1995 - victoria official community plan

CITY OF VICTORIA OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN

Incorporates amendments to October 2011

We raise our hands to the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations In whose traditional territories we live and work.

Hay sxw qa (Thank you)

The review and update of the Official Community Plan for the City of Victoria was conducted between January and June, 1995 (and adopted July 27, 1995). It reflects the major views and direction provided by a variety of interest groups, stakeholders and individual residents. City Council appreciated the keen interest and intense level of discussion at all the meetings, as well as the additional effort by residents to submit comments independently. There is no doubt the quality of the plan was enhanced by this input. The directions you wish to see Victoria take over the next twenty-five years are reflected in the ‘Key Directions’ for each chapter. The members of the Advisory Planning Commission should be specially commended for undertaking an intensive scrutiny of the document prior to the final round of public meetings. Early in the process, members of the City’s various planning advisory committees devoted time to reviewing material in workshops and offering comments. At the various meetings and through survey responses, representatives of special interest groups, advocacy groups and neighbourhood associations, as well as concerned individuals, went to considerable effort to let us know their views. We thank you all! Please note, the plan is not considered a static document. Like its predecessor (Victoria’s first from 1986), it is expected that improvements will be made through a consultative process by way of frequent amendments. Ideas for improvements and your continuing interest will be welcome. Original signed by Original signed by Mayor Bob Cross Councillor Alan Lowe

CITY OF VICTORIA – MISSION STATEMENT

“Committed to a vision of a strong Downtown and strong neighbourhoods, the City of Victoria, in partnership with the community, will, through open, responsive government, enable citizens to live in a socially responsible, environmentally responsible, artistically rich and people-oriented

city that is economically viable.”

(Adopted by City Council on July 18, 1991)

CITY OF VICTORIA OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS

SCHEDULE A Preface - Regional Context Statement ....................................................................................... i

1. Victoria 2020 - Introduction .............................................................................................1.1

2. Victoria 2020 - Vision and Values....................................................................................2.1

3. Toward a Liveable Community........................................................................................3.1 A. Social Planning ...........................................................................................................3.1 B. Social Profile ...............................................................................................................3.2 C. Neighbourhood Development......................................................................................3.4 D. Downtown ...................................................................................................................3.5 E. Community Service Programs: Health, Recreational, Social and Educational ...........3.6 F. Arts and Culture ..........................................................................................................3.8 G. Safe City......................................................................................................................3.9 H. Tolerance ..................................................................................................................3.10

4. Toward a Viable Community............................................................................................4.1 A. Characteristics.............................................................................................................4.3 B. Influences....................................................................................................................4.4 C. Industrial Development................................................................................................4.8 D. Downtown ...................................................................................................................4.9 E. Land Use Policy Framework .....................................................................................4.11

5. Toward an Affordable Housing Community...................................................................5.1 A. Affordable Housing......................................................................................................5.3 B. Diversity of Housing Options.......................................................................................5.6 C. Design Guidelines and Controls..................................................................................5.8 D. Housing Services - Mixed Use Development ..............................................................5.9 E. Downtown ...................................................................................................................5.9 F. Residential Land Use Policy Framework...................................................................5.10

6. Toward an Accessible And People Friendly Community..............................................6.1 A. General .......................................................................................................................6.1 B. Street Improvements ...................................................................................................6.2 C. Transit Alternative .......................................................................................................6.5 D. Cycling and Pedestrian Alternatives............................................................................6.6 E. External Transportation Services ................................................................................6.6 F. Downtown ...................................................................................................................6.7

7. Toward an Environmentally Sound Community ............................................................7.1 A. General .......................................................................................................................7.1

8. Toward a Harbour Community ........................................................................................8.1 A. Characteristics.............................................................................................................8.3 B. Use Activities...............................................................................................................8.4 C. Harbour Management and Stakeholder Interest .........................................................8.7 D. A Sustainable Harbour Resource................................................................................8.8

9. Toward a Well Serviced Community ...............................................................................9.1 A. General .......................................................................................................................9.1

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10. Victoria 2020 - Implementation ......................................................................................10.1 A. General .....................................................................................................................10.1 B. Amendment Procedure .............................................................................................10.1 C. Intermunicipal Coordination ......................................................................................10.1 D. Neighbourhood and Precinct Plans, and Policy Studies ...........................................10.1 E. Planning Regulations ................................................................................................10.1 F. Subdivision Control Bylaw.........................................................................................10.1 G. Capital Works Budget................................................................................................10.1 H. Suggested Projects ...................................................................................................10.1

11. Glossary of Terms ..........................................................................................................11.1 MAPS Map 1 Plan Summary.............................................................................................................1.2 Map 2 Parks, Schools, Institutions And Open Space.............................................................3.7 Map 3 Economic Structure.....................................................................................................4.2 Map 4 Downtown Structure..................................................................................................4.13 Map 5 Neighbourhood Population Projection.........................................................................5.2 Map 6 Residential Structure...................................................................................................5.7 Map 7 Major Street Network...................................................................................................6.4 Map 8 Harbour .......................................................................................................................8.2 Map 9 Utilities.........................................................................................................................9.2 CHARTS 1991 Population Distribution by Age Group............................................................................... 3.2 Neighbourhood Population by Age Group ................................................................................. 3.3 Labour Force by Industry ........................................................................................................... 4.1 Tourism Revenues and Number of Visitors ............................................................................... 4.5 Housing Types, City of Victoria 1991......................................................................................... 5.3 Net Gains/Losses in Housing Stock 1981-1994 ........................................................................ 5.5 Travel Choices for the City - Trips to and from Downtown ........................................................ 6.1 Travel Choices within Downtown ............................................................................................... 6.8 Distribution of Park Area ............................................................................................................ 9.1 SCHEDULE B DESIGNATED DEVELOPMENT PERMIT & HERITAGE CONSERVATION AREAS

VICTORIA OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN

SCHEDULE A

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PREFACE CITY OF VICTORIA REGIONAL CONTEXT STATEMENT

(Adopted by Victoria City Council, October 27, 2005)

The City of Victoria is a partner in the implementation of the Capital Regional District’s Regional Growth Strategy (RGS,) and fully supports the actions and initiatives of the Growth Strategy. As the Capital Region’s population continues to increase, growth must be properly managed so that future generations can enjoy the social, economic and environmental resources that the Region has to offer. This section of the Official Community Plan (OCP) illustrates how the City of Victoria will implement each of the following eight strategic directions of the RGS:

1. Keep Urban Settlement Compact 2. Protect the Integrity of Rural Communities 3. Protect Regional Green and Blue Space 4. Manage Natural Resources and the Environment Sustainably 5. Build Complete Communities 6. Improve Housing Affordability 7. Increase Transportation Choice 8. Strengthen the Regional Economy

1. Keep Urban Settlement Compact The City of Victoria is contained in the Regional Urban Containment and Servicing Policy Area and will manage the development of the core and surrounding neighbourhoods. Growth in the City will be transit oriented, pedestrian friendly, with a mix of businesses, housing, services, and public open space. The policies in the OCP provide for a compact and vital business district to service the residents of the metropolitan community and visitors to the area. The OCP contains policies to ensure a mix of housing options suitable for a range of household types and income levels. (Please see Table 1 for a list of OCP References related to this strategy.) Based on current growth and demographic trends, the Regional Growth Strategy forecasts that the number of single family, duplex and other ground oriented housing will be 18,000 units in the City, by 2026. This means that an additional 3,730 ground oriented units will be required to meet this forecast. This can be achieved throughout the City’s neighbourhoods through new townhouse developments and townhouse units at the base of multi-level buildings, duplexes, small lot infill, secondary suites in standard single family houses and single family dwellings converted to three or more suites. Policies in the Official Community Plan support these actions. Also based on the current growth and demographic trends, the RGS forecasts that the total number of apartments in the City will be 29,400. This means that an additional 3750 units are required. The majority of these 3750 units can be accommodated in the Downtown, Harris Green, on the edges of some of the adjacent neighbourhoods and in mixed use buildings throughout the City. Metropolitan Core The RGS defines the Metropolitan Core as the area within 1000 metre radius, measured from the intersection of Douglas and View Street. It is approximately 276 hectares in area. The “Regional Growth Strategy Metropolitan Core and Major Centre Performance Guidelines” suggest 100 – 120 units per hectare in the Metro Core. The Official Community Plan

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designates Downtown and its “shoulder precincts” such as Harris Green as “Developing Core”, “Primary Centre” and/or “Apartment (Developing.)” These designations are consistent with the RGS and will be refined to more closely reflect the goals of the Regional Growth Strategy when policy updates occur beginning in 2005. Major Centres The Regional Growth Strategy also designates two Major Centres (Hillside and Mayfair) which are partially within the City of Victoria’s boundaries. Some of the additional 3750 apartment units can be accommodated in these two Major Centres. The “Major Centre Performance Guidelines” define a “Major Centre” as the area within a 500 metre radius from a central point. The Average Gross Density Guidelines suggest 80 – 100 units per hectare. The Official Community Plan designates both Mayfair and Hillside as Primary Centres and there is unused density in each of these areas. The City will undertake detailed planning of the Major Centres within 5 years to ensure that these centres develop as mixed use, pedestrian and transit focused areas. The City will engage the neighbouring municipalities in these planning exercises to ensure consistency and cooperation. 2. Protect the Integrity of Rural Communities While the City does not include rural communities, it plays a role in protecting the integrity of the region’s rural area by accommodating a significant proportion of development and a broad range of housing options. This reduces some of the development pressure on the rural communities. 3. Protect Regional Green and Blue Space The City supports the protection of green and blue spaces through its recreation and park policies and contribution to the regional park acquisition fund. Map 4 of the Regional Growth Strategy designates Beacon Hill Park, Holland Point Park to Clover Point, Banfield Park and Summit Hill Park as “Major Parks and Ecological Reserves.” This is consistent with their designation in the OCP as “Parks and Public Open Space.” (Please see Table 1 for a list of OCP References related to this strategy.) Additionally, the City of Victoria adopted a Greenways Plan, August 28, 2003. This plan contains policies to link City greenways with the Regional Trail Network. The Official Community Plan will be amended to reflect the strategies and objectives of this document, which will advance the strategy of protecting green and blue space. 4. Manage Natural Resources and the Environment Sustainably By virtue of its unique geographic location, the City of Victoria is situated amidst a vibrant urban forest and is surrounded by a dynamic costal shoreline, punctuated by a picturesque inland waterway. The OCP outlines Council commitment to stewardship of our environmental assets. (Please see Table 1 for a list of OCP References related to this strategy.) The City recognizes its responsibility towards the protection of the environment and will continue to implement sustainability initiatives, within its constitutional authority and in balance with its social and economic goals, that work towards:

Reducing waste discharges to levels that do not exceed the assimilative capacity of the natural environment

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Reducing the depletion rate for natural resources below the regenerative capacity of the natural environment;

Reducing the consumption of scarce renewable and non-renewable resources through conservation, efficiency and application of reduce, reuse and recycle practices; and,

Supporting decision-making that gives first priority to options that maintain ecosystem health and support the ongoing ability of natural systems to sustain life.

5. Build Complete Communities The City of Victoria recognizes that it has a significant role to play in building complete communities. The City will continue to plan growth in an organized and sustainable manner. Complete communities refers to a mix of land uses, with a density that allows people to live in close proximity to work, school, services, recreation, parks and open space. The strengthening of the metropolitan core and neighbourhood commercial centres will occur by having more people, from all income groups, living in closer proximity to these service areas. The Regional Growth Strategy proposes that new development contribute to greater community completeness. Urban development projects contribute to community completeness when, to the greatest extent possible all or some of the following criteria are satisfied:

I. Projects are located within the Metropolitan Core or a Major Centre; II. Projects are located within a ten-minute walk (500 metres) of the Metropolitan Core or

Major Centre; III. Projects co-locate a mix of housing, employment, services and recreation; IV. Housing is located within a ten minute walk of an existing commercial/employment centre,

neighbourhood store, recreation facility, school, park or community allotment garden; V. Projects either avoid locations with high seismic hazard associated with ground-motion

amplification, liquification, slope stability or are prone to flooding or incorporate appropriate engineering and planning measures to mitigate risk; and

VI. Businesses, services and housing are located within a seven minute walk (400 metres) of a public transit route.

The City will develop performance criteria based on the above to assess development applications. The City also supports the building of complete communities by promoting intensification which is attractive and close to existing services, amenities and infrastructure and by encouraging the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings. (Please see Table 1 for a list of OCP References related to this strategy.) 6. Improve Housing Affordability The City of Victoria is working in partnership with the CRD in the development of the Regional Housing Affordability Strategy and is a partner in the Regional Housing Trust Fund. Victoria is one of the least affordable housing markets in Canada so it is crucial that the City works to address this issue. The City will continue to work with all parties in assuring an adequate supply of affordable housing. (Please see Table 1 for a list of OCP References related to this strategy.)

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7. Increase Transportation Choice The RGS contains transportation targets of:

I. By 2026, achieve a minimum PM peak period region-wide transit mode share of 10% of trips;

II. By 2026, achieve a minimum PM peak period mode share by non-auto modes of 40% for trips to, from and within the Metropolitan Core;

III. By2026, achieve a minimum region-wide transit mode share of 15% for journey-to-work trips;

IV. By 2026, achieve a minimum cycling mode-share of 10% within the Victoria Census Metropolitan Area for journey-to-work trips, and 15% for journey-to-work trips for residents of the combined areas of Victoria, Oak Bay, Esquimalt and urban Saanich.

The City will meet these targets by:

developing and implementing land use policy that creates complete communities. working closely with BC Transit and neighbouring municipalities to develop key

infrastructure. continuing to implement the Bicycle Master Plan, Neighbourhood Transportation

Demand Management Plans and the Greenways Plan actively working to improve the pedestrian and cyclist environment.

The City of Victoria supports the RGS vision of a balanced and sustainable transportation system providing residents with reasonable and affordable transportation choices that enhance overall regional quality of life. City policies such as the Bicycle Master Plan and the Greenways Plan, promote pedestrian and cyclist travel throughout the City. The regional public transit service also has a strong presence in Victoria, providing residents with an array of transportation options. (Please see Table 1 for a list of OCP References related to this strategy.) Additionally, the City of Victoria adopted a Greenways Plan, August 28, 2003. The Official Community Plan will be amended to reflect the strategies and objectives of this document, which will support the RGS strategy of increasing transportation choice. 8. Strengthen the Regional Economy A sustainable economy is important to the prosperity of the region. Achieving economic sustainability is attainable through a strong diversified economy, and through economic activities that are viable over the long-term. The City of Victoria already has a diversified economy. However, efforts should be made to strengthen this economic diversity in perpetuity. (Please see Table 1 for a list of OCP references related to this strategy.) The RGS identifies the need to maintain and enhance the Metropolitan Core as the economic heart of the region to ensure that the City of Victoria achieves a minimum share of 20% of the region’s employment growth by 2026. The Downtown Core has recently experienced an economic decline, however the following initiatives are underway to reverse this and to ensure that above target is achieved:

Update of the Downtown Plan 2005-7 Design Charrettes for Prominent Sites e.g. Downtown Inner Harbour

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The RGS also identifies the need to find ways to include high-value, clean industry and business in the Metropolitan Core and Major Centres and finding ways to address the shortage of designated space for industry. The following actions by the City are aimed to address these targets:

Update Burnside's Rock Bay Precinct Plan 2005 Update Victoria West Alston-Bay-Tyee, Dockside Update Victoria West & Burnside Plans 2005-8.

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Table 1

Regional Growth Strategy - Strategic Directions Official Community Plan References

1. Keep Urban Settlement Compact Section 4 Topic A(1) - (i) & (iii) Topic D(3) - (a) & (ii) Topic E(1) - (a) & (b)

2. Protect the Integrity of Rural Communities N/A

3. Protect Regional Green and Blue Space Section 7 Topic (4) – (a) (ii) Topic (6) – (a) & (b) Section 8 Topic D – (a) (ii) & (ii) Section 9 Topic (1) - (iv) (a) & (c)

4. Manage Natural Resources and the Environment Sustainably

Section 7 Topic (3) – (a) & (b) Topic (4) – (a) Topic (7) Section 9 Topic D – (iv) & (vi)

5. Build Complete Communities Section 3 Topic A Topic C – (a) Section 4 Topic D (1) Topic B (6) Section 5 Topic D – (b) Topic E (a) & (iii) Section 9

6. Improve Housing Affordability Section 5 Topic A(1) – (a), (b) & (c) Topic A(2) – (a) & (b) Topic B – (a), (b), (c), (d), (f), (g) & (h)

7. Increase Transportation Choice Section 6.1 Topic A – (a) & (c) Topic C – (a) & (b) Topic D – (a) & (c) Topic E – (a), (b) & (d)

8. Strengthen the Regional Economy Section 4 Topic A(1) – (a) Topic A(2) – (b) Topic B(4) – (a), (b) & (e) Topic B(5) – (a) Topic B(6) – (a) Topic C(1) - (a), (b) & (c) Topic D(1) – (b) Topic D(3) – (a)

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1. VICTORIA 2020 - INTRODUCTION

Victoria 2020 is a review and update of the Official Community Plan for the City. It establishes direction for the next 25 years.

The Official Community Plan consolidates the strategic and regulatory policies the City believes should form the planning framework to guide overall development. Although adopted as a City bylaw, it is a dynamic planning framework that can be modified through amendments to the bylaw as the need arises.

The Official Community Plan and Local Area Plans or Neighbourhood Plans are separate documents, but their content is inter-related. A community plan is a general statement of the broad objectives and policies of the local government respecting the form and character of existing and proposed land use and servicing requirements in the area covered by the plan. It provides the policy framework for developing the detailed policies in the neighbourhood plans. The success of both sets of plans relies on a strong, interactive process between the Official Community Plan, which embodies city-wide planning policies, and the neighbourhood plans which deal in detail with local matters. Effective interaction will result in amendments to the Official Community Plan to respond to emerging planning issues and needs within neighbourhoods.

The content of the Official Community Plan deals with the economic, social and environmental development of Victoria. Directions in these areas influence City policies related to integrated land use planning, transportation planning, servicing, the harbour, housing and community development.

The Official Community Plan review began with an advertised, public meeting on February 28, 1995. Substantive feedback from a broad cross-section of residents (approximately 130) at that meeting helped establish the ‘Key Directions’ for this update. Comments at subsequent meetings on March 28 and April 19, refined the direction.

The advertised May 25 meeting, attended by approximately 30 residents, and the survey responses provided additional input.

Several new areas of policy have emerged as a result of the Official Community Plan review and public feedback. These include the following:

the significance of social planning within the process, and the impact it has on quality of life;

the concerns over preservation of environmental quality, and the implications for transportation;

the recognition of the role arts and culture plays within the City;

the growing concerns over the need to plan for the harbour and its activities.

Although the plan is focused on the City of Victoria, many of the policies are considered in a regional context and involve the support of adjacent municipalities and the Capital Region District.

Each chapter commences with a set of ‘Key Directions’. These not only provide a synopsis of the policy direction for that particular area, but also reflect the more popular and consistent views expressed by the public and interest groups during the review.

A number of themes or ‘Topics’ are covered in each chapter and these have related ‘Objectives and Policies’. The specific areas the City wants to pursue are identified under each topic as the ‘Objectives’ and the ‘Policies’ explain how the City will carry out the objectives.

A ‘Glossary of Terms’ is provided to explain the more technical terms used in this document. A summary of land use policies is provided in Map 1.


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2. VICTORIA 2020 - VISION AND VALUES

This short section is both a retrospective and prospective look at Victoria; where the City has come from in the last 25 years and where it is perceived to be going in the next quarter century. The vision and values for the future build on views expressed by residents at the public meeting on February 28, 1995 the direction and trends resulting from public input during the review and update of the Official Community Plan.

Twenty-five years ago, Victoria, with a population of 61,000, was very different in character from the City we see today.

The Downtown was declining in population as substandard upper floor apartments were condemned. Many buildings in Old Town were used as warehouses. Overhead power lines obscured heritage building facades. Planning was just beginning on strategies to revitalize Downtown through civic projects like Centennial and Bastion Squares, and the Conference Centre.

Most of the harbour was alive with industry; sawmills, ship building, grain elevators and barge slips. The Inner Harbour was an industrial concentration of tank farms, paint factories, pile drivers, fish plants and warehouses, but the waterfront was largely inaccessible to the public.

The older neighbourhoods, particularly James Bay, Fernwood and Victoria West, were in decline with many of their heritage homes badly in need of repair, and vulnerable to demolition and redevelopment. Today, residents of these neighbourhoods feel they are strong communities renewed with a deep sense of identity and pride in their heritage.

In public discussions to update this document, residents reiterated the values which emerged in the last 25 years. These can be synthesized in a Vision of Victoria 2020 that retains its human scale and integrates the social, economic, environmental, recreational and artistic

functions to provide a strong sense of community - a community that Victorians can continue to take pride in.

The following were identified as significant in a discussion of Vision and Values by participants at the public meeting on February 28:

“Importance of neighbourhoods as building blocks for a healthy vibrant city; ... integrate uses to provide choices and recognize the variety of lifecycles and cultural diversity; ... housing mix and form to reflect the social dynamics of the neighbourhood.” (Discussion Group #10).

“Sustain and encourage neighbourhood values and community; innovative mixed use with careful planning.” (Discussion Group #4)

“Human scale - liveable, pedestrian-friendly, walk everywhere ... Retain the natural and built heritage, the streetscapes and vistas.” (Discussion Group #5)

Over the last 25 years, Victoria has retained and restored many of the urban qualities and values to which cities aspire today. Moving forward and incorporating these values in the planning process, an insight into Victoria in 2020 emerges.

Demographic trends suggest that by the year 2020, when the population is forecast to be close to 87,000, the younger segment of the population will have increased. The growing element of a younger population needs to be considered in developing planning policies affecting families, youth and children.

Victoria has the capacity to accommodate the population increase, given under-utilization of planned capacity to date. Most of the population growth will be in Harris Green, several neighbouring blocks in North Park, as well as the Selkirk and Songhees. These will be areas of densification and compact communities of residential development, within walking access of facilities and services for living, working, socializing and playing. They will accommodate a diverse mix of population and housing.


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Neighbourhoods will have their own distinctive gathering places; local parks within walking distance, opportunities to display arts and culture, a people-friendly environment. Innovative and creative ideas will be required to provide more affordable housing.

With changes in lifestyle linked to technological change, trends are emerging that have implications for planning policy, notably telecommuting and home-based business operations. Both activities suggest a greater need for local neighbourhood services and a reduction in the number of trips to and from work. The concepts of live/work accommodation, the urban village, main street and upper-storey accommodation are all part of mixed-use development, and are an integral part of strategies supporting the home-based business economy.

The harbour will be a focal point for the City. The Dockside, Ogden and Shoal Points and the Upper Harbour will be revitalized work places serving marine needs. The waterfront will be more accessible, with a continuous public path around the shoreline from Rock Bay to Dallas Road. This uninterrupted waterfront path will allow residents and visitors to enjoy the mix of activities which will make the harbour even more of a ‘people place’ and gathering centre for Victoria. The Wharf Street waterfront will have interwoven the fabric of the harbour to the City with its new market. For travelers arriving by water or by air, the Inner Harbour will be a very active ‘gateway’.

Downtown will be a people-friendly place for the increased number of residents it will accommodate and for the businesses, shoppers/commuters and tourists. It will be a functioning neighbourhood, as well as the region’s commercial and cultural heart. Its heritage buildings will be restored. Old Town will be much more active, as long vacant upper floors are reopened to active use. North Chinatown will have changed

from industry and parking lots to a mixture of offices, apartments and retail. Downtown will continue to be compact. It will remain possible to easily walk from one end to the other in a matter of minutes.

A transportation challenge will be to balance the need to move cars and transit, with space for cyclists and pedestrians, and within neighbourhoods, use traffic calming measures to enhance safety.

While considering these developments, resources should be conserved and the natural environment that forms the indigenous character of Victoria preserved.

Residents have indicated what they value in Victoria. The Vision builds on those values by integrating them into planning policies, so that they are enhanced rather than lost to growth pressures, to achieve Victoria 2020.


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3. TOWARD A LIVEABLE COMMUNITY

KEY DIRECTIONS

Strengthen the sense of community and neighbourhood quality by building around local needs and retaining the human scale; concerns relate particularly to quality of life, health and safety, especially for women and children. There is strong support for the social principles that form the basis for this Chapter.

A. SOCIAL PLANNING

Victoria’s physical setting suggests a ‘quality of life’ superior to that of most Canadian cities, but making a city a desirable place to live involves more than just land use planning. It means creating a community people want to live in through encouraging social equity, diversity and opportunity. Social planning is concerned with promoting the overall well-being of the community. It involves identifying the social consequences of physical development and other changes in a community, consulting with citizens and service providers to identify community needs and issues, seeking solutions and developing strategies to address community issues and monitoring their effectiveness. Social planning functions, such as community development, education, liaison, coordination and advocacy, impact directly on the quality of life in a community. In Victoria, social planning through the Social Planning Development Guidelines helps to guide development of the community, the neighbourhood, or project level regarding how residents live, work or play.

The content of this chapter reflects the considerable work completed in recent years by City Council, the Social Planning Advisory Committee and City staff. This includes the Mayor’s Task Force for Young Children (1991), the Neighbourhood Development Policy, and the 1993 and 1994 Social Planning Advisory Committee workshops. The results of this work are incorporated in the ensuing objectives and policies.

The City affirms the values of personal and community health and well-being, which are seen to include personal safety, a sense of belonging, freedom of expression, freedom from intolerance and fear, and the related values of harmony in multi-cultural diversity and positive quality of life for all. In support of these values, the City shall:

aim to promote equitable access to shelter, community services and facilities, education and employment;

develop social planning policies that will reflect and embody these values, and in doing so, will set the tone for an Official Community Plan that will be responsive to the needs of the citizens, sustainable and fiscally realistic.

The social principles should influence planning policies, processes and programs for the City.

TOPIC A – SOCIAL PLANNING

OBJECTIVES

(a) To promote equitable access to shelter, community services and facilities, education and employment.

(b) To ensure personal safety and freedom from intolerance and fear.

(c) To foster social interaction and community development to create a sense of place and neighbourliness, and a sense of belonging.

(d) To promote diversity of opportunity for a range of people to live, work and play.

(e) To accommodate a population diverse in age, culture, income, ability, and family status.

