and residents.
This could be an amazing opportunity for View Royal to grow and expand. A new building, central located in View Royal is exactly what our town needs, and for this reason I offer my full support as this project moves ahead.
Thank you for listening!!
Keith Thompson, Shirley Thompson May 22, 2020