Council Report: View Royal Park Plan Update

View Royal Park Plan Update

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the report dated June 30, 2020 from the Director of Development Services titled “View Royal Park Plan Update” be received for information.

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S COMMENTS:

I concur with the recommendation.

PURPOSE OF REPORT:

To advise Council of a coming pop up consultation event at View Royal Park on July 9th from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

BACKGROUND DISCUSSION:

The measures put into place during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in many projects being paused. With the re-opening of parks and playgrounds, staff are comfortable engaging with the public in an outdoor setting on the draft View Royal Park Plan.

The draft plan and background material have been posted to the Town’s website for three months. A few emailed responses have come in, however broader engagement is needed to conclude this project.

An outdoor event with a four-hour window of opportunity allows for physical distancing and safety protocols to be observed. Staff (Director of Development Services only) and members of the consultant team (2-3 people) will be available to answer questions about the draft plan and will be seeking feedback on the more contentious suggestions: off leash areas, parking, and access to riparian areas of the park. Pylons in the Park will be used to visually represent the physical areas (dog off leash and parking) in question.

Notices will be placed in the Park, on the Town’s website and have been mailed to surrounding properties to advise of the event. Unlike other Town open houses, no food or drinks will be provided. Lingering around displays will be discouraged to ensure that anyone who has an interest in the topic will have time and space to safely engage with staff and consultant team members to provide feedback.

The remaining unresolved matter is the Council referral to PREAC, which has not met since advisory committee meetings are currently suspended. As it is unknown as to when we will be able to convene in person, staff will communicate with PREAC members to seek email feedback on the draft.

After feedback is assessed, staff will bring back a report with options for Council consideration so that the plan can be concluded and various projects identified can be incorporated into the 2021 Budget and 5 Year Capital Plan.

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the report dated June 30, 2020 from the Director of Development Services titled “View Royal Park Plan Update” be received for information.

SUBMITTED BY:
L. Chase, Director of Development Services

REVIEWED BY:
K. Anema, Chief Administrative Officer