(f) To develop a safe secure, healthy and accessible environment.

(g) To promote a range of human services.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Develop, adopt and revise as required, Social Planning Development Guidelines to be used as a working document which can assist all the parties with development in the City through:


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(a) developers and other stakeholders working with the City’s social planners to develop practical Social Planning Development Guidelines,

(b) community groups checking the elements outlined in the Guidelines to develop standards in local area planning and community development,

(c) City staff employing the Guidelines in planning updates and in reviewing development proposals.

B. SOCIAL PROFILE

The demographics help to define the social character of the community. A database and analysis provides opportunity for an assessment of social needs based on demographic and social trends in the community, monitoring and evaluating the changing social needs and emerging social issues and managing the social impacts of change on a planned basis through the development of policy options.

Demographic trends in Victoria reflect provincial ones. British Columbia is more stable demographically than the rest of Canada.

The population is not only growing, with an increasing number of young people moving to the province for quality of life and employment opportunities, it is also aging.

1991 Population Distribution by Age Group

0-9 yrs. 8%

10-19 yrs.8%

25-34 yrs.20%

35-44 yrs.15%

45-54 yrs.8%

65 yrs.+24%

20-24 yrs.10%

55-64 yrs.7%

Source: 1991 Census; City of Victoria Planning Department


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Neighbourhood Population by Age Groups

0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000 14000

Burnside

Downtown

Fairfield

Fernwood

Gonzales

Harris Green

Hillside-Quadra

James Bay

Jubilee

North Park

Oaklands

Rockland

Victoria West

0 -24 yrs.

25 -64 yrs.

65 yrs.+

Source: Statistics Canada, 1991 Census information; based on Neighbourhood Boundaries adopted by Council May 9, 1995.

Historically, Victoria has been perceived primarily as a community of retirees. Although there is a slight decline, from 25.3% in 1986 to 23.9% in 1991, of residents aged 65 years and over, the City has the highest proportion of population aged 65 years and over of any major Canadian city. A quarter of the population is in this category, and this proportion will increase as baby boomers age.

Consequently, Victoria has the opportunity to be in the vanguard of serving an aging population and meeting the challenges of providing social and community services for this group Within the younger age groups, the 1991 data show increases in all groups over the 1986 figures. The 1991 Census data shows 15.1% of the population in the 35-44 years age group, compared with 11.8% in1986. The 25-34 and 45-54 age groups show similar trends of smaller magnitudes, suggesting an increasingly younger element within the overall population. The growing element of younger population should be considered in developing planning policies

for families, youth and children. While family size in the City of Victoria is below the average for Metropolitan Victoria, certain neighbourhoods, such as Hillside-Quadra, Oaklands and Springridge, with a higher percentage of children living at home, are family oriented.

There is an increasing awareness of certain groups who have special support needs, such as those with disabilities. In fact, the elderly and the disabled represent an increasingly significant component of the overall population. Close to half of those over 65 years have a disability and 35-40% of those with a disability use a wheelchair. There is a need to ensure that the community's environment is accessible and also that a variety of accessible housing units are available. Another group with special social needs are the street youth, who are attracted to life in Downtown Victoria and the sense of community it offers to them.


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There is growing visibility and awareness of the need for more services and supporting policies and programs for Victoria’s youth population generally, both in schools and the neighbourhood centres.

Also influencing the demographic pattern is the growing proportion of immigrants. The city is becoming an increasingly multi- cultural community. Within Victoria, 9% of the population is a visible minority, and just under 20% of the City's population is non-English speaking, with the latter likely to increase.

Average family income in the City was the lowest in the region in 1990. Also characteristic of the low-income population is the fact that 66% of the households in the City of Victoria are renters (1991 Census).

These, and all demographic characteristics, have implications for social planning and community development.

TOPIC B – SOCIAL PROFILE

OBJECTIVES

(a) To respond effectively and proactively to demographic changes.

(b) To create a user-friendly, barrier-free community environment.

(c) To address the needs of recent immigrants.

(d) To address the needs of youth.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Ensure that the City has a database for social needs analysis to develop policies responsive to the social needs of citizens and the changes in social mix within the neighbourhoods and the City at large.

THE CITY, SENIOR GOVERNMENTS AND COMMUNITY

AGENCIES SHOULD:

(ii) Strive for full accessibility and use of public facilities and services for citizens of all ages with physical and communication disabilities.

(iii) Work with other government and non-profit agencies that provide service to immigrants.

THE CITY AND COMMUNITY AGENCIES SHOULD:

(iv) Work with youth serving agencies, community organizations, and established youth groups.

C. NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT

Victoria is a city of neighbourhoods, each with its own physical and social identity. Map 5 shows population projections for each neighbourhood.

When neighbourhoods were asked to characterize themselves, the following responses were given:

Oaklands: “unique and good neighbour, Hillside Mall; one of the smaller sized communities with many parks; compared to other communities - more young families with school-aged children; close to all amenities.”

South Jubilee: “a vital, varied and family oriented community served by lively shopping district along Oak Bay Avenue; concerned with preserving the current character and mix of owner-occupied and rental housing and minimizing the intrusion of traffic.”

North Jubilee: “strong residential mix of housing and commercial/institutional services; a variety of shops and services within walking distance; some major arterial transportation routes run through the area.”

Neighbourhoods which have a clear physical and social definition, and which foster social interaction through community gathering places, give the residents an identity within the overall City environment. Neighbourhoods with a clustering of services, including shopping, jobs, community services and public places, provide communities with ‘hearts’. Strong, viable neighbourhoods offer residents a full range of lifecycle options to respond to their changing social needs, including housing, through life. This is achieved through an integration of policies. The gathering centres facilitate opportunities for meeting and social interaction, shopping, recreation, learning, health, employment and transit. This is the mixed use concept discussed in more detail in the chapter, Toward a Viable Community.


3.5

WHAT RESIDENTS SAID:

Improve liveability of communities .... preserve the "community ethic.

Retain character of neighbourhoods.

In 1993, the City adopted a Neighbourhood Development Policy. Neighbourhood development is a process that involves local residents in the continuing determination of those decisions, policies, and programs that affect all their lives. Neighbourhood development is a shared process in which the City and neighbourhood work together to satisfy neighbourhood needs and aspirations in the context of overall City goals. Families are important to building strong, stable neighbourhoods. The Mayor’s Task Force Report for Young Children recommended that the city needs “…to be more liveable to attract and retain young families who can contribute to local economic development as job holders and taxpayers”. Another major recommendation of the Task Force was to establish a position for a Child and Youth Advocate for the Greater Victoria Region.

TOPIC C – NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT

OBJECTIVES

(a) To encourage the development of strong neighbourhoods.

(b) To facilitate effective linkages between the City and the neighbourhoods it serves.

(c) To create “Victoria: A Family Friendly Place”.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Under the Neighbourhood Development Policy, develop a partnership process in which the City and the neighbourhoods work together to satisfy neighbourhood needs and aspirations in the context of overall City goals, building on the local area planning process.

(ii) Help facilitate support and coordination between existing neighbourhood community associations.

(iii) Through public awareness and education, pursue the development of nurturing environments for all people, including those with disabilities, throughout their lives.

D. DOWNTOWN

Downtown is a residential and commercial neighbourhood with diverse social characteristics and needs. The character of the neighbourhood reflects the many stakeholders, including businesses, residents street people, and visitors. In recent years, the City has been working cooperatively with a variety of social agencies to respond to identified needs. Some of these include Cool Aid Society (Streetlink Shelter), Salvation Army, Gateway, Swift House, Upper Room, Open Door Drop-in Centre, Mustard Seed, Youth Empowerment Society, Victoria Housing Registry, and the Victoria Street Community Association, which emanated from the Downtown Victoria Community Development Project (1993).

These social agencies also work on projects in cooperation with the Downtown business community represented by the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Victoria Association, the Victoria Business Improvement Association and Tourism Victoria. The Victoria Downtown Youth Outreach Project is an example of such a project. It is designed to team a youth outreach worker with a community police officer to seek out and assist youths ‘at risk’, defuse confrontations, build trust and seek solutions to social and not criminal problems.

TOPIC D – DOWNTOWN

OBJECTIVES

(a) To continue to develop policy responses to meet the particular social needs of the Downtown community.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Monitor social needs, and identify trends and issues.

THE CITY, IN COOPERATION WITH SENIOR

GOVERNMENTS AND COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS

SHOULD:

(ii) Prepare policy responses.


3.6

E. COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMS: HEALTH, RECREATIONAL, SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL

An appropriate level and mix of community services to meet the needs of all ages in the population is part of planning for a liveable community. This includes programs related to child care, social services, health clinics, recreation and community centres and schools.

With rising land costs and fiscal constraint, the retention and use of institutional sites should be encouraged for public and community use with a multi-purpose role where possible. There is growing demand for community facilities, and, within budget constraints, consideration is being given to the designation of select schools for this use. As part of this direction, the City and the School District are working on a partnership agreement which could result in more effective use of City-owned and School District facilities. There is also a trend in providing and supporting the provision of day care facilities in schools throughout the School District, in conjunction with provincial assistance.

Accessible health services for various age groups and needs should be provided in association with the Capital Health Board. These include home care support services for seniors and disabled persons to support independent living and to provide the level of care needed; special support services for others, such as youth and the disadvantaged.

The City provides parks, recreational programs and a variety of community centres and leisure facilities and should encourage barrier free access to allow full use of the facilities by all residents. There is a need to overcome the problems of mobility and communication and to integrate language and culture to enrich the quality of services being provided throughout the City. Community sports and recreation activities are important to all citizens as part of our emphasis on active living and healthy lifestyles. The location of parks, schools, institutions, community and seniors’ centres and open space is shown on Map 2.

Culturally, there are many opportunities provided through Victoria's heritage, multi-culturalism and the arts for festivals, entertainment and public art exhibits.

TOPIC E – COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMS: HEALTH, RECREATIONAL, SOCIAL AND

EDUCATIONAL

OBJECTIVES

(a) To promote the social welfare of neighbourhoods and the City.

(b) To encourage multi-purpose use of institutional sites.

(c) To identify and eliminate those barriers which limit access to community services and facilities.

(d) To provide recreational and cultural services to meet the needs and resources of all City residents.

(e) To encourage community sports programs and recreation activities for all age groups.

THE CITY, CRD, SCHOOL DISTRICT AND PROVINCIAL

GOVERNMENT SHOULD:

(i) Develop an overall community services plan to meet health, recreational, social and educational needs for the City.

(ii) Investigate ways to maximize community use of existing institutional space.

(iii) Eliminate physical and communication barriers that limit access to municipal buildings and services.

(iv) Encourage barrier-free facilities.

(v) Ensure that all citizens have reasonable access to essential community services and facilities, and facilitate access where there is an inability to pay.

THE CITY SHOULD:

(vi) Sustain neighbourhood recreation programs to determine necessary changes and improvements and how these might be accomplished.

(vii) Require private developers to incorporate recreational facilities within major residential projects.

THE CITY AND ADJACENT MUNICIPALITIES SHOULD:

(viii) Continue cooperation to provide comprehensive library services to the urban community.


3.8

F. ARTS AND CULTURE

The need for a stronger statement on arts and culture within the Official Community Plan was advocated, given the role this area plays in both the quality of life within the community and the economy.

The arts and culture play a vital role in determining the quality of life of the community and in building a strong sense of community identity. Facilitating the provision of opportunities for a wide range of experience is seen by the citizens as an important role for the municipal arm of government.

The economic importance of the arts and culture to the tourist economy and the contribution that arts and culture make to the character of the harbour is discussed elsewhere in the Official Community Plan. In discussing a ‘Toward A Liveable Community’, emphasis is being placed on the arts as they affect quality of life issues.

Current policies which promote the creation of art work for public spaces support the desire to retain the human scale, enhance our urban space and express the vibrancy of the City. Our artists help us define our humanity and, with art in public places, residents can share a sense of common social goals and community identity.

The provision of facilities for both the recreational and the professional artist will enhance the quality of life in the City. There is agreement that most professional arts activity should be accommodated in the Downtown core and the need for major arts facilities is documented in the Greater Victoria Arts Facilities Study. Among the priorities given are a Community Arts Centre, a major performing centre and a new art gallery. While much community arts activity is decentralized in recreation and educational centres within neighbourhoods, there is a role for a Community Arts Centre which would provide rehearsal and exhibition space, artists’ studios, workshop and educational areas in or near the Downtown core. To be fiscally responsible, professional and community groups should work in cooperation with the City to investigate funding through a public/private partnership arrangement.

Policies should be developed to encourage access, both physical and financial, for all residents to participate in arts and culture programs, whether in performance halls, art galleries, museums, educational and recreational settings or in public spaces. Relevant information should be readily available.

TOPIC F – ARTS AND CULTURE

OBJECTIVES

(a) To acknowledge the role of arts and culture in enhancing the quality of life in Victoria.

(b) To design strategies to make arts and cultural programming available, accessible and affordable to all citizens.

(c) To expand the number of available spaces for arts and culture use, allowing decentralization where appropriate.

(d) To maintain current arts facilities.

(e) To increase opportunities for the placement of works of art in public parks, buildings and spaces.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Establish a mechanism to increase the number of outdoor venues for arts performances.

(ii) Support competitions for works of art in City spaces.

(iii) Encourage private sector public art projects through policies such as density bonus.

(iv) Encourage the development of arts programs for defined audience groups in diverse City facilities.

THE CITY, IN COOPERATION WITH THE ARTS

INTERMUNICIPAL COMMITTEE AND OTHER

MUNICIPALITIES SHOULD:

(v) Revisit the priorities of the Greater Victoria Arts Facility Study, with a view to the provision of adequate arts facilities.

(vi) Develop a formula for contributing support to a Capital Fund for the provision of major, regional professional facilities in the Downtown core.

(vii) Maintain the McPherson and Royal Theatres as viable performance venues for the community and professional arts activities.


3.9

G. SAFE CITY

Every effort must be made to maintain Victoria as a safe city; a liveable community where people can safely use public spaces, day or night. Neighbourhoods should foster a personal and collective sense of security, both in the home and on the street. Within the community, some people are more at risk than others and fear for personal safety restricts their lives. Steps must be taken to address the sources of fear.

Maintaining a safe city involves assessing and auditing the design of the urban environment and its social characteristics. Through the application of the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Program, as a component of a multi-disciplinary approach to urban design, the City can influence the design of urban development to reduce crime and nuisance problems. Another way to influence design is through safety audits which can be used in two ways. First, they can be used as a tool for identifying unsafe places and second, as part of developing initiatives to counter crime, to identify why people feel unsafe and insecure in an area. The safety audits may be compared with police data on crime in the area, and safer neighbourhoods created through redesign. Also, in the area of public safety, the City is working with neighbourhoods to involve the public in community-based policing projects.

Education programs on personal safety can raise awareness for individuals and for those with special needs, as well as women and children experiencing domestic violence. Child health and safety is an important consideration in this policy area. School/child safety programs such as the Safe Route to School Plan and Safe Crossings, and the creation of pedestrian networks/greenways are concepts supporting safer neighbourhoods. Safe Route to School surveys have been effective for several schools in not only educating students and parents about traffic safety, but also in identifying and prioritizing traffic problems. Policy on the Greenways Program is dealt with in the chapter on ‘Toward A Well Serviced Community’.

TOPIC G – SAFE CITY

OBJECTIVES

(a) To promote safety in design.

(b) To improve unsafe places.

(c) To increase police presence.

(d) To promote education and awareness.

(e) To provide safe refuge.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Promote the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Program (CPTED), through the integration of personal safety and security considerations in its overall planning process, and ensure that all new developments meet standards of personal safety and security.

(ii) Develop and implement a Safety Audit Program, by identifying places that are unsafe, as well as places that are perceived as unsafe and plan remedial action.

(iii) Continue to involve the public in police services through community-based policing, where appropriate, as a means of ensuring greater personal safety and security.

(iv) Continue to promote advocacy work for the children and youth through youth initiatives.

(v) Continue to provide outreach to disadvantaged groups.

(vi) Promote education and awareness of personal safety and security issues by developing initiatives directed to the general public, developers, designers and businesses.

(vii) Encourage the provision of safe refuges for victims of domestic violence.

THE CITY, THROUGH THE ADVISORY

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE, IN COOPERATION

WITH THE SCHOOL DISTRICT SHOULD:

(viii) Determine and implement ‘Safe Route to School Plan’.


3.10

H. TOLERANCE

The City should promote greater awareness and a better understanding of cultures and values held by various groups, in order to reduce or eliminate fears held by some members of the community. It should also provide leadership by encouraging the participation of constituent groups in civic affairs.

A tolerant society is defined as one “which actively develops the people who belong to it, brings out their gifts and enriches their lives because it values their diversity.” (Source: Commonwealth Day, 1995, Theme of Tolerance from the Queen’s message)

TOPIC H – PROMOTE TOLERANCE

OBJECTIVES

(a) To provide leadership in promoting tolerance.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Deal with discriminatory barriers, including sexism, disabilities, racism and homophobia and promote the full and equal participation of all citizens in the social, political, economic and cultural life of the City.

(ii) Liaise with the Race Relations Committee and with representatives of groups experiencing discrimination.

(iii) Promote change in attitudes and reduce fears regarding discriminated groups by working with all groups in the population.


4.1

4. TOWARD A VIABLE COMMUNITY

KEY DIRECTIONS

Priority focus is on the need to develop a comprehensive economic development strategy concentrating on the human scale of Victoria. This strategy should accommodate activities suited to Victoria: tourism, arts, culture, downtown commercial development, preservation of existing industry (including the Harbour), new technology, home-based businesses and neighbourhood mixed use developments.

The City of Victoria is the core of a metropolitan community of 300,000 people, the prime economic centre on Vancouver Island and a rapidly growing region. Historically, the economic generators have been tourism, retail/commercial, institutional/ government and industry, particularly the marine-based industries currently in decline. The classification of the City's economic structure is shown on Map 3.

From an economic perspective, it should be noted that the City has the lowest average household income, $33,744 (1991 Census) of any urban area within the Capital Regional District. No change is forecast in this status, in projections by the Capital Regional District through to 1999. There is a strong need to broaden and diversify the economic base. This is particularly so given the low income levels, the growth pressures and changing nature of the economy, such as the industrial sector and reductions in government jobs, notably federal. Consideration should be given to an economic development strategy for the City and its regional context. Issues requiring special consideration include the following: a reduced dependence on government, the need to define the role of industry, both existing and emerging, especially in relation to the harbour (see Toward a Harbour Community), tax base policies relating to commercial development, the role of new technology industries and home-based businesses in the City economy and implications of mixed use developments for neighbourhood economic development.

Labour Force by Industry

0 2000 4000 6000 8000 1 0000 12000 14 000 16000

Pr imar y

Manufacturing

C onstruction

Tra nsportation, U tilities &Communication

Trade

Finance, Insuranc e & RealEstate

Community, Business &Personal Services

Public Administration &Defence

M iscellaneous

1 981

1 986

1 991

So urce : 1981 , 198 6 and 1991 Census, Sta tis


4.3

WHAT RESIDENTS SAID: Protect the economic infrastructure by

building on areas in which we have an advantage.

Economic development strategy needed - what mechanisms (need) to be put in place to stimulate the economy and define industrial activity; assure Downtown vitality.

Not enough attention to job creation, especially encouraging light marine industry around the harbour.

A. CHARACTERISTICS

TOPIC A (1) – THE MAJOR CENTRE ON

VANCOUVER ISLAND

OBJECTIVES

(a) To remain the primary centre of business, retail activity, arts, retirement, tourism and culture on Vancouver Island.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Adopt land use policies which stimulate the growth and vitality of Downtown Victoria.

(ii) Strengthen relationships with the university and technical colleges for mutual benefit.

(iii) Persuade the municipalities of Metropolitan Victoria to avoid the decentralization of activities vital to the City's survival as Vancouver Island's primary business, retail, arts, tourist and cultural centre.

THE REGION SHOULD:

(iv) Improve road, rail and transit facilities to the City from suburban municipalities in a manner compatible with neighbourhood plan objectives.

TOPIC A (2) – ECONOMIC CONTEXT

OBJECTIVES

(a) To establish a comprehensive economic development strategy for the City of Victoria.

(b) To recognize the economic inter- dependence of the municipalities within the Capital Region and work actively together to develop and promote most effectively the economic region.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Establish a Task Force to oversee the preparation of an economic development strategy.

CITY, REGION AND PROVINCE SHOULD:

(ii) Establish and adopt a regional economic policy to promote a healthy economy, recognizing the role of the City's retail and business core, suburban industrial parks and essential limits to the size and number of regional centres.

(iii) Establish regional economic development objectives to promote economic activity in a manner which is mutually compatible with neighbourhood plan objectives and the needs of long term sustainability.

(iv) Explore opportunities for environmental innovations, such as industrial ecology, recycling, market development zones and green business initiatives.

TOPIC A (3) – ENVIRONMENTAL ASSETS

OBJECTIVE

(a) To recognize the critical importance of the City's physical environment and to continue to enhance its quality.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Sustain, enhance and promote those elements which contribute to quality of the environment as an inducement for tourism, retirement and industrial development.


4.4

(ii) Establish performance standards where industrial development affects environmentally sensitive areas, particularly in transitional areas on the waterfront and along major thoroughfares.

(iii) Ensure that all new development enhances rather than detracts from the visual quality of its surroundings, especially in areas of prominent visibility.

TOPIC A (4) – HUMAN RESOURCES

OBJECTIVE

(a) To recognize the skills and talents of the City's residents and support an economic climate that allows residents to remain in Victoria and provides opportunities for employment which utilize those skills.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Encourage those economic activities that the City can perform well.

(ii) Encourage innovation and enterprise toward diversifying Victoria's economic base.

(iii) Seek out and utilize financial assistance programs (Federal/Provincial) which generate new employment and promote those programs.

(iv) Co-operate with the resources available through the institutions of higher learning.

B. INFLUENCES

Certain strong influences have been dominant in the evolution of Victoria's economy, notably government, health and early days, industry. However, with changes in lifestyle linked to technological change, there are emerging trends within the economy which could exert potential influence. These are the trends to home-based business operations and mixed use development. The latter is discussed in both the chapters, Toward a Liveable Community and Toward an Affordable Housing Community. The need to redefine the role of industry, especially around the harbour, is also of concern and is discussed in the section on industry.

The Provincial Legislature is a unique generator of economic activity. Royal Jubilee Hospital is the largest single employment location in the City, and the Victoria General Hospital is an important regional employer. Other provincially and federally-funded major employers that are important to City residents are the University of Victoria and the Canadian Armed Forces facilities. Federal employment accounts for more than 8% of total employment in (metropolitan) Victoria.

The service industry (community, business and personal) employs the greatest number of people within the City, and tourism is the major activity. Tourism has grown greatly in significance in recent years and is widely considered to be Victoria's best economic prospect. Tourism revenues have increased markedly from $270 million in 1985 to $810 million in 1994, and the number of visitors from 2.2 million to 3.5 million in the same period. The majority of visitors are from outside Canada, with 48.6% from the USA and 10.4% from overseas in 1994. High scoring visitor satisfaction categories are the climate, beautiful gardens, clean and friendly city. In most respects, demands for services reinforce those of the resident population; only a few attractions and tourist accommodation being specialized.

Arts and culture is seen to have the potential to be an even more important contributor to the economy, especially in the area of tourism, than it is currently. A number of festivals have been successful, and the harbour lends itself as a natural theatre for events (see Toward a Harbour Community). Additional facilities and outdoor venues for arts performance and exhibits are seen as desirable for both local residents and tourists. For example, a Community Arts Centre would not only meet the needs of the local community for adequate space for rehearsal, exhibition and workshop activities, but also might serve as a venue for the sale of local arts and crafts to tourists (see also Toward A Liveable Community). Major arts facilities could also benefit tourism, if located in or near the Downtown.


4.5

Tou rism R ev en ues an d Nu m ber o f Visitors

0

10 0

20 0

30 0

40 0

50 0

60 0

70 0

80 0

90 0

1 9 8 5 1 9 8 6 19 8 7 1 98 8 19 8 9 1 99 0 1 9 91 1 9 9 2 1 9 93 1 9 9 4

To

uri

sm R

even

ues

($

Mill

ion

s)

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Nu

mb

er o

f V

isit

ors

(M

illio

ns)

T our is m R e v e nue s ($ Million s).

N um be r of V isitors (Millio ns)

So urce: T our is m Victo ria

The need for major performing and visual arts facilities to serve both tourists and the local residents has been documented in the Greater Victoria Arts Facilities Study. Victoria arts programs have the potential to become tourist draws, but adequate facilities must be in place to accommodate anticipated expansion in numbers of both programs and tourists.

While the immediate economic contribution of public art programs may be difficult to document, cities with established programs have successfully marketed their public art as a tourist attraction. The aesthetic value is of interest to residents and tourists alike.

WHAT RESIDENTS SAID Go further with festivals, especially at

shoulder season times. Facility to showcase local artists, place to

work, sell and learn...

The attraction of Victoria as a retirement centre has a special economic influence. In the case of retired residents, it is a matter of deferred spending of monies earned locally. People who move to Victoria to retire, import wealth that has been earned elsewhere and deploy it in the form of house purchases and routine economic needs

The emerging trends of telecommuting and home-based businesses should be considered in future planning policy direction. Victoria has 15% of the identified home-based businesses within the CRD, second after Saanich with 46%. The City’s zoning allows home-based business, and defines it as: “Home Occupation means making, servicing, or repairing goods, or providing services for hire or gain by another person, wholly within a dwelling unit occupied by him, but does not include the sale of goods on or from the dwelling unit or its premises except as provided in Schedule. D”.

Both public and private sector organizations are paying more attention to telecommuting as a work option for employees. Inherently, telecommuting means reduced “trips” to and from work and has implications for transportation planning.

.


4.6

Home-based businesses and tele-commuting fit with the trend toward mixed-use development within neighbourhoods, providing local services clustered within convenient walking distance. Victoria already has this characteristic well established in many neighbourhoods and its enhancement is supported through the Neighbourhood Development Policy. The concepts of “live/work” accommodation, the “urban village”, “main street” with upper- storey accommodation over commercial space, are all part of mixed-use development and are an integral part of strategies supporting the home-based business economy. These are discussed further in Toward a Liveable Community and Toward an Affordable Housing Community.

TOPIC B (1) – PROVINCIAL CAPITAL

OBJECTIVE

(a) To remain the primary centre of the Provincial Government's legislative and administrative activities.

POLICIES

THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD:

(i) Reinforce the commitment to Victoria as the Provincial Capital and avoid unnecessary relocation of its activities elsewhere.

(ii) Recognize that as the City's largest employer, a responsive and understanding government is an essential factor in the City's economy.

THE CITY SHOULD:

(iii) Promote awareness that a vibrant and prosperous capital is important to all British Columbians.

(iv) Make a concerted effort to understand and respond to provincial, current and future, requirements.

(v) Maintain a continuous and cooperative working relationship at both political and staff levels with the Provincial Government.

TOPIC B (2) – MAJOR INSTITUTIONS

OBJECTIVE

(a) To encourage existing cultural, educational and health institutions to remain, and to encourage others to locate in the City.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Support land use policies which accommodate health, cultural and education services.

THE CITY AND PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD:

(ii) Integrate the university and other post secondary educational facilities with Downtown by encouraging a Downtown campus in parallel with the established campus.

TOPIC B (3) – VISITORS

OBJECTIVE

(a) To recognize the increasing importance of visitors to Victoria's economy and encourage the expansion and diversification of services to visitors.

POLICIES


(i) Improve promotion marketing of Victoria as a visitor destination.

(ii) Enhance the regional leisure centre complex in North Park to serve both tourists and residents.

(iii) Expand and improve standards of visitor service.

(iv) Improve transportation links with the remainder of Vancouver Island, Vancouver and Seattle.

THE CITY AND BUSINESS COMMUNITY SHOULD:

(v) Extend hospitality to tourists and market the unique character and quality of service.


4.7

THE CITY AND REGION SHOULD:

(vi) Strive to maintain and improve the region's unique scenic landscape.

THE CITY AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD:

(vii) Cooperate to improve the reception of cruise ship passengers at Ogden Point.

TOPIC B (4) – ARTS AND CULTURE

OBJECTIVES

(a) To recognize the importance of arts and culture as a contributor to the economy of the City.

(b) To develop the potential for growth in arts activity for both the local and tourist audiences by establishing Victoria as a ‘Festival City’.

(c) To develop policies to facilitate the provision of arts facilities.

(d) To enhance the visual appeal of the City for both residents and tourists through creative works of public art.

(e) To encourage partnerships which market arts and culture activity to potential tourists.

(f) To maintain current facilities to serve tourists and local needs, ensuring accessibility for disabled persons wherever possible.

(g) To sustain support for varied and viable arts programs to meet the needs of residents and tourists.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Establish a mechanism to increase the number of outdoor venues for performance.

(ii) Establish a Task Force to explore promotion of Victoria as an arts and culture destination, and as a “Festival City”.

(iii) Support competitions of works of art in City spaces.

(iv) Encourage private sector public art projects, e.g., density bonus policy.

THE CITY, IN COOPERATION WITH THE

INTERMUNICIPAL COMMITTEE, THE ARTS

COMMISSION AND THE COMMUNITY SHOULD:

(v) Revisit the Greater Victoria Arts Facility Study with a view to the provision of adequate arts facilities.

(vi) Develop a formula for contributing support to a Capital Fund for the provision of major, regional arts facilities.

(vii) Maintain the McPherson and the Royal Theatres as viable performance venues.

(viii) Continue to contribute to operating budgets through the established municipal mechanisms.

TOPIC B (5) – RETIREMENT

OBJECTIVE

(a) To recognize the importance of retirement to Victoria's economy.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Enhance and improve Victoria’s image as a city of gardens.

(ii) Encourage a safe city reputation.

(iii) Enhance neighbourhoods through land use policies which accommodate housing and institutional/leisure developments related to the needs of the retired.

THE CITY AND BUSINESS COMMUNITY SHOULD:

(iv) Promote the City as an attractive retirement centre.


(v) Improve services for seniors.

TOPIC B (6) – HOME-BASED BUSINESSES

OBJECTIVE

(a) To recognize and support home-based businesses as growing segment of the economy.


4.8

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Review and revise policies, as appropriate.

(ii) Facilitate the development of live/work accommodation.

C. INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

The influence and role of industry, especially the harbour and marine-related uses, has changed markedly over the last 25 years and, as part of an overall economic development strategy, needs redefining. Efforts should focus upon assisting activities in areas where the community can excel, and which are compatible with the scale of Victoria. The City’s size and location has not been competitive for companies seeking a strategic setting in the province and within the metropolitan area intensive commercial and/or residential enterprises have tended to displace industrial establishments.

TOPIC C (1) – ESTABLISHED INDUSTRY

OBJECTIVES

(a) To redefine the role of industry, as part of the comprehensive economic development strategy

(b) To assist industries wishing to stay in their current locations and those choosing to relocate elsewhere in the City.

(c) To encourage agricultural and seafood production within the region.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Establish a sub-committee of the Task Force overseeing the preparation of the comprehensive economic development strategy, to redefine the role of industry.

(ii) Adopt zoning and subdivision policies that attract new industries and protect established industries from pressures related to more intensive land use potential in areas where industrial use is consistent with plan objectives.

(iii) Communicate with industries likely to be under pressure to relocate and assist with orderly relocation.

(iv) Examine alternative ways to encourage industry to remain in the City, e.g., tax incentives.

SENIOR LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT SHOULD:

(v) Encourage review of freight handling and delivery costs with the objective of lowering costs to industry.

(vi) Encourage and assist the established industrial parks for those industries that choose to relocate.

TOPIC C (2) – EMERGING INDUSTRY

OBJECTIVES

(a) To recognize and accept that there will be a transition of some industrial and service commercial areas to other, more intensive uses.

(b) To encourage the establishment of import substitution industries; i.e., industries which supply local markets currently dependent upon imports.

(c) To encourage the establishment and expansion of new industries which are particularly suited to Victoria, e.g., emerging areas in new technology, particularly marine technology.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Identify and endeavour to attract the types of industry which the City is best suited to accommodate.

(ii) Adopt land use controls to conserve appropriate waterfront industrial sites for marine industrial parks.

(iii) Support and promote industry by providing assistance in the form of capital works programs and a consistent approach to economic development.

(iv) Influence provincial and federal policies that encourage or assist economic development.


(v) Facilitate development of industrial estates in Burnside’s Garbally Bay area and Dockside, including servicing programs, subdivision, street reorganization and land assembly.


4.9

(vi) Continue to assess market opportunities for industry, provide market information and utilize the university as a resource to promote and assist in industrial location.

(vii) Continue to exercise the City of Victoria's significant economic role within the Capital Region through support of an intermunicipal agency such as the Business and Industrial Development Commission.

D. DOWNTOWN

Downtown Victoria has sustained itself as a compact and vital business district, serving the residents of the metropolitan community and visitors with a wide range of department store type merchandising, specialized shopping, personal and professional services. Historic Old Town is located between Douglas Street and the Inner Harbour and consists largely of buildings constructed at the turn of the century. This area makes a valuable contribution to the City's character and sense of history. The retail core overlaps both Old Town and part of the New Town area east of Douglas Street. New Town extends eastward from Douglas Street, to the edge of Harris Green lying east of Blanshard Street. This district is dominated by banks, financial institutions and professional offices.

It is imperative that Downtown Victoria enhances its role as the primary business and shopping area of the Capital Region in order to counter the challenges to its primacy from the established and proposed regional shopping centres. Collective action by owners and merchants is essential. The City would continue to support such initiatives and would encourage the cooperation of the Provincial Government. Two major reinforcement programs for Downtown will be pursued by the City. Substantial residential redevelopment is being encouraged in Harris Green, North Park and Songhees.

The population of Downtown is forecast to grow by 1,200 between 1991 and 2011. An additional 4,100 is forecast for the same period in Harris Green, North Park and Songhees areas combined.

Access and parking are of fundamental importance to the economic vitality of Downtown.

The classification of areas within Downtown Victoria is shown on Map 4.

TOPIC D (1) – THE RETAIL CORE AS SHOWN

DESIGNATED ON MAP 4

OBJECTIVE

(a) To support and reinforce the established retail core and along the major corridors of Douglas and Government Streets.

(b) To promote Downtown Victoria as the primary centre of business, retail activity, art, tourism and culture.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Improve retail frontage continuity throughout the Retail Core by way of zoning and/or design controls.

(ii) Strengthen relationships with and support those organizations that help reinforce a vital Downtown.

THE CITY AND PRIVATE DEVELOPERS SHOULD:

(iii) Cooperate to achieve continuity of retail activities and pedestrian corridors linking the two major department stores.

(iv) Enhance the design of Douglas Street to soften the current automobile-dominated character of the street.

TOPIC D (2) – OLD TOWN, THE AREA

BOUNDED BY DOUGLAS STREET, THE INNER

HARBOUR, BELLEVILLE STREET AND CHATHAM

STREET

OBJECTIVES

(a) To maintain the scale and character of Old Town while adding to its vitality.

(b) To strengthen and enhance the relationship between Old Town and the Inner Harbour.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Sustain land use policies that ensure that new development in Old Town conforms to the established scale and character of the area.


4.10

(ii) Consider the extension of the Government Street Mall.

(iii) Continue the current policy of developing an Old Town walkway system.

(iv) Complete the works necessary to link the waterfront path from the Causeway to Chatham Street.

(v) Encourage new activities in Bastion Square and Centennial Square.

(vi) The precinct north of Johnson Street leading to Capital Iron and Chinatown should be linked to the retail core by new infill development in keeping with Old Town.

(vii) Redevelopment of the “City Light” site will include public access to the waterfront.

(viii) Encourage use of upper floors in existing buildings.

(ix) Encourage a continuity of retail uses.

(x) Promote the rehabilitation of older buildings and retention or return to facade appearance which is consistent with the building’s architectural style.

(xi) Encourage the revitalization of Chinatown in a manner which maintains its distinctive identity.

(xii) Accommodate major office development in the north edge of Chinatown.

TOPIC D (3) – NEW TOWN, THAT AREA

BOUNDED BY DOUGLAS, HARRIS GREEN AND

NORTH PARK COMMUNITIES, BELLEVILLE AND

CHATHAM STREETS

OBJECTIVE

(a) To concentrate new office development in the blocks between Douglas and Blanshard.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Continue current land use policies which concentrate major new office buildings between Douglas and Blanshard, with main floor retail uses.

(ii) Limit scale and scope of commercial development east of Blanshard Street.

(iii) Advance the mid-block walkway system currently developed in the 700 blocks of the East-West streets Downtown from Belleville to Caledonia Streets.

TOPIC D (4) – ENVIRONMENTAL

IMPROVEMENTS

OBJECTIVE

(a) To further enhance the ‘City of Gardens’ image for Downtown and improve public facilities for residents and tourists.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Continue the current floral and tree planting program and encourage the private sector to expand the program.

(ii) Continue to develop and promote the use of squares, mini-parks and open courts.

(iii) Take an active role in promoting a wider use of Bastion and Centennial Squares.

(iv) Extend walkway systems, particularly in Old Town and the 700 blocks between Douglas and Blanshard, and along the harbour shoreline.

(v) Enhance shopping streets through capital works such as planted medians, canopies, and street furniture, subject to application of the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Program.

THE CITY AND PRIVATE SECTOR SHOULD:

(vi) Cooperate to improve directional signs, information maps and kiosks to welcome residents and visitors to the Downtown area.

THE PRIVATE SECTOR SHOULD:

(vii) Cooperate with the City in making lands available for interior court development within commercial blocks linked by a public walkway system, with particular emphasis on Old Town, Chinatown and the mid-block malls of the 500 and 700 blocks running from Belleville to Caledonia Streets.

(viii) Continue the established paint-up program.


4.11

TOPIC D (5) – SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES

OBJECTIVES

(a) To focus on special areas that warrant comprehensive redevelopment.

POLICIES

THE CITY AND PRIVATE SECTOR SHOULD:

(i) Cooperate to encourage the completion of the redevelopment of the Northern Revitalization Area (Pandora/ Blanshard/Cormorant/ Douglas block.

THE CITY, PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT AND THE

PRIVATE SECTOR SHOULD:

(ii) Advance special opportunities for development in the Humboldt Valley and surrounding area.

THE CITY IN COOPERATION WITH THE PRIVATE

SECTOR SHOULD:

(iii) Establish a comprehensive commercial area, including the E & N Railway Station site, Chinatown, Harbour Market and Capital Iron, with infilling to provide continuity of character and walkway systems.

(iv) Design Downtown parkades to introduce main floor shopping.

PRIVATE SECTOR, IN COOPERATION WITH THE

PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT AND THE CITY, BASED

ON THE EXPERIENCE OF THE 700 BLOCK YATES AND

BASTION SQUARE AREA, SHOULD:

(v) Continue to undertake Downtown Revitalization Programs for Douglas Street, Broad Street, 600 block Johnson/Yates, and block interiors of Chinatown.

THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT AND THE CITY

SHOULD:

(vi) Advance special opportunities regarding government accommodation, downtown innovative transit and harbour revitalization, including transportation facilities.

E. LAND USE POLICY FRAMEWORK

This section, together with Map 3, provides a broad land use policy framework. The statements on character, form and use, as well as the map designations, are general in nature and are specifically interpreted in the Zoning Regulation Bylaw.

While a reasonable level of flexibility is sought, substantial changes in character, form and use in specific areas will require an amendment to the Official Community Plan, as provided in the Land Use Application, Procedure, and Fees Regulation Bylaw.

E (1) PRIMARY CENTRES, AS SHOWN DESIGNATED

ON MAP 3

These are three major multi-purpose focal points within the City that are of considerable significance beyond municipal boundaries. (A) DOWNTOWN

(i) CHARACTER: This is the long-established multi-purpose focal point for the City, metropolitan Victoria and for many purposes, much of Vancouver Island. Downtown is the subject of development pressure; its character is complex, and its future so important to the City. A detailed Downtown Victoria Plan was prepared and adopted by Council in 1990.

(ii) FORM: Downtown consists of a large number of independent structures, generally of high-density (floor space ratio in excess of 2.0:1), but of low to medium profile (height not exceeding 5 storeys). However, buildings of high-rise form are a feature of Downtown and will be permitted in appropriate locations. This policy area permits the highest density of development in the City, with variations and limitations as defined in the Zoning Regulation Bylaw.

(iii) USES: Retail and related shop frontage commercial uses should predominate at the street level but multi-level commercial developments are an important feature. Upper floors are used for offices, visitor accommodation and apartments.

(B) MAYFAIR AND HILLSIDE

(i) CHARACTER: These two areas are comprehensive regional shopping centres, with limited adjacent secondary commercial development. Both centres have recently been expanded and refurbished. Further expansion is unlikely in the foreseeable future.


4.12

(ii) FORM: Regional shopping centres are planned developments on a large property, under corporate ownership. The density is low (floor space ratios of less than 1:1), see also (iii), and there is extensive on-site parking. Height is generally of a low to medium profile to match the suburban surroundings. Adjacent lands may be developed with smaller scale commercial buildings of generally similar form to the shopping centres.

(a) USES: The use range is limited, largely due to the policy of the owners. Retail commercial predominates, with few multi-storey developments. Centres may have limited personal services. Potential exists for a broader array of uses, e.g., institutional and residential justifying densities above 1:1. This could result in buildings that permit residential over commercial.

E (2) SECONDARY CENTRES, AS SHOWN DESIGNATED

ON MAP 3

(i) CHARACTER: These areas are primarily retail commercial focal points of local significance. Such centres are typically traditional strip developments along major streets, usually reinforced with a supermarket, with off-street parking. Two developments are small-scale, comprehensive shopping centres and one designated policy area in this category (Songhees) has yet to be built. The established developments have little need to expand and it would not be encouraged. Redevelopment and refurbishing are far more likely and acceptable.

(ii) FORM: Generally, areas in this category are of low to medium density, the floor space ratio generally not exceeding 1.5:1 and the developments are of a lower profile. Higher profile buildings with a floor space in excess of 1.5:1 may be developed where community objectives are advanced by the development, e.g., the Humber Green.

(iii) USES: Retail commercial uses predominate at street level, with limited personal services. Upper floor uses, e.g., residential, vary with specific locations as defined in the Zoning Regulation Bylaw.

E (3) GENERAL SERVICES, AS SHOWN DESIGNATED

ON MAP 3

(iv) CHARACTER: General service areas play an essential role in providing for a wide range of activities that are not suitable in retail commercial centres. Facilities are usually auto-oriented and the character of these areas is generally utilitarian. Buildings are of generally low value and redevelopment is a frequent and acceptable characteristic.

(i) FORM: Developments are generally of low to medium density and low profile and are usually situated on small to medium- sized properties.

(ii) USES: A wide range of uses is acceptable but in some instances, separation should be provided for in the application of the Zoning Regulation Bylaw. These areas are particularly appropriate for facilities that combine a range of economic uses.

E (4) INDUSTRIAL SERVICES, AS SHOWN DESIGNATED

ON MAP 3

(i) CHARACTER: All such areas are long- established concentrations of industrial development but are the best situated and with appropriate characteristics for revitalization for modern industry. There are many small establishments on small to medium-sized properties and a few large facilities. The character is utilitarian, but these areas are of great significance to the community. Improved standards of appearance are desirable in prominent locations, e.g., adjacent to major streets.

(ii) FORM: These areas are generally of low density and of low profile, but with provision for high density mid-rise specialized structures. There is generally considerable space around buildings but more intensive development is acceptable.

(iii) USES: While it is desirable to concentrate on industrial uses, others are acceptable provided they would not make redevelopment for industrial uses impractical. These would be in the wholesale and services commercial use categories.


4.14

E (5) VISITOR SERVICES, AS SHOWN DESIGNATED

ON MAP 3

(i) CHARACTER: These are areas for visitor accommodation and associated services. They may consist of a number of small independent developments, or as in the case of the Songhees sites, be large, comprehensive projects. Most are developed with little scope for significant new additions.

(ii) FORM: Buildings are generally of low to medium density and low to mid-rise profile. However, on appropriate sites, high-rise and high density buildings are acceptable in accordance with the Zoning Regulation Bylaw.

(iii) USES: The uses in these areas should be limited to visitor accommodation, associated services and transportation facilities. The waterfront in the vicinity of Montreal and Kingston Streets may be developed to a wider scope of development embracing visitor accommodation uses, together with a wide range of marine service uses. In all areas residential may also be permitted.

E (6) AUXILIARY SERVICES, AS SHOWN DESIGNATED

ON MAP 3

(i) CHARACTER: This is not an independent policy area category, but is designated in association with the Apartment Residential (Developing) category of Section F3 in Toward An Affordable Housing Community. As it has a significant proportion of economic activity, it is designated separately under the Economic Structure provisions. It will be found in newly-developing apartment areas adjacent to downtown and will consist of limited commercial and business activity on the lower floors of such buildings.

(ii) FORM: The buildings generally will be of medium to high density, as provided for under the regulations and application of the Zoning Regulation Bylaw. High-rise buildings will be permitted in appropriate locations, subject to design guidelines and policy plans for these sensitive, but important, areas of redevelopment.

(iii) USES: As the predominant use of these areas is residential, only a limited range of retail, office and personal service activities will be permitted.

E (7) MAJOR INSTITUTIONS, AS SHOWN DESIGNATED

ON MAP 3

(i) CHARACTER: A few large institutional facilities are of fundamental importance to the City's economic structure. As they are directly or indirectly owned by senior government, they enjoy a senior relationship to the City's regulatory process. However, it is desirable to mutually establish policy frameworks for these essential facilities when redevelopment is in prospect. The Legislative Precinct Study, carried out under the Victoria Accord, is an example of such a policy statement.


5.1

5. TOWARD AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMUNITY

KEY DIRECTIONS

Affordable housing, including the need for development incentives, either specifically or as part of housing diversity, is seen as a priority. While there is recognition of the need for increased density, suggestions are that it should be controlled and creative strategies employed to distribute density across the City. Housing is seen as critical to a liveable Downtown, especially increasing housing supply through upper storey accommodations. Intensification of residential development around Downtown is supported, although there is concern over building heights.

Providing a variety of housing options to offer choice to the range of income groups and household types that comprise Victoria today is one of the primary challenges facing the City. It is also an issue of high priority with residents. Particularly when Victoria has been the least affordable housing market in Canada for the last three years, and the region is experiencing considerable growth pressures with the City the focal point of those pressures.

Up to the late 1950s, the City’s primary residential role had been to supply land for family-oriented housing (mainly single family dwellings). But by this time, the demand for apartments was growing rapidly and areas for apartment redevelopment were substantially increased in the 1956 bylaw. Actual redevelopment did not become a major aspect of the City’s growth until the early 1960s. Location policies favoured proximity to Downtown, the older district centres, the waterfront locations, Beacon Hill Park and the approaches to Downtown from the east. A considerable supply of apartments was built and the oldest housing stock was replaced, with little poor quality housing remaining. However, this process generated a decline in family housing and caused severe disruption to established neighbourhoods. To counter this, policies were reviewed and zoning reduced where viable neighbourhoods remained. In support of strengthening neighbourhoods, there were initiatives under the 1970s Neighbourhood Improvement Program.

WHAT RESIDENTS SAID

(Need) Improved mechanisms for earlier developer/community dialogue and streamlining approvals process.

Urban design controls to prevent monster houses.

Excessive densification will destroy the City’s quality.

The projected population growth of is shown on Map 5. The location and classification of housing types is shown designated on Map 6.

Today, Victoria is a city of neighbourhoods proud of their individual identities and the mix of single family and multi-family housing, both owned and rented. There is, however, concern that density and building height, be controlled and that creative strategies be designed to distribute density across the City.


5.3

Housing Types, City of Victoria 1991

Apa r tme nt5 5 %

Duple x6 %

Single De ta c he d2 4 %

Conve r sions1 0 %

Tow nhouse5 %

Source: City of Victoria Planning Department Count, May, 1991

20872

2006 3728

8921

2132

A. AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Affordable housing is a critical social issue. Today, Victoria is the least affordable housing market in Canada, with less than 12% of renters (January - June 1994) being able to buy an average-priced starter home, and where less than 20% of new single family homes and duplexes are within the reach of potential first-time buyers. The availability of affordable rental accommodation is constrained by a very low vacancy rate and the demolition and replacement of the affordable, older rental stock. There is also concern that rental stock may be converted to ownership, as strata-titled condominiums. The challenge for the City is to adopt innovative policies which will assist the production of affordable market and non-market housing. Two-thirds of the households in Victoria are renters. Typically, this group has been less able than owners to improve their housing

conditions, as a result of having greater affordability problems. The Capital Region District estimated that 30-37% of households in the City of Victoria had an affordability problem in 1993. Affordable housing is defined as housing that costs (rent or mortgage plus taxes and including 10% down payment) 30% or less of a household's gross annual income. This housing must be within the affordability parameters of low and moderate income households, defined as those within the first two income quartiles for the City of Victoria. Affordable rental housing becomes of increasing concern in a tight rental market, especially for those who have to spend more than 30% of their gross household income for adequate and suitable shelter. Special needs housing is defined as affordable housing for those at risk or with special housing requirements, e.g., housing for disabled persons which is suitably accessible and offers support services, if required for independent living. Affordable ownership should also be considered as part of affordable housing policy.


5.4

The recent changes to the Municipal Act provide new legislative tools and empower local government by regulation to assume a more proactive role in providing affordable housing. The reduction in available subsidies for non-market housing places the onus on local government to use the municipal planning and regulatory framework to facilitate the development of innovative initiatives. The legislation provides opportunities to secure affordable housing and community amenities through density bonusing, comprehensive development zoning and the use of housing agreements to ensure the specifications of project development are binding on subsequent owners, as well as the establishment of housing reserve funds. The legislation also allows municipalities to enact standards and maintenance bylaws to help maintain existing housing and reduce demolitions, and to lease land for affordable housing.

In order to have a comprehensive understanding of the City's housing needs and resulting policy requirements, further housing policy research should be undertaken. In the interim, several issues have been identified.

A major component of housing cost is represented in the land value. High residential land costs in Victoria do not support the production of affordable housing. Innovative mechanisms for reducing the cost of this component and introducing efficiencies in process, design and other areas for improving the supply of affordable housing need to be considered. These include the following: regulatory reforms to encourage higher density development and more compact communities, such as the density bonus policy being developed by the City; the small lots and small homes developed in Victoria under the Affordability and Choice Today (ACT.) Program; the Grow Home (14 foot wide row homes) and infill developments; streamlining the development approval process; the use of publicly-owned land; innovative public/private partnerships.

Market conditions determine the extent to which affordable housing, as defined, is available. Even in tight markets with high housing costs, small lot detached and townhouse development makes ownership relatively more affordable than standard lot size detached dwellings.

Neighbourhood plans should include a variety of housing and community awareness should be raised to allow a fair distribution of affordable housing across neighbourhoods. This means assessing the community development process to produce neighbourhood involvement, support and commitment for the resulting project. Residents need to be made aware of the positive contribution affordable housing projects can make to their communities. As part of this process, people with disabilities are actively seeking involvement in the provision of advice and development of adaptable and affordable housing which is integrated into the general community and residential projects.

Within a tight housing market, the shortage of affordable housing makes it even more difficult to serve special needs groups. These include persons with disabilities and those requiring emergency shelter, such as those “at risk”, youth and the homeless.

Innovative recycling and rehabilitation of unused building space should be considered.

If it is to be effective, affordable housing policy must be innovative and creative, given the minimal level of senior government subsidy available.

TOPIC A (1) – AFFORDABLE HOUSING

OBJECTIVES

(a) To ensure a diverse set of affordable housing options, including ownership, rental and special needs; all people in Victoria have a right to appropriate and affordable housing.


5.5

Net Gains/Losses in Housing Stock 1981 - 1994

-119

56

947

238

5133

297

-1000 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000

Single Family

Duplexes

Townhouses

Condominium

Apartments

Institutional

Source: City of Victoria Planning Department

(b) To support public and private initiatives for provision of good quality housing for families in need of assistance, the elderly, disabled and disadvantaged, and facilitate and support community organizations and agencies working to improve housing resources, or working to provide housing services in Victoria.

(c) To provide renters in Victoria with affordable rental housing and a choice of type of rental accommodation.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Develop and maintain housing policy analysis capability to keep abreast of housing needs and issues, in order to develop municipal housing strategies for Council's adoption and incorporation into the Official Community Plan.

(ii) Monitor the conversion rate, and continue pursuing measures to balance the conversion of existing affordable rental stock with the need for condominium tenure and development.

(iii) Continue pursuing policy regarding conversion of transient to permanent accommodation, as part of a strategy to meet low end of rental market need.

(iv) Promote the safety and security of housing for low and moderate homeowners and renters through maintenance standards and bylaws, which will encourage upgrading.

(v) Encourage consideration of social needs and well-being of residents in the design and amenities of higher density housing.

(vi) Encourage home ownership for individuals with low or moderate incomes to promote neighbourhood and personal stability, by supporting innovative housing strategies.

(vii) In consultation with consumers and residents, encourage the provision of special needs housing, such as accessible housing for disabled persons, that is integrated into residential neighbourhoods,

THE CITY, CRD AND SENIOR GOVERNMENTS

SHOULD:

(viii) Work regionally to seek senior government assistance to support affordable housing options.

(ix) Encourage senior governments to continue with programs to assist with residential rehabilitation.


5.6

TOPIC A (2) – INNOVATIVE MECHANISMS

OBJECTIVES

(a) To implement new mechanisms at the municipal level to facilitate the provision of affordable housing.

(b) To implement a Density Bonus Policy to facilitate and secure the development of affordable and special needs housing and amenities from development proponents, with the possible inclusion of a Housing Reserve Fund.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Use bonus density in developments where it will result in the provision of affordable and special needs housing and community amenities pursuant to Section 963.1 of the Municipal Act.

(ii) Develop a comprehensive strategy to clarify the use of public lands and properties for affordable housing.

(iii) Examine relaxation of regulatory controls to permit smaller lots, conversion, reduced parking and other creative approaches to providing affordable housing.

B. DIVERSITY OF HOUSING OPTIONS

There is a need to provide a variety of housing options allowing diversity of tenure, size and type, in order to offer lifecycle options within a neighbourhood for all age, income, household and special needs groups. Higher density family projects should consider design requirements to meet the needs of families with children, and the necessary play/green spaces as discussed in the chapter, Toward a Liveable Community.

The necessary design requirements for those with special needs should be considered, and those groups consulted on their needs regarding accommodation and community support services. Housing densities should also be planned in relation to transportation links, with development of higher density apartments being reinforced along transit corridors to promote higher frequency use and make public transit economically viable (see also Toward an Accessible and Friendly Community).

While apartments are versatile in the categories of people they cater to, they are particularly attractive to the elderly. As the population ages, there will be a limited, but growing, demand for residential facilities that also provide some degree of medical care for the occupants. The sharp difference in character between single family dwellings and apartments will likely predominate, but it is softened by conversion of larger dwellings, attached housing and inclusion of family housing units within innovative apartment developments.

Areas for apartment redevelopment were identified among lands that were adjacent to Downtown and committed to low-intensity, inefficient and obsolescent service, commercial and industrial uses. For the city as a whole, the population is forecast to increase by 10,000 by 2011. Within this period, the population of Downtown is projected to grow by 1,200 with an additional 4,100 forecast for the same period in Harris Green, North Park and Songhees areas combined. The remaining additional growth is forecast to occur in the other neighbourhoods. Map 5 shows population projections by neighbourhood. The location and classification of housing types is shown designated on Map 6.

TOPIC B – DIVERSITY OF HOUSING OPTIONS

OBJECTIVES

(a) To provide a variety of good-quality housing to meet the needs of existing and future Victoria residents.

(b) To encourage conservation of established family housing within neighbourhoods.

(c) To establish mixed density residential neighbourhoods adjacent to Downtown.

(d) To encourage the provision of an adequate supply of rental housing.

(e) To support public and private initiatives for provision of good quality housing for the elderly, people with disabilities, and the disadvantaged, and for families in need of assistance.


5.6


5.8

(f) To facilitate and support community organizations and agencies working to improve housing resources or working to provide housing services in Victoria.

(g) To ensure that the impact on children will be included in all present and future planning, as it relates to housing.

(h) To establish a residential population within Downtown using the upper floors of new or existing buildings for apartments.

POLICIES THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) By means of neighbourhood plans, zoning and senior government housing programs, sustain a mix of housing types to meet the changing demands of the population.

(ii) By zoning and conversion policies, promote the rehabilitation and maintenance of existing family housing and ensure that any redevelopment or infilling is compatible with the established neighbourhood.

(iii) By means of zoning, development permits and public works (including parks), facilitate the implementation of Harris Green, North Park and the Songhees areas.

(iv) Discourage strata conversions when the rental vacancy rate is at an unacceptably low level.

(v) Permit residential developments which include supportive and care services, on appropriate sites.

(vi) When considering an application to rezone to a higher density any existing residential property having more than four rental units, to welcome, as a voluntary amenity, either the contribution of an equivalent number of affordable replacement rental units on-site or a cash in-lieu contribution to the City's Affordable Housing Trust Fund under the provisions of a density bonus bylaw pursuant to Section 904 of the Local Government Act. (Any cash in-lieu contribution is to be equivalent to the cash value of the cost of producing the units.)

(vii) When considering an application to rezone to another use or an increased density of use any existing residential

property having more than four rental units, to request that the applicant provide a tenant relocation plan that responds to the needs of existing residents who would be displaced by the proposed development.

C. DESIGN GUIDELINES AND CONTROLS

There is a need to evaluate the quality of the urban environment through design guidelines. To protect and preserve the human scale of the City, by retaining the quality of existing housing stock and assessing new development so that it is in keeping with the neighbourhood environment. To create more adaptable housing, there is also the need to provide universally accessible housing design guidelines.

TOPIC C – DESIGN GUIDELINES AND CONTROLS

OBJECTIVES

(a) To encourage high standards of design and appearance in new residential development.

(b) To provide for small lot residential development where infill subdivision is appropriate.

(c) To maintain housing this has heritage or exceptional architectural or historic interest.

(d) To develop and implement universally accessible housing design guidelines.

(e) To provide for a population mix compatible with existing public facilities (schools, parks, hospitals, utilities, etc.) and consistent with neighbourhood plans.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Amend the zoning regulations to encourage the provision of mixed-use building projects.

(ii) Adopt design guidelines for sensitive residential areas, with design coordination.

(iii) Promote universally accessible housing.

(iv) By means of subdivision and zoning regulations, facilitate small lot development of single family housing within residential neighbourhoods.


5.9

(v) By means of zoning policies, remove incentives for demolition and redevelop-ment of heritage buildings and sites.

(vi) Provide incentives for the preservation, restoration and sensitive rehabilitation of heritage houses, and the revitalization of heritage neighbourhoods.

THE CITY, SCHOOL DISTRICT, HOSPITAL BOARDS

AND UTILITY AGENCIES SHOULD:

(i) Assess the impact of high rises on their immediate environment, in the context of the neighbourhood plan and its preparation.

(ii) Coordinate development policies.

D. HOUSING SERVICES - MIXED USE

DEVELOPMENT

The neighbourhood trend is towards cohesive communities, where small commercial areas and parks and recreational services are within a short walking distance. Under this concept, the neighbourhood provides residents with a clustering of local service opportunities, the corner store conveniences, such as the Cook Street Village. Mixed-use developments of this nature support a variety of lifestyle options that rely more heavily on local services. An aging population prefers easy access to essential services in a safe and familiar environment. The growing number of home-based businesses means more focus on neighbourhoods. There is increasing importance of the neighbourhood identity in family-oriented activities, such as sports. It also supports a people-friendly city and reduces the requirement for transportation. The concept is also discussed in the chapters on Toward a Liveable Community and Toward a Viable Community.

TOPIC D – HOUSING SERVICES - MIXED USE

DEVELOPMENT

OBJECTIVES

(a) To provide a wider range of social/recreational activities, including activity centres, recreation facilities, parks, etc. to meet the various needs of all age groups.

(b) To allow for neighbourhood commercial service as corner stores, appropriate small neighbourhood shopping centres,

home occupations, bed and breakfast and neighbourhood pubs.

POLICIES

THE CITY, PROACTIVELY WORKING WITH CANADA

MORTGAGE & HOUSING CORPORATION AND PRIVATE

MORTGAGE COMPANIES, SHOULD:

(i) Incorporate bonus incentives in zoning and mortgage provisions on condition that residential developers include social/recreational facilities as part of new housing schemes.

THE CITY SHOULD:

(ii) By means of neighbourhood plans and zoning, provide for local commercial uses.

E. DOWNTOWN

This is a residential area where there is a diverse set of needs and objectives. Overall, the intent is to re-populate the Downtown neighbourhood by providing a variety of accommodation which will attract residents. This includes the elderly, singles, service employees and those interested in live/work accommodation. Within Downtown, care should be taken to minimize the negative impact the development of high-rises can have on their immediate environment.

TOPIC E – DOWNTOWN

OBJECTIVE

(a) To encourage residential development in and adjacent to Downtown to provide a resident population to work, shop and recreate in the area.

(b) To develop a program to use upper storey accommodation Downtown for housing.

POLICIES

THE CITY, SENIOR GOVERNMENTS AND PRIVATE

SECTOR SHOULD:

(i) Support the use of upper storey accommodation in Downtown for housing through the development of a policy proposal and study of heritage property tax incentives.


5.10

(ii) Provide incentives for Downtown residential development, including upper storey accommodation, through land use, density and parking policies.

(iii) Continue to encourage the redevelopment of Harris Green and southern North Park.

(iv) Continue to encourage housing for those with special needs.

THE CITY AND THE PROVINCE SHOULD:

(v) Advance the Policy Plan for Songhees.

F. RESIDENTIAL LAND USE POLICY

FRAMEWORK

This section, together with Map 6 - Residential Structure, provides a broad residential land use policy framework. The statements of character, form and use and the map designations are general in nature and are specified in the Zoning Regulation Bylaw. While a reasonable level of flexibility is sought, substantial changes in character, form and uses in specific areas will require amendments to the Official Community Plan.

F (1) GENERAL RESIDENTIAL, AS SHOWN DESIGNATED

ON MAP 6

(i) CHARACTER: These areas are the established family-oriented neighbourhoods that are comprised mainly of single family dwellings. They virtually surround the core, are in generally sound condition and display differences in character depending on when they were developed. A general characteristic of the City’s neighbourhoods is that there is a considerable mixture of ages and styles of housing.

(ii) FORM: General Residential areas are predominantly of detached, small structures on relatively small lots. Density and building height is low. Attached structures have become increasingly common and are acceptable in limited numbers and scale and in appropriate locations.

(iii) USES: General Residential areas are intended for residential use. While the traditional house is the predominant physical form, it can be occupied in a number of ways and this plan does not purport to influence the flexibility of use of housing units. Suites, limited apartment

units and special housing may be sited in General Residential areas under the specific control of the Zoning Regulation Bylaw. These areas may also contain limited commercial and service developments to serve the neighbourhood and in most zones home based businesses are permitted.

F (2) APARTMENT RESIDENTIAL (ESTABLISHED) AS

SHOWN DESIGNATED ON MAP 6

(i) CHARACTER: These are established apartment areas generally surrounding the core. They are substantially developed, with only limited opportunities for new development.

(ii) FORM: Established Apartment Residential districts are generally of medium density and of a low to medium profile form. However, high density high rise structures have been permitted in a few appropriate locations.

(iii) USES are limited to apartment residential uses and a few ancillary commercial uses. Home based businesses are permitted.

F (3) APARTMENT RESIDENTIAL (DEVELOPING), AS

SHOWN DESIGNATED ON MAP 6

(i) CHARACTER: These areas have been designated for extensive development from service and industrial uses to residential uses to reinforce Downtown and to meet anticipated demand for apartment units in a central location. Redevelopment in these areas is progressing and is being carried out pursuant to the provisions of relevant policy plans and design guidelines.

(ii) FORM: Generally, these developments will be of medium to high density and may be of high-rise form in designated locations.

(iii) USES: While generally intended for apartment residential use, a significant economic content is intended in many of these areas. (See Toward a Viable Community, Section E. Land Use Policy Framework E (6).

F (4) OTHER RESIDENTIAL AREAS, AS SHOWN ON

MAP 6

For references to primary centres, secondary centres and visitor services, see the chapter entitled Towards a Viable Community, Sections E(1), E(2) and E(5).


6.1

6. TOWARD AN ACCESSIBLE AND PEOPLE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY

KEY DIRECTIONS

The guiding principle is an integrated approach to transportation and land use planning, with transportation being used as a proactive growth management tool and economic catalyst. Overall direction is to reduce emphasis on private vehicles and parking by encouraging alternative transportation. The latter includes cycling, van/car pooling, walking, rapid transit, and the use of water transportation on waterways such as the Gorge. To create a people friendly community, planning and design should encourage pedestrian orientation, with pedestrian mid-block walkways where possible, especially in the Downtown. Other ideas supporting people friendly communities incorporate measures that provide alternatives such as, traffic calming techniques, cycle path networks, and ensuring that road widening does not destroy street character.

A. GENERAL

The economy, growth pressures, environmental “greening” and general concern over quality of life, have generated interest and change in transportation planning. This chapter focuses on policies directed at developing and maintaining a comprehensive and sustainable transportation plan for the City.

Transportation planning is linked inextricably to the land use pattern and services required to support a variety of activity needs and community objectives. Priorities involve policies to reinforce travel options while leaving the alignment of options open and looking at innovative solutions to practical issues. The relationship between density and transit service has to be considered, as well as the Downtown transportation and parking issues relating to shoppers versus commuters. Overall, there should be an integration of transportation planning and land use planning wherever possible.

The Neighbourhood Transportation Management Program is directed at making neighbourhood streets safer and more liveable, in consultation with residents. Traffic calming measures such as speed humps, diverters, cul-de-sacs and traffic circles, are designed to make neighbourhood streets more people friendly.

In 1992, the City initiated a process to review transportation strategies and policies. The process involved extensive public and committee involvement. A primary result of the process was the recognition of the importance of alternatives to the single occupancy vehicle.

Alternative transportation modes, such as transit, cycling and walking, are to be encouraged and integrated into an overall transportation system. Strategies to achieve this objective are outlined in a report called Integrated Transportation Strategies and the Bicycle Master Plan; both adopted by Council in 1995. These serve as background documents to the Official Community Plan, providing more comprehensive and detailed information on the City’s transportation objectives and policies, with a focus “on travel impacts at the neighbourhood level and on Downtown”. The City intends to develop implementation programs for the Integrated Transportation Strategies by 1997.

The Integrated Transportation Strategies Study proposes that policies, plans and projects for all transportation modes be focused on the following principles:

Maximize the use of alternative modes.

Travel Choices for the CityTrips to and from Downtown

Transit16%

Bike9%

Auto Driver53%

Auto Passenger22%

Source: Integrated Transportation for the City of Victoria - Strategies, 1995, p.3


6.2

Improve accessibility to Downtown and the legislative precinct.

Increase the attractiveness of Downtown for shopping, personal business, entertainment and sightseeing.

Integrate walking, cycling and transit into all legislation, regulations, plans, budgets, programs and operations.”

WHAT RESIDENTS SAID

Exchange space lost through heavy traffic space and people alienated from the street; pedestrian areas Downtown; developing the community allows people to live where they work.

Encourage use of pool vehicles and public transport.

Protect Downtown from high traffic.

Public transit is efficient and reduces pollution. It should be supported and promoted by a range of comprehensive and rational policies.

Ride-sharing, through van/car pooling, is an important alternative travel mode that should be encouraged. The City has adopted a policy designed to encourage van pooling.

With the mild climate of Victoria, there is a tremendous potential for more use of bicycles. As it is a completely non-polluting, healthy and efficient transportation mode, it should be encouraged by making it as safe and convenient as possible.

Walking can often replace many short car trips. However, this is likely to happen only if it can be done in a safe and pleasant way.

TOPIC A – GENERAL

OBJECTIVES

To facilitate all transportation modes and reduce traffic friction without compromising the established character of the City.

(a) To place emphasis on enhancing transportation modes, alternatives to the automobile, including walking, cycling, buses and rapid transit, in all ongoing and future transportation planning for the Capital Region.

(b) To promote ride-sharing, through van/car pooling.

(c) To recognize the importance of regional

integration of all transportation modes and facilities.

(d) To increase the safety and liveability of local streets by consulting with the neighbourhoods to plan improvements, such as traffic calming options, as part of Neighbourhood Transportation Management Program.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Ensure thoroughfare improvements so vehicular traffic does not have serious adverse effects on neighbourhood amenities.

(ii) Balance land use decisions with transportation needs (e.g., Legislative Precinct and Downtown).

(iii) Support the Neighbourhood Transportation Management Program to make neighbourhood streets safer, while still allowing access.

(iv) Monitor and enhance the van pooling policy, and encourage car pooling, as appropriate.

B. STREET IMPROVEMENTS

Street rights-of-way are of considerable significance for functions other than transportation. They provide separation between buildings to permit the penetration of light and air, preserve views and provide a setting for buildings. A more practical and extremely important role is that of affording a corridor for utilities and public services. The Major Street Network (Map7) shows the classification of streets.

TOPIC B – STREET IMPROVEMENTS

OBJECTIVES

(a) To implement a street network classification with design standards and capacity guidelines.

(b) To increase the efficiency of existing streets and intersections.


6.3

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Adopt the Major Street Network system as shown on Map 7 and redefine the right-of-way widths, roadways, sidewalk, access provisions, capacity guidelines and other development standards, taking into account local issues.

(ii) Place priority on traffic system management and use of state of the art technology to improve the efficiency of the street system.

(iii) Accept that street capacities have limitations beyond which alternate travel modes and trip reduction strategies must be encouraged.

(iv) Continue to advance the major street system through capital works programs, consistent with the adopted street network classification system.

(v) Review the Subdivision Bylaw to address neighbourhood issues.

STREET NETWORK DEFINITIONS

1. ARTERIALS

(1) Function

(a) Maximize transportation movement between neighbourhoods and the region.

(b) Principal transit corridors. (c) Principal truck routes.

(2) General Design Criteria

(a) 2 to 6 moving lanes. (b) Signalized intersections. (c) Locations selected for capacity and

progression. (d) Limited or no on-street parking or

loading. (e) Left turn storage areas. (f) Provide bikeway routes in accordance

with Bicycle Master Plan. (g) Minimize direct access from private

property. (h) Volumes of 18,000 vehicles per day. (i) Wide sidewalks with boulevard

separation.

2. SECONDARY ARTERIALS

(1) Function

(a) Maximize transportation movement between neighbourhoods.

(b) Transit corridor. (c) Truck route. (d) 50 kilometres per hour traffic carrier.


(a) 2 to 4 moving lanes. (b) Signalized intersections. (c) Limited on-street parking and loading. (d) Left turn storage lanes. (e) Provide for cycle use on curb lanes, in

accordance with the Bicycle Master Plan.

(f) Limited direct access to private property.

(g) Volumes of 5,000 to 20,000 vehicles per day.

3. COLLECTORS

(1) Function

(a) Collect and disperse traffic to local road system.

(b) Primary route from local roads to arterials.

(c) Capacity less important. (d) Minor transit route. (e) Limited truck route.


(a) Parking encouraged. (b) One moving lane in each direction. (c) Direct access to private property. (d) Volumes of 3,000 to 8,000 vehicles

per day.

4. SECONDARY COLLECTORS

(1) Function

(a) Collect and disperse traffic within a local road system.

(b) Secondary route from local roads to collectors and secondary arterials.

(c) Capacity not important. (d) Not a truck route.


(a) Parking encouraged. (b) One moving lane in each direction. (c) Direct access to private property. (d) Volumes of 1,000 to 4,000 vehicles

per day.


6.5

5. MINOR STREETS

(1) Function

(a) Service to private property.

(b) Minimal traffic.

(c) Capacity not important.

(d) Local traffic.

(e) Not a truck route.

(2) General Design Criteria.

(a) Parking encouraged. (b) One moving lane in each direction. (c) Volumes of less than 1,000 vehicles

per day. (d) Subject to traffic calming and

Neighbourhood Transportation Management Program.

OTHER STANDARDS

6. All street categories should make provision for boulevard trees and landscaping.

7. Arterials and collectors which prohibit parking should be designed with sidewalks 2m.inboard of the curb line, with the 2m setback landscaped.

8. Notwithstanding specific standards, truck traffic is acceptable on all streets in industrial areas.

9. Notwithstanding specific standards, cycling is acceptable on all City streets.

C. TRANSIT ALTERNATIVE

Integration of land use and transit planning facilitates the development of higher density growth along transit corridors, improving the viability of transit routes and encouraging use. Public transportation, whether buses or a form of rapid transit, is inherently more efficient and less polluting than the private automobile. It should, therefore, be supported and promoted by a range of comprehensive and rational policies. A rapid transit corridor is defined as a corridor restricted to mass transit which may operate on rail.

TOPIC C – TRANSIT ALTERNATIVE

OBJECTIVES

(a) To provide an effective and efficient public transit system linking residential, commercial and major work areas, with a major emphasis upon service to Downtown for work and shopping.

(b) To advance transit as a competitive alternative to the private automobile.

(c) To examine innovative transportation systems and technology.

(d) To consider options and action plans for the implementation of rapid transit.

(e) To continue to develop the future transportation system so that options for rapid transit may be retained.

(f) To encourage the retention of established rail rights-of-way, where possible, in a way that will not compromise future transportation options.

(g) To recognize, as preferred routes for rapid transit, either or both of the corridors along Douglas and Government Streets.

(h) To work with B. C. Transit to secure a rapid transit corridor and to ensure the compatibility of any future improvements and development with rapid transit.

POLICIES

BC TRANSIT & CITY SHOULD:

(i) Develop a Downtown transit system with necessary capital improvements; implement traffic management favouring efficiency, convenience and comfort to the transit user, including requirements for disabled persons.

(ii) Encourage easy pedestrian access to transit routes when approving new developments.

(iii) Place a high priority on transit when considering land use policies.

PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD:

(iv) Continue to support Transportation Demand Management (TDM).

(v) Phase out subsidized or free parking lots in Legislative Precinct.

(vi) Provide transit facilities as outlined in the Victoria Accord.


6.6

THE CITY, PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE

SECTOR SHOULD:

(vii) Cooperate in providing innovative people movers, which are attractive, distinctive, tourist-oriented and convenient.

THE CITY, BC TRANSIT AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT

SHOULD:

(viii) Consider student transportation requirements for transferring students between school programs, in planning transit requirements.

D. CYCLING AND PEDESTRIAN

ALTERNATIVES

Environmentally, with its terrain and benign climate, Victoria has tremendous potential for cycling. As it is a completely non-polluting, healthy and efficient transportation mode, it should be encouraged by making it as safe and convenient as possible. The Bicycle Master Plan identifies the following goals:

To make cycling in Victoria a safe, convenient, and economical transportation mode by identifying and eliminating obstacles to bicycle use.

To increase cycling’s share of the total City trips to 12% by the year 2010.

Walking can often replace many short car trips. However, this is likely to happen only if it can be done in a safe and pleasant way Wheelchair accessibility and safety must also be considered in relation to pedestrian paths and when blocking pedestrian paths from cyclists.

TOPIC D – CYCLING AND PEDESTRIAN

ALTERNATIVES

OBJECTIVES

(a) To fully implement the Bicycle Master Plan by the year 2010.

(b) To integrate the policies of the Bicycle Master Plan in all neighbourhood plans, traffic management programs and other programs that target the use of alternative modes.

(c) To enhance pedestrian access and movement, including for disabled persons (e.g., sidewalks, benches, art,

safe street crossings, planters) and integrate pedestrian movement with public transit in all developments, particularly in road design.

(d) To reduce the conflict between cyclists and pedestrians.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Establish bicycle paths, lanes and routes in support of the Bicycle Master Plan and establish integrated pedestrian routes within street network plan.

(ii) Place priority on joint use of road right-of-way space, supplemented by designated bicycle routes, including widened curb lanes and, where possible, separated systems for both recreational and commuter use.

(iii) A bicycle/pedestrian link between Burnside and Victoria West is to be established over the Selkirk Water.

(iv) Plan for the separation of pedestrian and bicycle uses wherever feasible.

E. EXTERNAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

As Victoria is a regional transportation node, many public and private agencies are responsible for services to other communities, regions and the U.S.A.

TOPIC E – EXTERNAL TRANSPORTATION

SERVICES

OBJECTIVES

(a) To co-ordinate transportation planning with regional municipalities.

(b) To sustain and improve Victoria/ Vancouver/Port Angeles/Seattle harbour ferry service.

(c) To improve frequency, cost and convenience of downtown-to-downtown Victoria/Vancouver/Seattle air service.

(d) To sustain and expand the existing limited rail system with emphasis on commuter and tourist services.

(e) To encourage a passenger-ferry service in the harbour area, if feasible.


6.7

POLICIES

THE CITY, ADJACENT MUNICIPALITIES AND REGION

SHOULD:

(i) Cooperate in preparing an integrated Regional Transportation System And Thoroughfare Plan.

FEDERAL TRANSPORT CANADA, PROVINCIAL

CAPITAL COMMISSION AND THE CITY SHOULD:

(ii) Cooperate to establish an integrated terminal facility at the Inner Harbour to accommodate present and future ferries.

BC FERRY CORP., BC TRANSIT AND THE CITY

SHOULD:

(iii) Encourage improvements to passenger service between Victoria and Vancouver, with particular emphasis on foot-passenger service, including improved transit service to ferries.

TRANSPORT CANADA, IN COOPERATION WITH THE

CITY, SHOULD:

(iv) Determine the capacity of the Inner Harbour as a float plane docking area.

(v) Sustain and improve airport bus service from Victoria Airport to Downtown.

(vi) Encourage the retention of established rail rights-of-way in a manner that will not compromise future transportation options, e.g., rapid transit.

VIA RAIL SHOULD:

(vii) Actively promote increased use of rail transportation.

BC TRANSIT, IN COOPERATION WITH THE CITY, SHOULD:

(viii) Investigate the development of an off-street terminal for urban and inter-city services.

(ix) Prepare further analysis based on developments over the next 10 to 20 years.

F. DOWNTOWN

The importance of an economically viable Downtown and the role it plays in business, employment, tourism and shopping, has a critical impact on transportation policies for the Downtown. As part of this, there is a need to encourage distribution centres

which encourage smaller trucking vehicles entering neighbourhoods and Downtown. The Integrated Transportation Strategies Study identifies the following objectives relevant to Downtown:

Improve accessibility to Downtown and the Legislative Precinct for alternative modes.

Improve mobility for people Downtown for shopping, on personal business or sightseeing.

Improve the attractiveness of Downtown for shopping, personal business and sightseeing.

Improve terminal facilities with emphasis on Downtown.

TOPIC F (1) – DOWNTOWN TRANSPORTATION

OBJECTIVE

(a) To provide access to and within Downtown; while discouraging through traffic.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Continue traffic management practices to maximize use of existing streets.

(ii) Direct through traffic to the perimeter of Downtown.

(iii) Avoid further intrusion of one-way traffic upon the retail core, with the exception of the Government Street Mall extension.

(iv) Consider extension of Government Street Mall.

(v) Enhance pedestrian-oriented traffic patterns within retail core, including the use of cut- throughs.


6.8

THE CITY, BC TRANSIT AND VIA RAIL

SHOULD:

(vi) Improve bus and rail services and scheduling.

(vii) Improve and coordinate access to and between inter-city bus, ferry and air services.

(viii) Promote the investigation of an off-street terminal for urban and inter-city bus services.

TOPIC F (2) – DOWNTOWN PARKING

OBJECTIVE

(a) To improve parking availability and accessibility within Downtown for shoppers, tourists and residents.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Support parking programs to encourage shoppers to the Downtown.

(ii) Maintain policies to favour Downtown shoppers using parkade levels closest to the street.

(iii) Coordinate parking policies with the Downtown business community.

(iv) Maximize the availability of street parking within the retail core area without comprising accessibility and circulation.

(v) Improve directional signage to major parking facilities using state of the art technology.

(vi) Encourage an economic environment that supports the development of civic or joint venture parkades on the perimeter of Downtown.

(vii) Enhance the environment within civic parkades to make them inviting to patrons, including proper lighting, maintenance, cleanliness and security, in keeping with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Program (CPTED - see Toward A Liveable Community).

Travel Choices within Downtown

Transit0.3%

Auto Driver64.1%

Bike 9.2%Auto Passenger

26.4%

Source: Integrated Transportation for the City of Victoria - Strategies, 1995, p. 3


7.1

7. TOWARD AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND COMMUNITY

KEY DIRECTIONS

Focus on: environmental sustainability and bio-diversity, and related conservation, air and water quality policies, given the pressures of population growth; ecology and preservation of natural habitat, namely Garry Oak and Arbutus habitat, which defines the natural landscape character of Victoria and is a factor in the tourist economy; the importance of green space in neighbourhoods, Downtown and around the harbour; the need to preserve views and streetscapes as part of Victoria’s heritage.

A. GENERAL

Within the Official Community Plan, environment includes the natural and built environment. The quality of the environment is an important community value which has an impact on a number of urban policy planning areas, and implicates all levels of government. The City of Victoria recognizes the increasing pressure on the environment and the need for policies to protect the urban environment which are within the control of its municipal mandate. City Council has recommended a proposed amendment to the B.C. Municipal Act, Section 945, to give environmental policies the same stature as social planning within community plans, so that they may include policies of the local government relating to environmental needs, environmental well being, and ecologically sustainable development. Council has also established an official sub-committee to make recommendations to the Environment and Public Works Advisory Committee on policies for the Official Community Plan.

Environmental issues impact many aspects of our lifestyle. Evidence is in the trends to: devote more resources to transit; reduce the loss of natural resources, such as indigenous habitat, air and water quality, views and vistas; reduce the loss of built heritage and natural landscape; reduce municipal servicing costs. The impact of these trends is acknowledged by the inclusion of environment related policies throughout the chapters of this Official

Community Plan. Reduced dependence on the automobile is encouraged by advocating more human-scale development, with accessible community services and facilities within walking distance on streets that are pedestrian and cyclist friendly. These values and policies are reflected in the following chapters, Toward a Liveable Community, Toward an Accessible and People Friendly Community, and Toward a Viable Community. They are implicit in the development of a healthy and efficient urban structure and in the concept of mixed-use development with a neighbourhood clustering of services.

The importance of greenspace and natural resources are identified in policies contained in chapters on Toward a Harbour Community and Toward an Accessibly Serviced Community. The inter-relationship between water uses and the upland is an important aspect of shoreline land uses. Within the community itself, streetscapes, land around buildings, parks, school grounds and in many instances, parts of the site of important institutional buildings, all contribute to a greenspace system within the City. This is an essential part of Victoria’s general character and a significant contribution to the community’s liveability.

Complementary to the greenspace system is the overall pattern, density and form of development. This reflects the origins of the City from the earliest days of Colonial settlement when the street pattern was laid out, to the turn of the century, when much of the building style and form was established. This does not diminish the significance of new development. It does emphasize the importance of conserving the best of our heritage through buildings and, where possible, the basic style and form of the community.

The City of Victoria supports the goals of reducing local contributions of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere and ensuring clean air for its citizens. The City is concerned about the need to improve air quality and to maintain healthy standards, both to ensure good quality of life for residents and to maintain a strong economic base dependent on tourism.


7.2

Much of the energy consumed in North America is in the form of products which we use and which make up a significant part of our lifestyle. By reducing our material consumption, through refuse recycling, we reduce the energy required to produce new materials. We also save the energy we would otherwise need to dispose of our garbage. This both reduces carbon dioxide emissions and improves local air quality.

TOPIC (1) – GENERAL

OBJECTIVE

(a) To complete the process to update this Official Community Plan chapter in consultation with the Environment and Public Works Advisory Committee on policies within the scope of the existing Municipal Act.

(b) To further update the Official Community Plan in consultation with the Environment and Public Works Advisory Committee, as legislative amendments to the Municipal Act occur.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Incorporate amendments resulting from the approved review.

(ii) Monitor changes to the Municipal Act and update the Official Community Plan as required.

TOPIC (2) - AIR QUALITY

OBJECTIVE

(a) To promote air quality in accordance with contemporary standards.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Pursue the policies supporting alternative transportation, as described in the chapter Toward an Accessible and People Friendly Community.

(ii) Review regulations on wood and waste burning.

TOPIC (3) – WATER QUALITY

OBJECTIVE

(a) To improve water quality in offshore and inland waters, including the Outer, Inner and Working Harbour reaches.

(b) To provide an adequate and pure source of potable drinking water.

POLICIES

THE CITY, CRD AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

SHOULD:

(i) Cooperate to achieve a high standard of water quality in Juan de Fuca Strait and Victoria Harbour.

THE CITY AND CRD SHOULD:

(ii) Monitor policies to ensure an adequate and pure source of drinking water.

TOPIC (4) – BIODIVERSITY AND GREENSPACE

Note: see also Toward a Harbour Community and Toward a Well Serviced Community, for details on greenspace and parks.

OBJECTIVE

(a) To maintain and restore, where possible, the City’s natural bio-diversity.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Identify and preserve, enhance and restore remaining significant natural landscape features and natural indigenous habitats.

THE CITY, IN COOPERATION WITH THE CRD, SHOULD:

(ii) Develop new parks and greenspaces.

THE CITY, WITH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS AND

GROUPS, SHOULD:

(iii) Review the existing landscaping guidelines for City parks, play lots and recreation areas, to encourage environmentally-sensitive practices.


7.3

THE CITY, IN COOPERATION WITH VARIOUS

INTEREST GROUPS, SHOULD:

(iv) Develop an inventory of significant flora and fauna, and develop initiatives to protect and provide appropriate habitat within the City.

TOPIC (5) – URBAN DESIGN

OBJECTIVES

(a) To identify the distinctive character and form of Victoria.

(b) To establish policies and implementation techniques that manage the development of urban activities and direct development pressures in a manner that enhances the City’s desired character and form.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Seek public access to significant natural features such as the waterfront and hilltops where panoramic views can be obtained.

(ii) New developments should respect natural surroundings such as the waterfront, skylines, distinctive trees, and vistas and topographical features.

(iii) New developments should contribute to the human scale of Victoria.

(iv) Ensure that special attention is paid to the visual scale, proportion, continuity and character of street facades.

(v) Public works (municipal buildings and structures) should be uncluttered, of reasonable scale, and pleasing to pedestrians.

(vi) Maintain appropriate settings for architectural and historical landmarks and districts.

(vii) Create landmarks along major access routes to give a sense of arrival and for orientation.

(viii) Continue the creation of urban squares and walkways, with due regard for visibility, public safety, sunlight and wind effect.

(ix) Seek to avoid abrupt changes of character and form of urban development at the boundaries of adjacent municipalities.

(x) Encourage the restoration of character when older buildings are being remodelled.

(xi) Encourage the use of detail, form, texture, colouring and scale for new development that is in keeping with the established surroundings.

(xii) Areas with special characteristics, opportunities and problems should be the subject of design control pursuant to established design guidelines.

(xiii) Both the established design guidelines and the list of areas subject to special controls should be regularly reviewed, and updated as required.

(xiv) Encourage well-maintained private gardens and landscaped areas as a means of enhancing the City’s character.

TOPIC (6) – WATERFRONT

Note: Harbour waterfront objectives and policies also included in Toward a Harbour Community.

OBJECTIVES

(a) To preserve and enhance the character of the beach and foreshore of Gonzales Bay.

(b) To avoid encroachment upon the character of the Juan de Fuca shoreline.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Sustain the land use controls applied in 1983 adjacent to Gonzales Bay.

(ii) Maintain current parks improvement programs with continuing work, particularly at Holland Point, Beacon Hill and Clover Point parks.

(iii) Consider development of a breakwater to reduce wave action on the sea wall and improve recreational potential of Ross Bay.


7.4

THE CITY, CRD AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

SHOULD:

(iv) Cooperate to achieve a high standard of water quality in Juan de Fuca Strait.

TOPIC (7) – RECYCLING AND RESOURCE

CONSERVATION

OBJECTIVE

(a) Extend recycling programs further to include all material which can be recycled.

POLICIES

THE CITY AND SENIOR GOVERNMENTS SHOULD:

(i) Support federal and provincial initiatives to encourage all forms of recycling.

TOPIC (8) – HERITAGE

OBJECTIVES

(a) To encourage the preservation and conservation of those sites, buildings and structures that are of architectural and historical significance.

(b) To provide, in cooperation with local heritage agencies, financial and other incentives which will encourage the conservation of heritage resources.

(c) To maintain and develop regulatory controls that will assist in the conservation of natural and built heritage resources, including view corridors (see also Toward a Harbour Community).

(d) To promote public awareness, understanding and appreciation of heritage resources and a commitment to their conservation.

(e) To maintain and develop principles and guidelines for the rehabilitation of heritage resources.

(f) To maintain, develop and utilize comprehensive heritage management plans for the protection and revitalization of individual heritage resources and heritage areas.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Maintain and develop programs for the identification of significant heritage resources, including the Heritage Registry; to review and update the Registry where required; and to publicize this information through information pamphlets and publications.

(ii) Maintain and develop regulatory controls such as heritage designations, Development Permit Areas, Heritage Conservation Areas, temporary heritage protection orders and other mechanisms, including view corridor designations, for the protection of significant heritage resources and areas.

(iii) Maintain, develop and provide financial incentives for heritage conservation in cooperation with the Victoria Heritage Foundation and the Victoria Civic Heritage Trust; and to utilize senior government programs where available.

(iv) Provide other economic incentives, such as use and parking relaxations and density bonuses consistent with heritage conservation standards or transfers to assist in the revitalization of heritage resources.

(v) Consider planning policies that advance heritage conservation objectives for each neighbourhood.

(vi) To provide established design guidelines and rehabilitation principles and guidelines according to recognized professional standards, to assist in the regulation of rehabilitation and restoration of heritage buildings and to guide new development in heritage conservation areas.

THE CITY AND LOCAL HERITAGE GROUPS SHOULD:

(vii) Promote public awareness of heritage conservation in cooperation with other local heritage groups through publications, walking tours, displays, awards programs, interpretive programs, educational programs and presentations, or other means.


7.5

THE CITY, SCHOOL BOARD, CRD, GOVERNMENT

BODIES AND SENIOR LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT

SHOULD:

(viii) Seek the cooperation of senior levels of government to encourage the identification, protection and rehabilitation of heritage resources owned by them and their crown corporations, including the Capital Regional District, the British Columbia Buildings Corporation, the Provincial Capital Commission and other semi-autonomous, quasi-governmental agencies such as school boards, hospitals, etc.


8.1

8. TOWARD A HARBOUR COMMUNITY

KEY DIRECTIONS

The water and shoreline of the harbour is an invaluable public resource. There is a need to perceive the harbour waterfront as an entity and plan for the role of the harbour. Problems can arise from the fragmentation of interests and policies, and it is important that planning for the harbour is consolidated. In 1994, the City undertook "to consolidate its harbour-related policies with a view to assuring the effective management and use of the features and attributes of Victoria's harbour and its adjacent lands”. These policies, reflected in assorted documents dating from 1986, form the context for planning policies for the harbour.

The harbour is part of the heritage and cultural heart of Victoria. Physically, it offers an aesthetic and intimate public space, which, because of its configuration and human scale, lends itself readily to public venues. In this regard, it has the potential to be reminiscent of great urban spaces which have aged gracefully over the centuries.

At the same time, it must be borne in mind that Victoria itself exists because the harbour is one of a few natural harbours along the coastline and future plans for the harbour should ensure the needs of marine based activities and industries receive consideration.

Influencing the potential development of the Harbour are the complexities of numerous jurisdictions and owners, as well as the options available for a management structure. The City of Victoria is only one actor among several public and private sector interests. Therefore, while the issue is extremely relevant to Victoria’s vision and the Official Community Plan policies, collective government action is required which is beyond the scope of this document.

Within the harbour planning area, six sub-areas have been identified based on geographical and other characteristics (see Map 8). These are the following harbour reaches: Outer Harbour, Shoal Point-Laurel Point, Inner Harbour, Upper (Working) Harbour, Selkirk Water and Songhees- South Shore. The policies dealt with in this chapter, however, apply on a harbour-wide basis, unless there is a policy unique to one area. Planning for the harbour and the mix of activities must take into account its natural extension into other areas of jurisdiction.

Victoria Harbour, defined as a ‘working harbour’, would be developed as a mixed-use harbour that provides a haven for ships and boats; a sea transportation and cargo terminal; a base for maritime and water-dependent industries; a stimulating living environment; and community access for enjoyment and celebration.

This chapter provides a policy framework for a local plan to be prepared in much greater detail.

There is support for an active Working Harbour with mixed-use activities, provided all uses, including residential, recognize and are compatible with harbour traffic activities. Emphasis is on the need for integrated waterfront planning and relationship to surrounding neighbourhoods, while maintaining balance between public access and marine priorities.


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A. CHARACTERISTICS

Victoria Harbour bisects the City, affording a sheltered body of water and 11 kilometres of shoreline from Ogden Point to Portage Inlet. Against the backdrop of the Olympic Mountains, the Harbour provides visitors with a grand entrance to Victoria and the first impressions of the city. The stepped Harbour shoreline allows some activities and development to be accommodated at a grade between the perimeter road and waterline without detracting from the vistas of heritage buildings and upland natural landscape features.

Visually, the shoreline development presents both formal and informal stretches of cultural and heritage buildings, as well as an array of contemporary residential buildings, tourist accommodation and related commercial activity. Essentially, the Inner Harbour now represents a residential, tourist, recreational and transportation resource. Other parts of the harbour, namely the Upper Harbour and Outer Harbour, continue to exhibit the characteristics of a working harbour with industrial marine related land uses. The harbour is a significant multi-modal transportation node within Victoria. While the transportation of goods has declined, the transportation of people by water taxi, ferry, charter boat, cruise ship, helijet and float plane, generates a steady set of harbour activity. Together with the marinas for the fishing fleet and recreational sailing vessels, there is a notable level of water traffic.

The economic and financial characteristics of the harbour are derived from all levels of government and a mix of ownership and land uses. Annual revenues and financial viability are key to protecting the status of the port and harbour, and successfully implementing any of the harbour management options. Cooperation and a comprehensive solution and vision for the harbour are essential if a successful plan is to be achieved and implemented.

TOPIC A (1) – THE NATURAL AND BUILT

ENVIRONMENT

OBJECTIVES

(a) To improve the Inner Harbour as an important and visually pleasing entrance to the City and Region, complimentary to the character of downtown Victoria.

(b) To realize the aesthetic and recreational potential of the harbour.

(c) To define and conserve public view corridors to the Olympic Mountains, Parliament Buildings, Inner Harbour Causeway, and harbour entrance.

(d) To protect the significant natural features of the physical environment, as identified in local plans.

(e) To ensure that new development respects key views to the waterfront and landmarks within the area, and building heights and block sizes respect Victoria's historic waterfront.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Compile an inventory of important natural areas, vistas and view windows to be identified in local plans.

(ii) Development permits will be used to regulate form, character and design in sensitive areas.

TOPIC A (2) – CULTURAL HERITAGE

OBJECTIVE

(a) To retain and enhance the buildings and features that support the City's heritage, by pursuing a program to preserve the harbour's cultural heritage and Victoria’s marine heritage.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Preserve heritage buildings in the shoreline area.

(ii) Preserve and enhance the cultural and marine heritage significance and visitor oriented character of the Inner Harbour waterfront, and integrate the harbour with Old Town through zoning and Development Permit system.


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THE CITY AND FIRST NATIONS BAND COUNCIL

SHOULD:

(iii) Preserve Halkett Island as a native cultural and spiritual site.

TOPIC A (3) – ECONOMIC BASE

OBJECTIVE

(a) To realize the harbour's economic potential, as part of diversifying Victoria’s economy.

(b) To encourage the development of docks and moorage for a wide variety of ships and boats; to develop marine services that will encourage fishing fleets to select Victoria as their home port; and, to develop zoning to encourage marine industries to locate in the harbour.

POLICIES

THE CITY AND SENIOR GOVERNMENTS SHOULD:

(i) Work collectively with harbour stakeholders to review economic opportunities for the harbour as part of a comprehensive economic development strategy for the City.

(ii) Encourage fishing fleets and marine industry to locate in Victoria to support economic diversification.

B. USE ACTIVITIES

The harbour is a vibrant focal point for multi-purpose activities, including places for commerce and industry oriented to the waterfront. It provides users, residents and tourists, with an opportunity to experience different water-oriented activities in a quality environment. The harbour is a public resource and waterfront properties command high values. These properties should be aesthetically pleasing and functioning properly, while still being able to capitalize on the investment.

Victoria Harbour is already established as a community resource, and public attitudes have to be considered in developing a comprehensive plan. Public access to the waterfront has been a priority in developments to date, and there is a need to preserve or create access where it is affected by new developments.

People-oriented waterfront uses that are safe and attractive for visitors, should incorporate continuous linear public space, provide access to the water's edge and provide centres for community activities and events.

The public ceremonial space afforded by the Inner Harbour hosts a number of public festivals throughout the year, with activities both land and water based. These include the Victoria Symphony Splash, Swiftsure, Classic Boat Festival, and harbourfront festivals such as those held during the Commonwealth Games. The harbour is a natural stage for these events and identification of opportunities to extend ceremonial and festive space around the harbour should be prominent.

Over the last decade, residential development, especially condominium construction, has become an increasingly significant component of waterfront land use along the harbour shoreline. The location offers many attractive features for residents - proximity to downtown, harbour activities, mountain and water vistas, and access to public recreational facilities on their doorstep. However, harbour residents must accept 24-hour activity and reasonable noise levels associated with normal harbour activities. Through urban design guidelines, the City can control the development of the site and built environment. Given the growing pressures for residential development along the harbour shoreline and competing land uses, new development should be compatible with adjacent development. There is the opportunity for quality marinas for visiting yachts to co-exist with residences. A harbour plan should assess the desirable level and role of residential development as an element of an overall land use strategy for the harbour.

The Upper Harbour, also known as the Working Harbour, is susceptible to transition from marine related industries to a contemporary mixture of commercial, institutional and industrial waterfront uses. The under-used waterfront on either side of the Working Harbour should be revitalized. The redevelopment of former shoreline "industrial" lands will increase interest in


8.5

additional development pressures. To date, this harbour reach has represented the most important concentration of waterfront industrial development in the region. The continuing presence of industry on the Working Harbour should be encouraged in recognition of its important role in the regional economy. Viable industry should be supported through policies ensuring long term tenancy for industrial users and creating incentives and mechanisms to permit industry to compete with residential and other non-industrial uses to generate a mixed-use harbour. Emerging marine technology may provide opportunities for industrial expansion in this area of the harbour. Water uses such as small boat marinas, float homes, marine restaurants and pubs associated with new upland commercial uses are supported.

The harbour is a destination point for many travellers. The Inner Harbour services multi-modal traffic arrivals and has the potential to continue as a regional traffic centre. It can accommodate shallow draft passenger vessels and pleasure craft. Ogden Point is a deep-sea marine terminal at the mouth of Victoria Harbour and accommodates cruise vessel requirements. The character of the Outer Harbour as the maritime gateway to Victoria should be enhanced.

In the absence of a neighbourhood plan for the harbour, the objectives and policies included in this section are atypical in the level of detail required for an Official Community Plan.

TOPIC B (1) – PUBLIC ACCESS AND

RECREATION LANDS

OBJECTIVES

(a) To improve the quality and opportunity for public use and participation in harbour-oriented activities.

(b) To improve public access and interest in the entire Outer Harbour shoreline.

(c) To redevelop the South Songhees shoreline with adequate public access and parkland, as part of the approved Songhees development.

(d) To enhance tourist services and facilities along the waterfront.

(e) To assess opportunities for additional public festivals, gatherings, and exhibits.

(f) To revitalize under-used waterfront on either side of the Working Harbour, securing public access wherever feasible.

(g) To improve opportunities for recreational use of Selkirk Waters and the shoreline.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD: (i) Improve public access to the

waterfront, including vista points at key locations.

(ii) Acquire land to serve public access and protect shoreline areas, and to connect gaps in the present waterfront pathway and park system.

(iii) Facilitate pedestrian and bicycle paths close to the harbour shoreline.

(iv) Below the level of Wharf Street, the development potential for structured parking, walkways and public open space should be realized.

(v) Utilize landscape treatment to enhance gateways and waterfront pathways in the Inner Harbour.

(vi) Provide small-scale parking along the shoreline to permit public access.

(vii) Maintain and improve visitor information services in key locations, especially the Inner Harbour.

(viii) Designate appropriate areas as "mixed use shoreline" to include public recreation, small craft launching and moorage, marine restaurants and pubs and clusters of float homes.

(ix) Secure, by easement or acquisition, the remaining lands required to link public access from Lime Bay to the Esquimalt boundary.

(x) Continue to undertake parks and beach improvements to public waterfront as an amenity for both the Victoria West community and the City at large.

(xi) Develop City property at Arm Street and between Burleith and Coventry Avenues as lookout parks on the Gorge.


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(xii) Develop a footbridge from the Gorge Road Hospital to the southern shoreline of Selkirk Waters as a component of a loop walkway around both shorelines.

(xiii) Establish a continuous walkway from Gorge Road Hospital grounds to link with a natural valley parkway to Burnside Road.

(xiv) Establish a waterfront footpath between Banfield and Arm Street Parks.

(xv) Investigate securing the trestle bridge across Selkirk Water for public use.

THE CITY WITH PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT

SHOULD:

(xvi) Identify sites for public activities and festivities in new locations.

THE CITY, PROVINCE AND PRIVATE SECTOR

SHOULD:

(xvii) Develop a continuous waterfront promenade from Johnson Street Bridge to Laurel Point by adding links between existing walkways.

(xviii) Redevelopment of the Inner Harbour’s south shore should recognize the development potential for integrated parking, pedestrian walkways, open space and ferry terminals.

TOPIC B (2) – RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

OBJECTIVE

(a) To ensure the type, density and location of residential development within the harbour and provide community services that are compatible with planned industry and transportation.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Continue to refine harbour urban design guidelines for site and built environment, and use the Development Permit system. These would be part of the neighbourhood plan for the harbour.

(ii) With the Federal Government, negotiate a policy supportive of float homes with the intention of designating specific areas of the harbour for this purpose.

(iii) Ensure that the harbour’s residents, including live-aboards and float home residents recognize 24-hour harbour activity and reasonable noise level.

TOPIC B (3) – COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL

USES

OBJECTIVES

(a) To undertake an economic development study to develop suitable marine-related economic activity and an incentive program to encourage development for the Upper Harbour, focusing on City-owned land, as part of an early neighbourhood plan for the harbour.

(b) To encourage the establishment of industry that is environmentally compatible with adjacent residential and tourist-oriented development.

(c) To retain the shoreline from Laurel Point to Ogden Point of the Outer Harbour for marine industrial, marine commercial and marine service uses in a manner that is compatible with the James Bay neighbourhood.

(d) To sustain and enhance major marine industries which are vital components of Victoria’s economic base.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Through zoning, accommodate marine industry and services supportive of the Working Harbour, and retain and encourage marine industries that require waterfront access in appropriate harbour locations.

(ii) Provide buffers between industrial and other uses via zoning or development permit measures.

(iii) Sustain land use controls in James Bay confirming continued maritime industrial and service uses.


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(iv) On the James Bay shoreline consider performance standards for new industrial development to encourage industry and compatible marine oriented commercial activities and improve public access to waterfront, where practical.

THE CITY, PROVINCE AND PRIVATE SECTOR

SHOULD:

Retain and refine industrial and commercial land use controls on the Dockside shoreline and, where possible, re-plot poorly subdivided areas to assist in redevelopment and to improve public access to the shoreline.

TOPIC B (4) – TRANSPORTATION

OBJECTIVES

(a) To promote the harbour as a multi-modal transportation centre.

(b) To ensure shoreline uses are compatible with the safe operation of harbour traffic.

POLICIES

THE CITY, WITH SENIOR GOVERNMENTS SHOULD:

(i) Work to sustain and improve the regional ferry services, promote the establishment of a heliport at Shoal Point and redevelop the Ogden Point area to improve cruise ship facilities and tourist services.

(ii) Manage activities to complement the safe operation of ferries and float planes, through zoning and land management.

(iii) Discourage shoreline uses that are incompatible with safe operation of the ferries and float planes.

C. HARBOUR MANAGEMENT AND

STAKEHOLDER INTEREST

The involvement of numerous jurisdictions and legislation, including three levels of government, in the Port and City activities creates a highly sensitive planning environment. This situation, combined with one where there is no single overall harbour management agency, does not facilitate a coordinated strategy for waterfront redevelopment.

As a port, Victoria has limited revenues from cargo shipping, and with declining transportation of goods, there is concern over the reduction of the port's status. Its major source of income is from land and water rentals and berthage fees.

The issue of harbour revenue and administration is beyond the scope of this document. However, it has been studied and discussed extensively in recent years and there are indications that options (Harbour Commission, Port Corporation, Local Authority) for a more autonomous port administration are under active consideration. If agreed upon and established, such an authority would be in a position to consolidate the planning, control and marketing of the port facility.

TOPIC C (1) – REVENUES

OBJECTIVE

(a) Increase port revenues.

POLICIES


GOVERNMENTS, SHOULD:

(i) Promote and market the Port of Victoria.

(ii) Work collectively with other levels of government to enhance the image and marketability of the port.

(iii) Cooperate to establish detailed policies for harbour development within the general framework of land use controls, including budgets for capital improvements such as walkways, roof decks, piers, parks, services, etc.

TOPIC C (2) – MANAGEMENT

OBJECTIVE

(a) Consider establishing a port management agency.

POLICIES


GOVERNMENTS, SHOULD:

(i) Work cooperatively with other levels of government to identify the best form of port administration.


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D. A SUSTAINABLE HARBOUR RESOURCE

The natural environment of the harbour includes the water, shoreline, natural landscape and habitat. Recognition in an inventory of the significant natural features, such as vistas and remaining natural habitats, would help assure their preservation through land and resource management planning.

There are increasing pressures to redevelop waterfront lands. It is important to preserve the natural features of the landscape and shoreline with their respective habitats, including wetlands; particularly as the harbour is seen as a community resource and public access and open space is a major element of planning interest.

With the harbour operating primarily as the commercial/industrial focus of the City for a large part of this century, the issue of the environmental condition of waterfront properties must receive consideration. The legislative and financial implications of redevelopment have to be considered where relevant.

Future planning for water-oriented land use needs to consider the integration of land and water use.

TOPIC D – PRESERVE THE SHORELINE AND

SIGNIFICANT NATURAL SHORELINE FEATURES

OBJECTIVES

(a) To protect and preserve significant natural landscape features and natural habitats, as identified in local plans.

(b) To plan responsibly to preserve the quality of the shoreline for future generations.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Compile an inventory of significant shoreline features, vistas and view corridors, and natural habitats to be identified in local plans.

(ii) Protect important remaining shoreline.

(iii) Fill over shorelines only when public amenity is improved, or where development has been negotiated through the local plan review process.

(iv) Minimize storm sewer contamination of the harbour.

THE CITY AND BC GOVERNMENT SHOULD:

(v) Identify soil contamination sites prior to development approval.

THE CITY, CRD AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

SHOULD:

(vi) Cooperate to achieve a high standard of water quality in Juan de Fuca Strait and Victoria Harbour.


9.1

9. TOWARD A WELL SERVICED COMMUNITY

KEY DIRECTIONS

A. GENERAL

The City has the responsibility for the provision of a number of basic community services. These include the majority of parks and recreation services, police and fire protection and sewer and water systems. Schools and health services are the responsibility of other government bodies. Included in this chapter, and cross referenced with chapters Toward a Liveable Community and Toward a Viable Community, is the issue of facilities for the arts. While much community arts activity is

decentralized in recreation and educational centres within neighbourhoods, there is a role for a community arts centre which would provide rehearsal and exhibition space, artists’ studios, workshop and educational areas in or near the Downtown core. To be fiscally responsible, professional and community groups should work in cooperation with the City to investigate funding through a public/private partnership arrangement.

Over the years, there has been a steady increase in the level of service expected by the community. However, it has become increasingly difficult to meet such expectations from conventional local government resources. In general, basic needs are satisfactorily met; the park system is well established and there is the potential to develop a Greenways Program; plans for hospital expansion and relocation are substantially complete; major funding of capital works is committed. Future needs are anticipated to be modest in most respects. New commitments and increased levels of service would be dependent upon changes in Provincial and Federal Government policies and financial assistance programs, capital budget referenda and possible new revenue programs, for example, Development Cost Charges and a Housing Reserve Fund.

A physical infrastructure, with an effective level of utilities and services, is important in achieving a quality of life for the community.

Keep a green Victoria by maintaining and developing innovative greenspace, such as developing green residential walkways and cycleways into the City.

Distribution of Park Area

Community Parks80.2%

Neighbourhood Parks6.7%

Ornamental Areas2.1%

Squares0.4%

Boulevards7.8%

Beaches1.6%

Cemetary Park1.2%

Source: City of Victoria Parks Department 1989


9.3

The locations of existing major water mains, storm sewers and sanitary services are shown on Map 9.

TOPIC (1) – PARKS

OBJECTIVES

(a) To provide parks and open spaces that meet the changing recreational needs of Victoria’s citizens.

(b) To attain the greatest public benefit from public and private open greenspace.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Pursue major park development programs, including Central, Topaz, MacDonald, Burnside, Jubilee, Harris Green, Victoria West, Gonzales Bay and Oswald Parks.

(ii) Maintain and expand waterfront access and pedestrian walkway systems.

(iii) Re-examine park and open space needs to acknowledge changes in neighbour-hood population characteristics and size.

(iv) Work towards achieving a park supply standard of:

(a) 0.61 hectares of neighbourhood park land per 1,000 population.

(b) an increase in the number of available athletics fields in the City.

(c) 0.93 hectares of community parkland per 1,000 population; these often serve several neighbourhoods.

(v) Locate future parks considering the following criteria:

(a) parks should, where possible, be located to serve residents within walking distance - smaller neighbourhood parks have a service radius of about 0.4 kilometres and primary neighbourhood parks containing extensive services have a service radius of about 0.8 km.

(b) future park locations should take into consideration open greenspace of other institutions such as schools.

(c) the neighbourhood standard applied in consideration of (a) and (b) above may be in adjoining neighbourhoods. Parks serve residents by accessibility and proximity rather than by neighbourhood boundaries.

(d) develop neighbourhood park sites adjacent to school sites with play lots close by for very young children, where possible.

THE CITY AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR SHOULD:

(vi) In residential developments, encourage developers to make provisions for open space.

THE CITY AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT SHOULD:

(vii) Improve liaison with the School Board for joint use of grounds.

THE CITY AND THE PROVINCE SHOULD:

(viii) Support provincial agencies in the maintenance and enhancement of their parks and open greenspace in the City.

THE CITY AND PROVINCIAL CAPITAL COMMISSION

SHOULD:

(ix) Investigate a Greenways Program strategy.

TOPIC (2) – UTILITIES

OBJECTIVE

(a) To develop and maintain a good level of utilities services for the developed community, recognizing those areas subject to change.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Complete the approved upgrading, enlargement and extension of the City’s services included in the Capital Budget.

(ii) Where land use change increases densities, consider appropriate bylaws to cover the costs of all secondary services to new developments.


9.4

(iii) Make land use decisions compatible with servicing capacities and coordinate upgrading programs with land use policies.

(iv) Encourage and assist the CRD with trunk sewer facilities planning.

(v) Encourage and assist the CRD with solid waste disposal program.

(vi) Monitor policies to ensure an adequate and prime source of potable drinking water.

THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD:

(vii) Provide services for redevelopment of the Songhees area.

THE CITY AND SAANICH SHOULD:

(viii) Cooperate to adequately service the north and northwest area of the City and adjoining Saanich lands.

TOPIC (3) – POLICE AND FIRE

OBJECTIVE

(a) To sustain cost-effective police and fire protection for people and property.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Support fire and crime prevention by available techniques, including environmental design.

(ii) Provide for a new fire hall in James Bay to serve the southern part of the core, Fairfield and James Bay.

(iii) Investigate firefighting sites for the emergency harbour service and to serve Victoria West, including training sites.

(iv) Provide the means for effective fire service delivery to all areas of the City for existing and future facilities, as part of transportation planning.

(v) Investigate the feasibility of joint police/fire facilities in neighbourhoods, particularly in James Bay and Victoria West.

TOPIC (4) – SCHOOLS

OBJECTIVES

(a) To support the School Board in providing high-quality, cost effective education in a manner compatible with other community objectives.

(b) To encourage multi-purpose use of school sites.

POLICIES

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Through land use controls and neighbourhood plans, recognize and sustain existing schools by encouraging family housing in neighbourhoods.

THE SCHOOL BOARD AND CITY SHOULD:

(ii) Identify alternative uses for existing school buildings and sites which have become surplus to educational requirements.

(iii) Sustain existing school sites and buildings to the benefit of neighbourhoods and the community at large.

(iv) Continue to investigate ways to maximize community use of existing school facilities.

TOPIC (5) – HEALTH SERVICES

OBJECTIVE

(a) To support the Hospital District in providing a high quality of cost-effective community health care in a manner compatible with other community objectives.

POLICIES

THE CITY AND THE REGIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITY

SHOULD:

(i) Work towards implementation of contemporary standards of health facilities, e.g., upgrading of the Royal Jubilee Hospital in an appropriate manner.


9.5

(ii) Consider retention of the Victoria General Hospital - Fairfield, as a long-term care or geriatric facility with ancillary services, in a manner compatible with its surroundings.

THE CITY SHOULD:

(iii) Through land use policies, identify sites for new community care facilities in appropriate residential locations.

(iv) Sustain and enhance established residential care facilities and intermediate care facilities.

(v) Recognize the need for drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres and special needs centres, such as group homes for disabled people requiring support services and crisis shelters.

(vi) Permit residential care uses in conversion of suitable houses.

TOPIC (6) – RECREATION AND CULTURAL

FACILITIES

OBJECTIVES

(a) To provide a level of community recreation and cultural facilities to meet the needs and resources of all City residents.

(b) To increase opportunities for the placement of works of art in public parks, buildings and spaces.

(c) To encourage community sports programs and activities for all age groups.

POLICIES

THE CITY, IN COOPERATION WITH THE SCHOOL

BOARD, SHOULD:

(i) Encourage cooperation in planning for recreational and cultural facilities to avoid gaps and duplication of services.

THE CITY SHOULD:

(ii) Work toward a new leisure complex in the Central Park/Royal Athletic Park and Memorial Arena area, recognizing changing population characteristics.

(iii) Encourage private developers to incorporate recreational facilities within major residential projects.

(iv) Establish a mechanism to increase the number of outdoor venues for arts performances.

THE CITY AND ADJACENT MUNICIPALITIES SHOULD:

(v) Continue cooperation to provide comprehensive library services to the urban community.

THE CITY, IN COOPERATION WITH THE ARTS

INTERMUNICIPAL COMMITTEE AND OTHER

MUNICIPALITIES, SHOULD:

(vi) Revisit the priorities of the Greater Victoria Arts Facility Study with a view to the provision of adequate arts facilities.

(vii) Develop a formula for establishing a capital fund for the provision of major regional professional facilities in the Downtown core.

(viii) Maintain the McPherson and Royal Theatres as viable performance venues for both the community and professional arts activity.


10.1

10. VICTORIA 2020 - IMPLEMENTATION

A. GENERAL

The Official Community Plan for the City of Victoria consolidates and formally establishes Council’s land management objectives and policies. These have been derived from program activity in all areas of planning. The land use structure provisions guide the development control process, and form a sound basis for street and utilities planning and implementation. The Street Network Plan, the Land Use Policy Framework, Land Use Designations shown on maps, the Residential Land Use Policy Framework and the Capital Works Program provide information for persons making decisions on the use and disposition of property.

B. AMENDMENT PROCEDURE

While it provides direction and continuity, the Official Community Plan is not intended to be inflexible. External influences, which are difficult to predict, can have a major impact on development and yet are beyond the control of the City. Therefore, formal reviews will be undertaken at regular intervals. In times of rapid change revisions may be more frequent.

Pursuant to Section 954 of the Municipal Act, the Official Community Plan may be amended as set out in the Land Use Application, Procedure and Fees Regulation Bylaw. Such amendments may include those initiated by Council and those requested by owners of property or their duly appointed agents.

C. INTERMUNICIPAL COORDINATION

City Council will undertake to discuss and cooperate with adjacent municipalities and the Capital Regional District on land growth management matters of common concern under applicable B.C. legislation.

D. NEIGHBOURHOOD AND PRECINCT PLANS, AND POLICY STUDIES

The neighbourhood and precinct plans have an integral link to the Official Community Plan. These plans are endorsed by City Council, and revised as needed with respect

to particular issues and sub-areas. Changes to neighbourhood and precinct plans are formally incorporated as amendments to the Official Community Plan, where the local policies have implications for citywide policies. Neighbourhood and precinct studies to be undertaken, prior to adoption as plans, are indicated in section H (1).

Specialized policy studies are also identified in this section. The actual setting of priorities will be determined by City Council upon recommendation of the Planning Committee Chair.

E. PLANNING REGULATIONS

(1) General: The actual setting of priorities will be determined by City Council upon recommendation of the Planning Committee Chair.

(2) Development Permits and Heritage Alteration Permits: As authorized by Section 919.1 and 970.1 of the Local Government Act, Council designates the areas specified in Schedule “B” as areas where, pursuant to the Local Government Act, the issuance of Development Permits and/or Heritage Alteration Permits is required prior to the commencement of development. The designated Development Permit Areas and Heritage Conservation Areas are illustrated on Map 10. Development Permits and/or Heritage Alteration Permits will not be required under conditions where the development application is confirmed to consist only of repairs, minor alterations and restoration – including but not limited to those related to a change in tenancy – that do not materially alter the design or character of a building, or that consist of minor changes that are consistent with the City policies under the Official Community Plan, and with all applicable bylaw and regulatory standards and do not conflict with the design guidelines under the Official Community Plan.

(3) Temporary Use Permits Pursuant to Section 975 of the Municipal Act, Council may issue permits for temporary commercial and industrial uses throughout the City of Victoria.


10.2

(4) Density Bonus Policy will be developed with the possible inclusion of a Housing Reserve Fund.

(5) The Planning Department will continue to review and refine approval procedures to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of processing applications.

(a) The Zoning Regulation Bylaw will be used to implement many of the planning objectives and policies outlined in this plan. It will continue to be improved by way of periodic amendments under priorities to be established by City Council upon the recommendation of the Planning Committee Chair.

F. SUBDIVISION CONTROL BYLAW

The Subdivision Control Bylaw shall be administered in accordance with the general provisions of this Official Community Plan and the provisions and requirements of the bylaw may be verified by Development Permits and Development Variance Permits issued pursuant to provisions of this Plan.

G. CAPITAL WORKS BUDGET

Under the provisions of Part 6 of the Municipal Act, City Council may adopt a Capital Works Program. The provisions of the Capital Works Program as amended have been recognized by this Official Community Plan, and future changes to the Capital Works Program will be coordinated with the Plan. Priorities for capital works are suggested in section H (2).

H. SUGGESTED PROJECTS

The following projects (not listed in order of priority) are for guidance only and Council is not limited to these items when establishing any appropriate programs.

H (1) NEIGHBOURHOOD AND PRECINCT

PLANS, AND POLICY STUDIES

(a) Cathedral Hill

(b) Fairfield

(c) Fernwood

(d) Gonzales

(e) Harbour

(f) Harris Green

(g) Hillside - Quadra

(i) Jubilee

(j) North Park

(k) Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

(l) Integrated Transportation Strategies Programs, including Neighbourhood Transportation Management Plans.

(m) Greater Victoria Arts Study - revisit the priorities.

(n) Development Cost Charges

(o) Fire Protection Study -Harbour and Victoria West

(p) Investigate the feasibility of joint police/fire facilities in neighbourhoods, particularly James Bay and Victoria West.

H (2) CAPITAL WORKS

(a) City Hall - seismic upgrading

(b) Dallas Road Cliffs - stabilization

(c) Ross Bay Sea Wall - reinforcement

(d) Residential Road Program - residential road renewal

(e) James Bay Fire Station - replacement and enlargement

(f) Police Station - main building replacement

(g) Douglas Street & Yates Street Improvements - upgrading of sidewalks and street furnishings

(h) New Chinatown parkade

(i) Government Street Mall Extension

Phase I to Pandora Avenue

Phase II to Herald Street

(j) Harbour Improvements - arising from Local Area Plan for the Harbour

(k) Mid-block walkways/cut-throughs in Central Area

(l) Selkirk Water Bridge and Walkway

(m) Regional Leisure Centre - upgrading of civic facilities in North Park neighbourhood, including arena block and Crystal Pool


10.3

(n) Park amenities and acquisitions

(o) Arts facility improvements

TOPIC A – IMPLEMENTATION

OBJECTIVE

(a) To adopt a detailed implementation plan within two years of the adoption of this bylaw which assigns responsibility and timeline.

POLICY

THE CITY SHOULD:

(i) Prepare the Implementation Plan and establish a monitoring and review process.


11.1

11. GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Affordable Housing:

Housing which costs (rent or mortgage plus taxes and including 10% down payment) 30% or less of a household's gross annual income. This housing must be within the affordability parameters of low and moderate income households, defined as those within the first two income quartiles for the City of Victoria. It may include the following:

rental housing (at or below market rents);

market and non-profit housing for the elderly, disabled, disadvantaged and for families in need of assistance;

small lot single family dwellings; duplexes; rental or strata suites in

buildings that were constructed originally as detached dwellings and later converted; strata townhouses and suites in apartments marketed for the first time home buyer.

Attached Dwelling:

A building with three or more dwellings attached side by side. Each home has a door onto a yard or street.

BIA (Business Improvement Area):

Area within which property owners and businesses work together to improve and promote the area.

Bylaw:

A law passed and adopted by the City under powers granted by provincial legislation.

Capital Regional District: (See region)

A provincially established federation of local governments and administrative districts providing coordinated services to both urban and rural parts of the region. It is managed by a board of directors appointed from the member municipalities and electoral areas. The Capital Regional District has administered regional parks, health, solid waste and other functions.

Capital Works Program: A set of projects for physical improvements to be undertaken within a time schedule.

Capital Works Budget:

The allocation of funds for physical improvements, e.g. sewers, storm drains, roads, sidewalks and parks.

The City:

The City is the local government comprised of a mayor and council members operating under a provincial government legislative framework provided to all municipalities in the province. (There are some exceptions, e.g., the City of Vancouver operates under the Vancouver Charter).

Commuter Parking:

Long-term parking used primarily for a worker whose vehicle occupies this space for the entire working day. This is distinct from a customer parking space where a much higher turnover rate occurs. It may be reserved space or available to the general public.

CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design):

Refers to a group of strategies and concepts (including the design of buildings and landscaping) intended to reduce the fear of crime and opportunities to commit crimes.

Customer Parking:

Short-term parking available to the general public. This type of parking is characterized by a high turnover rate, e.g., one parking space is put to use by multiple customers during the course of a day as opposed to a commuter parking space which is used by one car only during the day.

Demographics:

Statistics and indicators of economic and social characteristics of a population, including the dimension of change over time, e.g., age, structure, ethnic makeup, education levels, births, deaths, income, etc. Demographic statistics and forecasts are useful for both private and public agencies in planning for future needs in a community, e.g., health and educational facilities.


11.2

Density:

Relationship of total floor area to lot area (also known as floor space ratio, floor area ratio or floor space index). Occasionally, "density" is used to relate the number of dwelling units per hectare. Density and height may sometimes be related, however, it is not unusual to have a high-density, low-profile building or conversely, a low-density, high rise building.

Density (low):

Floor space to land area relationship of 1:1 or less.

Density (medium):

Floor space to land area relationship higher than 1:1 but less than 2:1. Density (high):

Floor space to land area relationship of between 2 and 3:1.

Density (highest):

Floor space to land area relationship of over 3:1.

Density Bonus:

Density that exceeds the level generally applicable under neighbourhood policy for localized zoning. The central principle of the bonus system is that of an exchange of advantages. The developer gains additional density in exchange for specified public amenities. The bonus system is not mandatory and is available to developers by way of an application for rezoning.

Development Permit Area:

An area designated in the Official Community Plan requiring a Council approval before a building permit can be issued. Generally, Development Permit Areas are designated so as to safeguard special characteristics, such as heritage buildings and unique physical appearance or character.

Downtown:

Area generally bounded by Chatham/Caledonia, Blanshard, Belleville and the shore of the harbour (see map for detail).

Downtown Revitalization Program: A provincial funding program to assist in the beautification and improvement of designated commercial areas.

Float Homes:

Dwellings designed to float in protected waters.

Green Space or Greenspace:

Public or private land that is landscaped with lawns and shrubs, but it may include hard-surfaced areas (e.g., patios) with complementary plantings.

Greenways:

A network of pathways, bikeways, waterways or undeveloped networks of open space, featuring view points, heritage resources and natural wildlife and vegetation.

Harbour:

Portion of Victoria's waterfront extending from Ogden Point breakwater to the Gorge (see map).

Heritage Designated:

Property designated by municipal by-law. Properties that have been designated can be altered (or demolished) only with the approval of City Council.

Heritage Registry:

City Council's list of properties that have not been "heritage designated", but which may be eligible for eventual designation. Applications to demolish a building on the Heritage Registry are referred to City Council for a decision on whether or not the designation process is to be initiated. Applications to alter a building on the Heritage Registry receive the benefit of the Heritage Advisory Committee's advice as part of the building permit process.

High Rise - see Profile (High) - Infill Development:

The new buildings on vacant or underused sites within a built-up area. This may be via subdivision of large lots to smaller ones or additions to existing buildings, e.g., by building on an existing side yard.


11.3

Land Use:

Category of activity, e.g., residential, commercial, industrial related to a property including its building spaces.

Mixed Use:

Different uses in relatively close proximity, e.g., apartments above a retail store; light industry adjacent to office building.

Neighbourhood Plan:

A document adopted by City Council that describes objectives, policies and implementation strategies, with respect to land use, density, transportation, community services and other aspects to guide development within a neighbourhood.

NTMP:

Neighbourhood transportation management program. This is an Engineering Department process that seeks to manage traffic on local streets to address neighbourhood concerns.

OCP/Official Community Plan:

A general statement, in the form of a bylaw, of the broad objectives and policies of the local government respecting the form and character of existing and proposed land use and servicing requirements in the area covered by the plan. It provides the policy framework for developing the detailed policies in the neighbourhood plans.

Park, Community-type:

Type of park that, due to amenities, frequently attract persons from other than the immediate neighbourhood. Such amenities include specialized sports fields, special attractions of an historical, cultural or social significance and parks with a special environmental significance ranging from classic gardens to protected ecological communities, e.g., Stadacona or Topaz Parks. Portions may function in a dual role as neighbourhood parks.

Park, Neighbourhood-type:

Park space in a neighbourhood that provides open space for unstructured or structured leisure activities, passive recreation or an aesthetic interlude. Does not include squares, boulevards or streetscapes.

Park, Neighbourhood Primary-type: A major, centrally-located park site in a neighbourhood that serves as a visual, recreational and social focus of a neighbourhood, e.g. Irving or Redfern Park.

Profile (Low):

Building height of 1-3 storeys (up to five storeys Downtown)

Profile (Medium):

Building height of 4-7 storeys (6-10 storeys Downtown)

Profile (High):

Building height of 8 or more storeys; (11 plus storeys Downtown)

Quartiles (Income):

The levels of income which divide income earners into the lowest 25%, the lowest 50% and the lowest 75% of all income earners.

Region:

The Capital Regional District (generally the area between Port Renfrew and southern Gulf Islands)

Retail Core:

Area defined in the City's Official Community Plan as having the highest concentration and strategic importance for retail land uses.

Safety Audit:

A checklist of physical features, e.g., lighting or landscaping contributing to personal safety and sense of security and insecurity.

Social Planning:

This promotes the overall well-being of the community and its quality of life. The aim is to create communities that are safe, convenient and people-oriented, with amenities accessible to a wide range of citizens regardless of age, sex or income. It emphasizes citizen involvement in the important decisions affecting our community. It is concerned with all people who live, work or play in our community but especially for those who are in any way vulnerable - children, women, disabled, seniors, homeless - who do not always participate.


11.4

Special Needs Housing:

This is affordable housing for those at risk or with special requirements, e.g., housing for disabled persons which is suitably accessible and offers support services, if required for independent living.

Traffic Calming:

Measures taken to mitigate negative impacts of traffic in a neighbourhood, e.g., speed hump.

Transient Accommodation:

Accommodations for persons who normally reside elsewhere, e.g., hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, hostel.

Transportation Demand Management:

Use of incentives and disincentives to influence travel habits towards more efficient travel modes, e.g., transit.

Walkway System:

Network of pedestrian paths connecting up various origins and destinations. A walkway system may incorporate both public and private lands.

Zoning:

The division of the City by bylaw into discreet areas in which density, use, siting, size and height of buildings and the shape and dimensions and areas of parcels of land are regulated.

OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN SCHEDULE B

DESIGNATED DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREAS AND

HERITAGE CONSERVATION AREAS

The areas covered by Development Permit Area designation are sensitive areas of the City where the highest possible quality of design in keeping with the area’s special potential is to be achieved. In Development Permit Areas most forms of exterior changes to the appearance of a property must have City Council approval before a building permit is issued. The following Schedule includes the purpose and objectives of the area and guidelines to be referenced in a development application. Note: In consideration of exterior design, the guidelines should be reviewed in parallel with the technical requirements of building envelope details to provide the optimal protection for the buildings and their occupants. The City recognizes that excellent professional and industrial practice of building envelope construction will take precedence and is prepared to consider an applicant’s alternative design approach.

TABLE A

APPLICABLE DESIGN GUIDELINES AND HEARING REQUIREMENTS

Development Permit Area Design Guidelines

1 Old Town and Chinatown a, b, c, d, i, bb, gg

2 Inner Harbour a, c, d, v, bb, gg

3 James Bay and Outer Harbour d, bb

4 Songhees and Lime Point d, e, w, bb

HCA 1 Catherine Street North a, c

6 Bay, Government & Douglas d

7 Blanshard St North d

8 Harris Green & North Park a, c, d, f(i), f(ii), g

9 700 Block Yates a, c, h, i

10 Lower Fort St a, c, d, i

11 Upper Fort St a, c, d

12 Oak Bay Avenue d, j

13 Lower Cook St k

HCA 2 Battery St Cluster a, c, d

15 Downtown a, c, d, ,i, l, x, cc, ii

16 Selkirk m

17 Hillside d

18 Shelbourne d, n

20 Legislature o

HCA 3 Elora a, c, d

23 Bayside p

24 Garbally d, q

25 Burnside d, q

26 Intensive Residential Development d, r, s

27 East Fort St d

28 Quadra Village t

29 Victoria Arm - Gorge Waterway u

30 Fairfield d

31 Princess d, y

32 Menzies St. James Bay Neighbourhood d

33 Fernwood Village a, c, d

HCA 4 St. Charles a, c, d

HCA 5 Avalon Huntington a, c, d

34 Cathedral Hill Precinct a, aa, c, d

35 Humboldt Valley dd, ee

36 Dockside ff, jj

37 Gorge Road d, hh,

39 Roundhouse a, kk, ee

40 Humber Green ll

41 Rockland Intensive Residential Development d, nn

Notes: All Development Permits with relaxations require a Council Hearing as set out in the Land Use Procedures Bylaw. This table is provided for convenience only and does not form part of this bylaw. In case of inconsistency, the Official Community Plan provisions apply.

TABLE B

APPLICABLE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREAS

Design Guidelines Development Permit Areas

a 1, 2, HCA1, 8, 9, 10, 11, HCA2, 15, HCA3, 33, HCA4, HCA5, 34 (For Heritage Designated Buildings)

b 1

c 1,2,HCA1,8,9,10,11,HCA2,15,HCA3, 33, HCA4, HCA5, 34

d 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, HCA2, 15, 17, 18, HCA3, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30,31,32, 33, 37, HCA4, HCA5, 34

e 4

f (i) & (ii) 8

g 8

h 9

i 1,9,10,15

j 12

k 13

l 15

m 16

n 18

o 20

p 23

q 24,25

r 26

s 26

t 28

u 29

v 2

w 4

x 15

y 31

aa 34

bb 1, 2, 3, 4

cc 15

dd 35

ee 35

ff 36

gg 1, 2

hh 37

ii 15

jj 36

kk 39

ll 40

mm 2

Note: For some highly specialized sites design is regulated by lot specific standards not listed here. e.g. Land Use Contracts (LUC), Rotherham Site, Y-lot, etc.

This table is provided for convenience only and does not form part of this bylaw. In case of inconsistency, the Official Community Plan provisions apply.

TABLE C

LIST OF DESIGN GUIDELINES

a Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada, Parks Canada b Chinatown Guidelines for Buildings, Canopies, Landscaping, Colours & Signs (1983) c City of Victoria Heritage Program Sign & Awning (1981) Guidelines d Advisory Design Guidelines for Buildings, Signs & Awnings (1981) e Policy Plan & Design Guidelines for the Songhees Area of Victoria West as amended by Council on April 14,

2005 f (i) Harris Green Neighbourhood Plan (1995) f (ii) Harris Green Charrette Urban Design Guidelines (1997) g North Park Local Plan (1996) h Yates Street 700 Block Guidelines for Buildings, Canopies, Awnings & Signs (1984) i Downtown Victoria Plan, 1990 j Oak Bay Avenue Report (1982) k Cook Street Village Guidelines (1985 with minor update in 2001) l Signs, Awnings and Canopies – Heritage Designated Sites & Development Permit Area Sites (1983) m Selkirk Waterfront Urban Design Manual (June 1993) n Oaklands Neighbourhood Plan 1993 o Legislative Precinct Urban Design Manual, dated June 2, 1994 p Railyards Development Guidelines, November 6, 2002 q Burnside Neighbourhood Plan – 1992 r Design Guidelines for Small Lot House - September 2002 s City of Victoria Neighbourliness Guidelines for Duplexes-Nov. 1996 t Quadra Village Design Guidelines - January 28, 1998 u Guidelines (self-contained) for Victoria Arm - Gorge Waterway v The Belleville International Terminal Design Guidelines-Sept.29, 2000 w Design Guidelines for the Dockside Area, 2005 x Urban Design Guidelines, Fairfield Block, Parcels 1 and 2, prepared by City Spaces Consulting Ltd. and Ray

Hunt Planning and Architecture Ltd., dated March 2001 y Work-Live Design and Planning Guidelines (1999) aa Cathedral Hill Precinct Plan 2004 bb Victoria Harbour Plan, 2001 cc Urban Design Guidelines for Proposed Subdivision and Rezoning of the 700 Block Pandora/Cormorant Streets

and 1520 Blanshard Street prepared by the Campbell Moore Group Architects Limited dd Humboldt Valley Precinct Plan ee Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design ff Design Guidelines for the Dockside Area (2005) gg Design Guidelines: Old Town, Victoria, B.C. – New Buildings and Additions to Non-Heritage Buildings

hh Gorge Road

ii The Bay Site Design Guidelines, 2006

jj Harbour Road Industrial Waterfront Design Guidelines (2008)

kk Roundhouse Design Guidelines, July 2008

ll Humber Green Guidelines 2010

mm Royal British Columbia Museum Urban Design Guidelines (April 13, 2011)

nn Design Guidelines for Attached and Semi-Attached Dwellings in Rockland

This table is provided for convenience only and does not form part of this bylaw. In case of inconsistency, the Official Community Plan provisions apply.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 1 (HERITAGE CONSERVATION), OLD TOWN AND CHINATOWN 1. (a) Pursuant to Section 919.1 (1) (d) and (f) and 970.1(1) & (2) of the Local

Government Act, the area shown within the heavy dark grey line on Map 10.1 is designated as Development Permit and Heritage Conservation Area (DPA) 1, Old Town and Chinatown, for the purposes of:

i. Revitalizing an area in which a commercial use is permitted;

ii. Establishing objectives and providing guidelines for the form and character of Industrial, commercial and multi-family residential development;

iii. Protecting, conserving and enhancing the heritage character established by the presence of sites, buildings and structures which are of architectural and historical significance.

This designation enables Council to approve the particulars of the exterior design and finish of all buildings and structures and also to establish landscaping standards. This heritage designation is justified by the presence of heritage buildings in this area.

(b) Heritage Alteration Permits are required only for buildings that are listed on the City’s

Heritage Registry or are subject to a Heritage Designation Bylaw or a heritage covenant.

2. The objectives which justify this designation are:

(a) To conserve, revitalize and enhance the character of Old Town and Chinatown; and (b) To realize the heritage economic, cultural and architectural potential of the area

through the:

i. Conservation of heritage buildings; ii. Control of design of new infill buildings and alterations to existing heritage

buildings; iii. Control of future development to ensure consistency with the established form

and character of the area. 3. The following guidelines will apply within DPA 1 to achieve the objectives set out in Section

2:

Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada prepared by Parks Canada;

Chinatown Guidelines for Buildings, Canopies, Landscaping, Colours & Signs (1983);

City of Victoria Heritage Program Sign & Awning (1981) Guidelines;

Advisory Design Guidelines for Buildings, Signs and Awnings (1981);

Development Permit Area 1 (Heritage Conservation), Old Town and Chinatown

For Development Permit applications accepted for processing on or before October 13, 2011, Downtown Victoria Plan 1990.

Victoria Harbour Plan, 2001 Design Guidelines: Old Town, Victoria, B.C. – New Buildings and Additions to Non-

Heritage Buildings

Guidelines for Fences, Gates and Shutters, 2010

For Development Permit applications accepted for processing after October 13, 2011, Downtown Core Area Plan.

4. Where there is any conflict between any provisions of the guidelines specified in

Section 3 and the provisions of the Official Community Plan, the provisions of the Official Community Plan will prevail.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 2 (HERITAGE CONSERVATION), INNER HARBOUR & LOWER DOUGLAS 1. (a) Pursuant to Sections 919.1(1)(d) and (f) and 970.1 (1) & (2) the Local

Government Act, the area shown within the heavy dark grey line on Map 10.2 is designated as Development Permit and Heritage Conservation Area (DPA) 2, Inner Harbour and Lower Douglas, for the purposes of:

i. Revitalizing an area in which a commercial use is permitted; ii. Establishing objectives and providing guidelines for the form and character of

industrial, commercial and multi-family residential development; iii. Protecting, conserving and enhancing the heritage character established by

the presence of sites, buildings and structures, which are of architectural and historical significance.


(b) Heritage Alteration Permits are required only for buildings that are listed on the City’s Heritage Registry or are subject to a Heritage Designation Bylaw or a heritage covenant.

2. The objective which justifies this designation is to conserve and enhance the character

of the Inner Harbour and Lower Douglas, recognizing aesthetic, economic and recreational potential, and its architectural character, through the:

(a) Retention of existing heritage structures adjacent to the Inner Harbour; (b) Protection of high-quality views across the Inner Harbour by low-profile development,

and by the establishment of view corridors; (c) Advancement of the objectives of the existing zoning in the Inner Harbour, with special

emphasis on activity zones where increased public attraction can be generated; (d) Protection of the remaining natural coastline; (e) Ensure that a high standard of architectural and streetscape design is maintained for

these prominent approaches to the City’s core from the Inner Harbour and Highway #1;

(f) Ensure that the scale, quality and character of development in Lower Douglas compliments Beacon Hill Park and surrounding landmarks.

3. The following guidelines apply within DPA 2 to achieve the objectives set out in Section 2:

Advisory Design Guidelines for Buildings, Signs and Awnings (1981); Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada prepared by

Parks Canada. The Belleville International Terminal Design Guidelines, September 29, 2000; City of Victoria Heritage Program Sign & Awning (1981) Guidelines; Victoria Harbour Plan, 2001; Design Guidelines: Old Town, Victoria, B.C. – New Buildings and Additions to Non-

Heritage Buildings; Royal British Columbia Museum Urban Design Guidelines (April 13, 2011); Guidelines for Fences, Gats and Shutters, 2010.

4. Where there is any conflict between any provisions of the guidelines specified in Section 3 and the provisions of the Official Community Plan, the provisions of the Official Community Plan will prevail.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 3, JAMES BAY AND THE OUTER HARBOUR 1. Pursuant to Section 919.1 (1) (f) of the Local Government Act, the area shown within the

heavy dark grey line on Map 10.3 is designated as Development Permit Area (DPA) 3, James Bay and the Outer Harbour, for the purposes of establishing objectives and providing guidelines for the form and character of multi-family residential, commercial and industrial development.


(a) To enhance the character of the Outer Harbour as a maritime gateway to Victoria; (b) To realize the aesthetic and economic potential of the Outer Harbour waterfront; through

the: (c) Protection of high-quality views across the Outer Harbour by preserving or establishing

view corridors; (d) Protection of the natural shoreline and where practical, the securing of public access. (e) Maintenance of a high standard of building form and architecture.

3. The following guidelines will apply within DPA 3 to achieve the objectives set out in Section

2:

Advisory Design Guidelines for Buildings, Signs and Awnings (1981). Victoria Harbour Plan, 2001.

4. Where there is any conflict between any provisions of the guidelines specified in Section 3

and the provisions of the Official Community Plan, the provisions of the Official Community Plan will prevail.

5. For all Development Permit Areas designated solely under Section 919.1 (1) (f) and pursuant

to the provisions of Section 919.1 (4), proposals for single family and duplex are excluded and exempt from any Development Permit requirements or procedures.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 4, SONGHEES AND LIME POINT 1. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 919.1 (1) (f) of the Local Government Act, the area

shown within the heavy dark grey line on Map 10.4 is designated as Development Permit Area (DPA) 4, Songhees and Lime Point, for the purpose of establishing objectives and providing guidelines for the form and character of commercial, industrial and multi-family development.

2. The special condition which justifies this designation is that this extensive ocean-front

property is the only major development opportunity of its kind in Victoria, and it presents a unique chance to reinforce Downtown and the Victoria West neighbourhood area with a well designed, comprehensive development scheme.

3. Further, the objectives which justify this designation are:

(a) To establish a neighbourhood village centre to serve as a focal point for community activities;

(b) To undertake waterfront development with continuous linear public access where practical to the water’s edge with business, commercial and residential uses complementing public and community needs;

(c) To integrate residential, business and commercial uses in ways which provide variety and texture to development;

(d) To ensure that the scale, quality and character of development compliments the dignity and beauty of the Capital of British Columbia.

4. The objectives will be achieved through the:

(a) Integration of the Songhees and Lime Point development into the City of Victoria, with a response to the community’s strong architectural heritage;

(b) Requirement that building forms and siting maximize the amenities offered by the Songhees and Lime Point lands.


3:

Policy Plan and Design Guidelines for the Songhees Area of Victoria West, as amended by Council on April 14, 2005.

Advisory Design Guidelines for buildings, signs and awnings, (1981); Design Guidelines for the Dockside Area 2005; Victoria Harbour Plan, 2001.

6. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 919.1 (4) of the Local Government Act, a Development Permit will not be required in:

(a) The Bayside area (Area A) bounded by Tyee Road, Bay Street and Alston Street for projects with a construction value of less than $200,000.00;

Development Permit Area 4, Songhees and Lime Point

(b) Within the Lime Point area (Area B) bounded by Dundas Street, Catherine Street, the Outer Harbour and Russell Street, including the east side of Russell Street, the north side of Esquimalt Road, and the east side of William Street for industrial uses on any land within an industrial zone.

7. For Development Permit Areas designated solely under Section 919.1 (1) (f) and pursuant to the provisions of Section 919.1 (4), proposals for single family and duplex are excluded and exempt from any Development Permit requirements or procedures.


9. Within DPA 4, for areas registered under the Songhees Statutory Building Scheme (shaded areas on Map 10.4), City Council has the authority to approve exterior design, finishes and landscaping.

HERITAGE CONSERVATION AREA 1, CATHERINE STREET NORTH 1. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 970.1 (1) of the Local Government Act, the area shown

within the heavy dark grey line on Map 10.5 is designated as Heritage Conservation Area (HCA) 1, Catherine Street North, for the purpose of designating this area as a heritage conservation area. This heritage designation is justified by the presence of heritage buildings in this area.

2. The objective which justifies this designation is to conserve and enhance the heritage

character of the area, through the:

(a) Conservation of heritage buildings; and (b) Design control of alterations to existing buildings and new infill buildings to conserve

heritage character. 3. The following guidelines will apply within HCA 1 to achieve the objective set out in Section 2:


City of Victoria Heritage Program Sign & Awning (1981) Guidelines. 4. Where there is any conflict between any provisions of the guidelines specified in Section 3


DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 6, BAY, GOVERNMENT AND DOUGLAS 1.. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 919.1 (1) (f) of the Local Government Act, the area

shown within the heavy dark grey line on Map 10.6 is designated as Development Permit Area (DPA) 6, Bay, Government and Douglas, for the purposes of establishing objectives and providing guidelines for the form and character of commercial development on this prominent site.


(a) To realize the economic potential of the area; (b) To ensure that a high standard of architectural and streetscape design is maintained

on this prominent approach to the City’s core.

3. The following guidelines will apply in DPA 6 to achieve the objectives set out in Section 2:

Advisory Design Guidelines for Buildings, Signs and Awnings (1981), with particular

reference to streetscape, architectural and landscape features. 4. Where there is any conflict between any provisions of the guidelines specified in Section 3


DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 7, BLANSHARD STREET NORTH 1. Pursuant to Section 919.1(I) (f) of the Local Government Act, the area shown within the

heavy dark grey line on Map 10.7 are designated as Development Permit Area (DPA) 7, Blanshard Street North, for the purposes of establishing objectives and providing guidelines for the form and character of commercial, industrial and multi-family residential development.


(a) To ensure that the primary traffic access to the City from the north is developed in a manner which respects the potential as a gateway to the capital of British Columbia;

(b) To realize the aesthetic and economic potential of Blanshard Street.

3. The objectives will be achieved through the:

(a) Protection of high quality views by limitation of building heights and siting; (b) Maintenance of a high standard of development.


2:

Advisory Design Guidelines for Buildings, Signs and Awnings (1981), with particular reference to commercial and industrial areas.



DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 8 (HERITAGE CONSERVATION), HARRIS GREEN AND NORTH PARK 1. (a) Pursuant to Section 919.1 (1) (d) and (f) and 970.1 (1) & (2) of the Local

Government Act, the area shown within the heavy dark grey line on Map 10.8 is designated as Development Permit and Heritage Conservation Area (DPA) 8, Harris Green and North Park, for the purpose of:



the presence of sites, buildings and structures which are of architectural and historical significance.




(a) To conserve the heritage character of Quadra Street and relate new development to the height of landmark buildings;

(b) To realize the aesthetic and economic potential of the Harris Green area; the area bounded by Blanshard Street, Pandora Avenue, Cook Street and Fort Street;

(c) Retention of existing heritage buildings and sites along Quadra Street. 3. The following guidelines will apply in DPA 8 to achieve the objectives set out in Section 2:

For Development Permit applications accepted for processing on or before October 13, 2011,Harris Green Neighbourhood Plan;

For Development Permit applications accepted for processing on or before October 13, 2011, Harris Green Charrette;

North Park Local Plan (1996);



City of Victoria Heritage Program Sign & Awning (1981) Guidelines

Guidelines for Fences, Gates and Shutters, 2010; For Development Permit applications accepted for processing after October 13, 2011,

Downtown Core Area Plan. 4. Where there is any conflict between any provisions of the guidelines specified in Section 3


DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 9 (HERITAGE CONSERVATION), 700 BLOCK YATES

1. (a) Pursuant to Section 919.1 (1) (d) and (f) and 970.1 (1) & (2) of the Local Government Act, the area shown within the heavy dark grey line on Map 10.9 is designated as Development Permit and Heritage Conservation Area (DPA) 9, 700 Block Yates, for the purpose of:

i. Revitalizing this area in which a commercial use is permitted; ii. Establishing objectives and providing guidelines for the form and character of


the presence of sites, buildings and structures, which are of architectural and historical significance.




(a) To conserve, revitalize and enhance the traditional character of the area; and (b) To realize its heritage, economic and architectural potential through ensuring that

alterations to existing buildings and new infill buildings are consistent with the traditional materials and design of buildings in the area.

3. The following guidelines will apply within DPA 9 to achieve the objectives set out in Section 2:

Yates Street 700 Block Guidelines for Buildings, Canopies, Awnings & Signs (1984). For Development Permit applications accepted for processing on or before October 13,

2011, Downtown Victoria Plan 1990. Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada prepared by

Parks Canada; City of Victoria Heritage Program Sign & Awning (1981) Guidelines; Guidelines for Fences, Gates and Shutters, 2010; For Development Permit applications accepted for processing after October 13, 2011,

Downtown Core Area Plan. 4. Where there is any conflict between any provisions of the guidelines specified in Section 3 and the provisions of the Official Community Plan, the provisions of the Official Community

Plan will prevail.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 10 (HERITAGE CONSERVATION), LOWER FORT STREET 1. (a) Pursuant to Section 919.1 (1) (d) and (f) and 970.1 (1) & (2) of the Local Government

Act, the area shown within the heavy dark grey line on Map 10.10 is designated as Development Permit and Heritage Conservation Area (DPA) 10, Lower Fort Street, for the purposes of:


industrial, commercial and multi-family residential development; iii. Protecting, conserving and enhancing the heritage character established by the

presence of sites, buildings and structures which are of architectural and historical significance.




(a) To conserve and enhance the character of this important shopping street; and (b) To realize the heritage, economic and architectural potential of this area through

controlling future development to ensure consistency with the established character of the area.

3. The following guidelines will apply within DPA 10 to achieve the objectives set out in Section 2:


For Development Permit applications accepted for processing on or before October 13, 2011, Downtown Victoria Plan 1990;


City of Victoria Heritage Program Sign & Awning (1981)

Guidelines; Guidelines for Fences, Gates and Shutters, 2010;

For Development Permit applications accepted for process after October 13, 2011, Downtown Core Area Plan.



DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 11 (HERITAGE CONSERVATION), UPPER FORT STREET 1. (a) Pursuant to Section 919.1 (1) (f) and 970.1 (1) & (2) of the Local Government Act, the area

shown within the heavy dark grey line on Map 10.11 is designated as Development Permit and Heritage Conservation Area (DPA) 11, Upper Fort Street, for the purposes of:

i. Establishing objectives and providing guidelines for the form and character of heritage

buildings, commercial and multi-family residential development. ii. Protecting, conserving and enhancing the heritage character established by the

presence of sites, buildings and structures which are of architectural and historical significance.




(a) To conserve and enhance heritage buildings; (b) To realize the heritage, economic and architectural potential of the area through:

i. conserving heritage buildings; ii. controlling the design of future infill development; iii. landscaping to ensure consistency with the established character of upper

Fort Street. 3. The following guidelines will apply within DPA 11 to achieve the objectives set out in Section

2:

Advisory Design Guidelines for Buildings, Signs and Awnings (1981); Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada prepared by

Parks Canada; City of Victoria Heritage Program & Awning (1981) Guidelines; Guidelines and Fences, Gates and Shutters, 2010.



DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 12, OAK BAY AVENUE 1. Under Section 919.1(1) (d) and (f) of the Local Government Act, the area shown within the

heavy dark grey line on Map 10.12 is designated as Development Permit Area 12, Oak Bay Avenue, for the purpose of:


industrial, commercial and multi-family residential development. This designation enables Council to approve the particulars of the exterior design and finish of all buildings and structures and also to establish landscaping standards.

2. The designation is justified by all of the following objectives:

(a) To revitalize an area in which commercial use is permitted and which has been designated for that purpose;

(b) To reinforce and enhance the character of Oak Bay Avenue as a significant entry into the City and the portions of Oak Bay Avenue as a neighbourhood shopping area;

(c) To ensure that new development is compatible with adjacent residential areas and the neighbourhood;

(d) To realize the aesthetic and economic potential and importance of Oak Bay Avenue. 3. All of the following guidelines apply to achieve the objectives set out in Section 2:

Advisory Design Guidelines for Buildings, Signs and Awnings; Oak Bay Avenue Report (1982); Guidelines for Fences, Gates and Shutters, 2010.

4. Where there is any conflict between provisions of the guidelines specified in Section 3 and

the provisions of the Official Community Plan, the provisions of the Official Community Plan prevail.

5. Under the authority of section 919.1 (1) (d) and (f) of the Local Government Act, a proposal for a single family dwelling or a duplex does not require a development permit and is exempt from development permit procedures.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 13, LOWER COOK STREET 1. Pursuant to Section 919.1 (1) (d) and (f) of the Local Government Act, the area shown within

the heavy dark grey line on Map 10.13 is designated as Development Permit Area (DPA) 13, Lower Cook Street, for the purposes of:


industrial, commercial and multi-family residential development.

This designation enables Council to approve the particulars of the exterior design and finish of all buildings and structures and also to establish landscaping standards.


(a) To reinforce and enhance the character of the Cook Street Village and the adjacent Beacon Hill Apartment District; and

(b) To realize their aesthetic and economic potential.

3. The following guidelines will apply in DPA 13 to achieve the objectives as set out in Section

2:

Cook Street Village Guidelines (1985); Guidelines for Fences, Gates and Shutters, 2010.

4. Where there is any conflict between any provision of the guidelines specified in Section 3 and the provisions of the Official Community Plan, the provisions of the Official Community Plan will prevail.

5. Under the authority of section 919.1 (1) (d) and (f) of the Local Government Act, a proposal

for a single family dwelling or a duplex does not require a development permit and is exempt from development permit procedures.

HERITAGE CONSERVATION AREA 2, BATTERY STREET CLUSTER 1. Pursuant to Section 970.1 (1) of the Local Government Act, the area shown within the heavy

dark grey line on Map 10.14 is designated as Heritage Conservation Area (HCA) 2, Battery Street Cluster, for the purpose of designating this area as a heritage conservation area. This heritage designation is justified by the presence of heritage buildings in this area.

2. The objectives which justify this designation are the conservation and enhancement of the

heritage character of the area through:

(a) The conservation of heritage buildings; (b) The exercise of design control over alterations and additions to existing buildings and

new buildings to conserve the heritage character of the area.

3. The following guidelines will apply within HCA 2 to achieve the objectives as set out in Section 2:


Advisory Design Guidelines for Buildings, Signs and Awnings (1981); City of Victoria Heritage Program Sign & Awning (1981) Guidelines.

4. Where there is any conflict between any provision of the guidelines specified in Section 3 and the provisions of the Official Community Plan, the provisions of the Official Community Plan will prevail.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 15 (HERITAGE CONSERVATION), DOWNTOWN 1. (a) Pursuant to Section 919.1 (1) (d) and (f) and Section 970.1(1) of the Local

Government Act the area shown within the heavy dark grey line on Map 10.15 is designated as Development Permit and Heritage Conservation Area (DPA) 15, Downtown for the purposes of:

i. Revitalizing an area in which a commercial use is permitted;

ii. Establishing objectives and providing guidelines for the form and character of

commercial and multi-family residential development;

iii. Protecting, conserving and enhancing the heritage character established by the presence of sites, buildings and structures, which are of architectural and historical significance;

iv. Establishing objectives and providing guidelines for the revitalization of the

eastern portion of downtown;

v. Coordinating the development of mid-block pedestrian walkway systems;

vi. Ensuring a high level of architectural design quality in the major downtown office precinct.


(b) Heritage Alteration Permits are required only for buildings that are listed on the City’s

Heritage Registry or are subject to a Heritage Designation Bylaw or a heritage covenant.


(a) To conserve and enhance the character of Downtown; (b) To realize the heritage, economic, cultural and architectural potential of the area; (c) To encourage revitalization of the area for high density commercial use through the:

i. Conservation of heritage buildings; ii. Control of the design of new infill buildings, and alterations to existing heritage

buildings and landscaping; iii. Guidance of new development to ensure consistency with the established

form and character of the areas; iv. Implementation of revitalization projects.

(d) To provide design direction to the phased redevelopment in the “Hudson” block bounded by Douglas, Herald, Blanshard and Fisgard Streets.

Development Permit Area 15 (Heritage Conservation) Downtown 3. The following guidelines will apply within DPA 15 to achieve the objectives set out in

Section 2: The Bay Site Design Guidelines, 2006 apply within the area bounded by Douglas, Herald,

Blanshard and Fisgard Streets in Development Permit Area 15; Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada prepared by

Parks Canada; Advisory Design Guidelines for Buildings, Signs and Awnings (1981); City of Victoria Heritage Program Sign & Awning (1981) Guidelines; Signs, Awnings and Canopies – Heritage Designated Sites and Development Permit

Area Sites (1983); Urban Design Guidelines, Fairfield Block, Parcels 1 and 2, prepared by CitySpaces

Consulting Ltd. And Ray Hunt Planning and Architecture Ltd., dated March 2001; Urban Design Guidelines for Proposed Subdivision and Rezoning of the 700 Block

Pandora/Cormorant Street, and 1520 Blanshard Street prepared by the Campbell Moore Group Architects Limited;

For Development Permit applications accepted for processing on or before October 13, 2011, Downtown Victoria Plan 1990;

Guidelines for Fences, Gates and Shutters, 2010; For Development Permit applications accepted for processing after October 13, 2011,

Downtown Core Area Plan.


DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 16, SELKIRK 1. Pursuant to Section 919.1 (a) (d) and (f) of the Local Government Act, the area shown within

the heavy dark grey line on Map 10.16 is designated as Development Permit Area 16, Selkirk. 2. The purpose of this designation is to:

(a) Protect the natural environment; (b) Revitalize an area in which a commercial use is permitted and which has been

designated for that purpose by the Minister; and (c) Establish objectives and guidelines for the form and character of commercial, light

industrial and multi-family residential developments. 3. This designation is justified by:

(a) the need to revitalize this heavy industrial site for a range of uses, including commercial uses; and

(b) the objectives of:

i. Developing the area in a comprehensive, coordinated manner; ii. Integrating the uses of the area into the character of the Burnside-Gorge District of

Victoria; iii. Developing and integrating a mix of uses of the area to provide variety and to meet

public and community needs; iv. Developing a continuous and accessible public waterfront; and v. Ensuring environmental impacts are minimized.

4. To achieve the objectives, the following guidelines apply within Development Permit Area 16:

(a) The Selkirk Waterfront Urban Design Manual that was prepared by de Hoog D’Ambrosio Rowe, Architects (June 1993);

(b) The timing of residential construction is subject to the provision of open park space in accordance with the Selkirk Waterfront Urban Design Manual referred to in paragraph (a); and

(c) Development permit applications for subdivision must be secured as a covenant under Section 219 of the Land Title Act to restrict maximum floor area within a building and according to use.

5. (a) If a provision of the guidelines specified in Section 4 is inconsistent with or

in conflict with another provision in the Official Community Plan, that other provision prevails.

(b) If there is an inconsistency or a conflict among the provisions of the guidelines specified in Section 4, i. the guideline in paragraph 4(c) prevails over other guideline provisions; and ii. a provision in the guideline specified in paragraph 4(b) prevails over a provision in

the guideline specified in paragraph 4(a).

6. The following guidelines will apply within DPA 15 to achieve the objectives set out in Section 4: Guidelines for Fences, Gates and Shutters, 2010.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 17, HILLSIDE 1. Pursuant to Section 919.1 (1) (d) and (f) of the Local Government Act, the area shown within

the heavy dark grey line on Map 10.17 is designated as Development Permit Area 17, Hillside.

2. The purpose of this designation is to establish objectives and guidelines for:

(a) Revitalizing an area in which a commercial use is permitted; (b) Establishing objectives and providing guidelines for the form and character of

industrial commercial and multi-family residential development.



(a) To realize the aesthetic and economic potential of Hillside Avenue as a prominent arterial street;

(b) To ensure that a high standard of architectural and streetscape design is maintained; and

(c) To encourage development which is compatible with adjacent and nearby family housing.

4. To achieve the objective, the following guidelines in the Oaklands Neighbourhood Plan 1993

apply within Development Permit Area 17:

(a) The scale and massing of buildings should relate to adjacent buildings and provide an easy transition between a proposed development and its neighbours;

(b) The shape, siting, roof lines and exterior finishes of buildings should be sufficiently varied to avoid a monotonous appearance;

(c) Exterior lighting and signs should be unobtrusive and be in scale with their surroundings;

(d) The location, height and form of buildings should be in keeping with the topography; and

(e) The landscaping treatment on commercial properties abutting residential areas should be designed to provide an immediate effect and a good buffer between these uses.

5. The following guidelines apply in Development Permit Area 17 to achieve the objectives set out in Section 3:

(a) Advisory Design Guidelines for Buildings, Signs and Awnings, 1981

(b) Cridge Centre Design Guidelines, 2001;

(c) Guidelines for Fences, Gates and Shutters, 2010.

6. Where there is a conflict between any provisions of the guidelines specified in Sections 4 and 5 and the provisions of the Official Community Plan, the provisions of the Official Community Plan will prevail.

7. A development permit is not required in Development Permit Area 17 for a project that has a construction value of less than $200,000.00.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 18, SHELBOURNE 1. Pursuant to Section 919.1 (1) (f) of the Local Government Act, the area shown within the

heavy dark grey line on Map 10.18 is designated as Development Permit Area 18, Shelbourne.

2. The purpose of this designation is to establish objectives and guidelines for the form and

character of commercial and multi-family residential developments. 3. The objectives which justify this designation are:

(a) To realize the aesthetic and economic potential of part of Shelbourne Street as a secondary arterial street; (b) To ensure that a high standard of architectural and streetscape design is maintained; and

(c) To encourage development which is compatible with adjacent and nearby family housing.

4. To achieve the objective, the following guidelines in the Oaklands Neighbourhood Plan 1993

apply within Development Permit Area 18:

(a) The scale and massing of buildings should relate to adjacent buildings and provide an easy transition between a proposed development and its neighbours;

(b) The shape, siting, roof lines and exterior finishes of buildings should be sufficiently varied to avoid a monotonous appearance;

(c) Exterior lighting and signs should be unobtrusive and be in scale with their surroundings;

(d) The location, height and form of buildings should be in keeping with the topography; and

(e) The landscaping treatment on commercial properties abutting residential areas should be designed to provide an immediate effect and a good buffer between these uses.

5. The provisions of the City’s Advisory Design Guidelines for Buildings. Signs and Awnings

1981 apply within Development Permit Area 18. 6. If there is a conflict between any provisions of the guidelines specified in Sections 4 and 5

and the provisions of the Official Community Plan, the provisions of the Official Community Plan prevail over the guidelines.

7. A development permit is not required in Development Permit Area 18 for a project that has a

construction value of less than $200,000.00.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 20, LEGISLATURE 1. Under Sections 919.1 (1) (d) and (f) of the Local Government Act, the area shown within the

heavy dark grey line on Map10.22 is designated as Development Permit Area 20, Legislature. 2. The purpose of this designation is to:

(a) Revitalize an area which includes the Legislative Precinct Lands and in which commercial uses are permitted; and

(b) Establish objectives and guidelines for the form and character of commercial and multi family residential developments.


3. This designation is justified by the following objectives:

(a) To enhance a sustainable economy for Greater Victoria; (b) To accommodate the public building needs of the Province of British Columbia while

being sensitive to local neighbourhoods; and (c) To preserve and enhance the special environment, heritage and other qualities

surrounding the Legislative Precinct Lands. 4. To achieve the objectives, the following guidelines apply in Development Permit Area 20:

The Legislative Precinct Urban Design Manual, dated June 2nd, 1994, that was prepared by Paul Merrick Architects Limited.

5. If a provision of the guidelines specified in Section 4 is inconsistent with or in conflict with

another provision in the Official Community Plan, that other provision prevails.

HERITAGE CONSERVATION AREA 3, ELORA 1. Pursuant to Section 970.1 (1) of the Local Government Act, the area shown within the heavy

dark grey line on Map 10.21 is designated as Heritage Conservation Area (HCA) 3, Elora. 2. This area is for the purpose of designating it as a Heritage Conservation Area. This heritage

designation is justified by the presence of heritage buildings in this area. 3. The designation is justified by the following objectives:

(a) The conservation of heritage buildings; (b) The exercise of design control over alterations and additions to existing buildings and new buildings to conserve the heritage character of the area.

4. To achieve the objectives, the following guidelines apply in HCA 3:



City of Victoria Heritage Program Sign & Awning (1981) Guidelines. 5. If a provision of the Guidelines specified in Section 4 is inconsistent with or in conflict with

another provision in the Official Community Plan, that other provision prevails.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 23, RAILYARDS 1. Under Section 919.1 (1) (d) of the Local Government Act, the area shown within the heavy

dark grey line on Map 10.23 is designated as Development Permit Area 23, Railyards. 2. The purpose of this designation is to:

(a) Revitalize an area in which commercial uses are permitted. This designation enables Council to approve the particulars of the exterior design and finish of all buildings and structures and also to establish landscaping standards. 3. The designation is justified by the following objectives:

(a) The need to revitalize this heavy industrial site for a variety of uses, including combined commercial and residential use;

(b) Development of the area in a comprehensive, coordinated manner; and (c) The goal of developing and integrating a mix of uses of the area to provide variety to

meet public and community needs. 4. The guidelines that must be applied to achieve these objectives are the City of Victoria

Railyards Development Guidelines, dated November 6, 2002, as set out in Appendix A. 5. If a provision of the Guidelines specified in Section 4 is inconsistent with or in conflict with another provision in the Official Community Plan, that other provision prevails.

6. The following guidelines will apply within DPA 23 to achieve the objectives set out in

Section 4: Guidelines for Fences, Gates and Shutters, 2010.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 24, GARBALLY 1. Under Section 919.1 (1) (f) of the Local Government Act, the area shown within the heavy

dark grey line on Map 10.24 is designated as Development Permit Area 24, Garbally. 2. The purpose of this designation is to establish objectives and guidelines for the form and

character of commercial and industrial development. 3. The designation is justified by the objective to encourage development that is compatible

with the adjacent Selkirk Waterfront Project. 4. To achieve the objective, the following guidelines apply: (a) Burnside Neighbourhood Plan – 1992; (b) Maintenance of a high standard of development. 5. The provisions of the City’s Advisory Design Guidelines for Buildings, Signs and Awnings,

1981 apply within development Permit Area 18. 6. If there is a conflict between any provision of the guidelines specified in Sections 4 and 5 and

the provisions of the Official Community Plan, the provisions of the Official Community Plan prevail over the guidelines.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 25, BURNSIDE 1. Under Section 919.1 (1) (f) of the Local Government Act, the area shown within the heavy

dark grey line on Map 10.25 is designated as Development Permit Area 25, Burnside. 2. The purpose of this designation is to establish objectives and guidelines for the form and

character of commercial, industrial or multi-family residential development. 3. The designation is justified by the following objectives:

(a) To encourage development that is compatible with adjacent and nearby family housing; and

(b) To realize the aesthetic and economic potential of Burnside Road.

4. Within Development Permit Area 25 the provisions of the following publications apply:

Advisory Design Guidelines for Buildings, Signs and Awnings, 1981 Burnside Neighbourhood Plan 1992

5. Where there is a conflict between any provisions of the Guidelines specified in Section 4 and

the provisions of the Official Community Plan, the provisions of the Official Community Plan will prevail.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 26, INTENSIVE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT 1. Under sections 1 and 2 of B. C. Regulation 69/97 enacted under the Local Government Act

and section 919.1(e) of the Local Government Act, the entire City is designated as Development Permit Area 26, Intensive Residential Development.

2. The purpose of this designation is to establish objectives and guidelines for the character of

intensive residential development, including the siting, form, exterior design and finish of buildings and landscaping.

3. In this Development Permit Area, ‘Intensive Residential Development’ means the subdivision

of land for residential purposes involving the creation of one or more lots with an area of less than 460 metres squared, or one or more panhandle lots, and also means: (a) rezoning to permit single family dwellings on lots that have an area of less than 460

square metres;

(b) rezoning to permit duplexes;

(c) the development of a single family dwelling on a panhandle lot applies only to panhandle lots for which application for subdivision is received after the date of adoption of Bylaw. 08-086 (Zoning Bylaw - panhandle lot definition);

(d) rezoning to permit Garden Suites.

4. The designation is justified by the following objectives:

(a) Reinforcement of the traditional character of many of the City’s neighbourhoods by the integration of new and existing dwellings;

(b) Accommodation of small scale, adaptive, and gradual land use change to revitalize neighbourhoods, rather than large scale, and sometimes disruptive, change;

(c) Provision of opportunities for increased choice, higher quality, and improved affordability, of housing;

(d) The establishment and maintenance of “good neighbour” performance standards, including standards for privacy, landscaping, parking and density.

5. Guidelines that apply for the purposes of section 2 are:

Design Guidelines for Small Lot House adopted by Victoria City Council on September 12, 2002;

City of Victoria Neighbourliness Guidelines for Duplexes adopted by City Council on November 28, 1996;

Advisory Design Guidelines for Buildings, Signs and Awnings, 1981; Garden Suite Policy (September 8, 2011).

6. (a) Subject to subsection (2), the provisions of Development Permit Area 26, including the Guidelines referred to in section 5, prevail over the provisions and Guidelines set out or referred to in the Official Community Plan for any other Development Permit Area if they are inconsistent.

Development Permit Area 26, Intensive Residential Development

(b) The provisions and Guidelines set out or referred to in the Official Community Plan that are concerned with the preservation of heritage property prevail over the provisions of Development Permit Area 26 and the Guidelines referred to in section 5 if they are inconsistent.

7. For properties subject to Development Permit Area 26, refer to the City of Victoria’s Zoning Regulation Bylaw.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 27, EAST FORT STREET 1. Under Section 919.1 (1) (f) of the Local Government Act, the area shown within the heavy dark

grey line on Map 10.27 is designated as Development Permit Area 27, East Fort Street, for the purpose of establishing objectives and providing guidelines for the form and character of commercial and multifamily residential development.

2. This designation is justified by all of the following objectives:

(a) To reinforce and enhance the character of eastern Fort Street as a significant entry into the City and the portions of eastern Fort Street as a neighbourhood shopping area;

(b) To ensure that new development is compatible with adjacent residential areas and the neighbourhood;

(c) To realize the aesthetic and economic potential and importance of eastern Fort Street.

3. The Advisory Design Guidelines for Buildings, Signs and Awnings 1981 apply to achieve the objectives set out in Section 2.

4. Where there is any conflict between provisions of the guideline specified in Section 3 and the

provisions of the Official Community Plan, the provisions of the Official Community Plan prevail. 5. Under the authority of Section 919.1(4) of the Local Government Act, a proposal for a single

family dwelling or a duplex does not require a development permit and is exempt from development permit procedures.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 28, QUADRA VILLAGE 1. Under section 919.1 (1) (d) of the Local Government Act, the area shown within the heavy dark

grey line on Map 10.28 is designated as Development Permit Area 28, Quadra Village, for the purpose of revitalizing an area in which commercial use is permitted.


2. This designation is justified by all of the following objectives:

(a) To encourage public and private investment that will make the Quadra Village neighbourhood shopping area more interesting, attractive, and safe;

(b) To ensure that new development enhances the streetscape and vitality of the area;

(c) To enhance community pride and increase business opportunities. 3. The following guidelines will apply within DPA 28 to achieve the objectives set out in Section 2:

Quadra Village Design Guidelines, dated January 28, 1998; Guidelines for Fences, Gates and Shutters, 2010.

4. Where there is any conflict between provisions of the guidelines specified in

Section 3 and the provisions of the Official Community Plan, the provisions of the Official Community Plan prevail.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 29, VICTORIA ARM - GORGE WATERWAY 1. Under Section 919.1 (1)(a), for the purposes of Section 920 of the Local Government Act, the

area shown within the heavy dark grey line on Map 10.29 is designated as Development Permit Area 29, Victoria Arm - Gorge Waterway.

(a) For the purpose of establishing objectives and providing guidelines for the protection of the

natural environment; and (b) To enable Council to approve the particulars of any alteration of land, subdivision, and

construction or alteration of a building or structure. 2. The objectives that justify this designation are:

(a) To recognize the environmental importance of a portion of the Gorge Waterway as part of a much larger waterway that is a sensitive, tidal-influenced watercourse connecting important fish-bearing areas within Victoria Harbour;

(b) To protect the shoreline of the Victoria Arm, as an important habitat that is supportive of fish and wildlife populations, from the removal of native vegetation and from the alteration of the natural landscape.

3. The following guidelines apply in Development Permit Area 29 to achieve the objectives set out

in section 2:

(a) The use of fill, sea-walls, and other shoring methods are permitted only if it can be clearly demonstrated that they are necessary to prevent further erosion or sloughing of the existing shoreline in accordance with a Development Permit.

(b) Sea-walls and retaining wall structures must satisfy the following requirements in accordance with a Development Permit:

i. They must not involve the placement of fill on any lands below the high water mark; ii. They must not involve the placement of foundations below the high water mark; iii. They must not utilize construction debris like broken concrete, blocks, or bricks; iv. They must be constructed of suitable materials like broken stone so as to blend with

the natural landscape and the darker colours of the natural shoreline.

(c) The removal of native trees, shrubs and forest debris within a strip measured 7 metres perpendicular from the high water mark is prohibited except where:

i. The removal is necessary for the construction or maintenance of a path connecting

property to the shoreline, and the path is constructed entirely of permeable materials and is not wider than 1 metre, or

ii. The removal is of dead tree limbs or dead or dying trees that create an immediate potential hazard to humans.

(d) The shoreline lying within a strip measured 7 metres perpendicular from the high water mark

must:

i. Be retained in a natural state, or ii. If previously cleared or altered it may be left as is at the time of adopting the

Development Permit Area or it may be rehabilitated with native plant species.

(e) Chemical pesticides and fertilizers must not be used except in accordance with a Development Permit.

Development Permit Area 29, Victoria Arm - Gorge Waterway

(f) Removal or excavation of land or water must not be carried out except in accordance with a Development Permit.

(g) Filling of land or water depressions must not be carried out except in accordance with a Development Permit.

(h) Light fixtures that are within 7 metres perpendicular from the high water mark must be designed to avoid glare spillover onto the water’s surface in accordance with a Development Permit.

4. A Development Permit is not required in Development Permit Area 29 for any of the following

matters:

(a) Installation of paths connecting properties to the shoreline if the path is i. Constructed entirely of permeable materials, and ii. Not wider than 1 metre;

(b) Removal of non-native plant species, including, without limiting this paragraph, broom, English Ivy, and non-native blackberry, if they are replaced with native plant species and in a manner which does not create erosion;

(c) New construction or additions to lawful existing buildings that are located farther than 7 meters perpendicular from the high water mark (outside the Development Permit Area);

(d) Repairs to lawful existing structures and pathways necessary to remove or address a potential safety hazard;

(e) Fences located along side parcel boundaries that are generally at right angles to the shoreline, where the portion of the fence above grade is made entirely of wood.

5. The provisions of this Development Permit Area do not apply to the area of a lot’s rear yard for a

distance measured 6 metres from the rear most portion of a lawfully sited main building.

6. Other provisions of this Development Permit Area prevail if there is a conflict between any of them and Section 3.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 30, FAIRFIELD 1. Under Section 919.1(1) (f), for the purpose of Section 920 of the Local Government Act, the

area shown within the heavy dark grey line on Map 10.30 is designated as Development Permit Area 30, Fairfield for the purpose of establishing objectives and guidelines for the form and character of multi-family residential development.

2. The objectives that justify this designation are:

(a) To encourage development that is compatible with adjacent and nearby family housing; (b) To preserve and enhance the natural environment; (c) To ensure that a high standard of architectural design is maintained.

3. The provisions of the City’s Advisory Design Guidelines for Buildings, Signs, and Awnings,

1981 apply within Development Permit Area 30. 4. Other provisions of the Official Community Plan prevail if there is a conflict between any of

them and the provisions of the Guidelines specified in Section 3.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 31, PRINCESS 1. Under Section 919.1 (1) for the purposes of section 920 of the Local Government Act, the

area shown within the heavy dark grey line on Map 10.31 is designated as Development Permit Area 31, Princess, for the purposes of:

(a) Revitalizing an area in which mixed use developments are permitted; and

(b) Establishing objectives and guidelines for the character of development where industrial, commercial, live-work and work-live uses are combined including the form and exterior design and finish of buildings and landscaping.


(a) To accommodate the demand for new industries including “high tech” and “call centres” close to downtown;

(b) To encourage and facilitate the development of “work-live”, “live-work”, micro-

businesses and arts oriented businesses close to downtown; (c) To minimize noise, odour and other impacts where work and living activities are

combined; (d) To regulate the form, exterior design and finish of buildings and landscaping.

3. To achieve the objectives, the following guidelines apply in Development Permit Area 31: (a) Advisory Design Guidelines for Buildings, Signs and Awnings (1981); (b) Work-Live Design and Planning Guidelines (1999). 4. Other provisions of the Official Community Plan prevail if there is a conflict between any of

them and the provisions of the Guidelines specified in Section 3.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 32, MENZIES STREET JAMES BAY NEIGHBOURHOOD 1. (a) Pursuant to Section 919.1 (1)(d) and (f) of the Local Government Act,

the area shown within the heavy dark grey line on Map 10.32 is designated as Development Permit Area 32, Menzies Street, James Bay Neighbourhood for the purposes of: i. revitalize the area as a viable village centre to provide for the retail

and service needs of the James Bay Neighbourhood; ii. establish policy objectives and guidelines for the form and character of

buildings in the neighbourhood.


2. This designation is justified by the following objectives:

(a) the conservation, enhancement, and improvement of the character of central Menzies Street as a neighbourhood shopping area through attractive designs;

(b) controlling future development to create a liveable, positive urban image in the

development of the area with attractive shop frontages along the streets; (c) to realize the aesthetic and economic potentials and importance of Menzies and

Simcoe Streets as the core of the commercial district serving the neighbourhood;

(d) to protect and enhance access for all, including pedestrians, particularly seniors and children to the area through the appropriate management of vehicular circulation;

(e) the landscaping treatment of commercial properties abutting residential developments

should be designed to provide a seamless buffer between them. 3. The The following guidelines will apply within DPA 32 to achieve the objectives set out in

section 2: Advisory Design Guidelines for Buildings, Signs and Awnings, (1981); Guidelines for Fences, Gates and Shutters, 2010.

4. Where there is any conflict between the provisions of the guidelines specified in section 3

and the other provisions of the Official Community Plan; the provisions of the Official Community Plan prevail.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 33 (HERITAGE CONSERVATION), FERNWOOD VILLAGE 1. Under sections 919.1 and 970.1, for the purposes of section 920 and 971, of the Local

Government Act, the area shown within the heavy line on Map 10.33 is designated as Development Permit Area 33 (Heritage Conservation), Fernwood Village for the following purposes in relation to the Fernwood neighbourhood are of the City of: preserving and enhancing heritage qualities;

(a) revitalizing commercial vitality;

(b) establishing policy objectives and guidelines for the form and character of buildings, including exterior design and finish, and landscaping standards.

2. This designation is justified by

(a) the presence of heritage buildings in the area;

(b) alterations and additions to new buildings in the area.

3. This objectives of this designation are:

(a) the conservation of heritage buildings;

(b) the exercise of design control over alterations and additions to new and existing buildings to conserve the heritage character of the area;

(c) the revitalization and enhancement of the commercial core of the Fernwood neighbourhood.

4. To address the special conditions and objectives, the following guidelines apply in Development Permit Area 33 (Heritage Conservation):

(a) Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada prepared by Parks Canada;

(b) Advisory Design Guidelines for Buildings, Signs, and Awnings (1981);

(c) City of Victoria Heritage Program Sign & Awning (1981) Guildelines;

(d) Guidelines for Fences, Gates and Shutters, 2010.

5. Other provisions of this Plan prevail if there is a conflict between any of them and the provisions of the Guidelines specified in Section 3.

HERITAGE CONSERVATION AREA 4 ST. CHARLES 1. Under section 970.1, for the purposes of s.971, of the Local Government Act, the area shown

within the heavy line on Map 10.34 is designated as Heritage Conservation Area 4, St. Charles for the purpose of protecting a heritage building.


(a) the conservation of heritage buildings and grounds;

(b) the exercise of design control over alterations and additions to existing heritage buildings to conserve their heritage character.

2. The following guidelines apply to achieve the objectives in Heritage Conservation Area: a) Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada prepared

by Parks Canada;

b) Advisory Design Guidelines for Buildings, Signs and Awnings (1981);

c) City of Victoria Heritage Program Sign & Awning (1981) Guidelines.

3. Other provisions of this Plan prevail if there is a conflict between any of them and the provisions of the Guidelines specified in Section 3.

HERITAGE CONSERVATION AREA 5, AVALON-HUNTINGTON 1. Under section 970.1, for the purposes of section 971, of the Local Government Act, the area

shown within the heavy line on Map 10.35 is designated as Heritage Conservation Area 5, Avalon-Huntington for the purpose of preserving and enhancing heritage buildings.

2. This designation is justified by the following special characteristics:

(a) the area is dominated by heritage buildings;

(b) the area is a unique part of the James Bay neighbourhood and the City as a whole.

3. This objectives of this designation are:

(a) the conservation of heritage buildings;

(b) the exercise of design control over alterations and additions to new and existing buildings to conserve the heritage character of the area.

4. To achieve the objectives, the following guidelines apply in Heritage Conservation Area 5:

(a) Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada prepared by Parks Canada;


(c) City of Victoria Heritage Program Sign & Awning (1981) Guidelines.

5. Other provisions of this Official Community Plan prevail if there is a conflict between any of them and the provisions of the Guidelines specified in Section 3.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 34, CATHEDRAL HILL PRECINCT 1. Under section 919.1, for the purposes of section 920, of the Local Government Act, the area

shown within the heavy black dotted line on Map 10 is designated as Development Permit Area 34, Cathedral Hill for the purposes of establishing objectives for the form and character of commercial and multi-family residential development and for the purpose of revitalizing an area in which a commercial use is permitted. This designation enables Council to approve the particulars of the exterior design and finish of all buildings and structures and also to establish landscaping standards.

2. The special conditions and objectives that justify this designation are:

(a) to recognize the transitional nature of the area between high density downtown and medium to low density neighbourhood;

(b) to ensure a high standard of architectural design is maintained;

(c) to encourage new development that enhances the streetscape of the area;

(d) to encourage the development of a well-balanced, mixed-use neighbourhood that is compatible with nearby residential, institutional and commercial development;

(e) to respect the existing prominence of heritage properties;

(f) to preserve and enhance the mature trees, green boulevards, and other public greenspaces.

3. To address the special conditions and objectives, the following guidelines apply in Development Permit Area 34:

(a) Cathedral Hill Precinct Plan, 2004);


(c) Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada prepared by Parks Canada;

(d) City of Victoria Heritage Program Sign & Awning (1981) Guidelines;

(e) Guidelines for Fences, Gates and Shutters, 2010.

4. Other provisions of this Plan prevail if there is a conflict between any of them and the provisions of the Guidelines specified in section 3.

5. A Development Permit is not required in Development Permit Area 34 for a project that has a construction value of less than $50,000.00.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 35, HUMBOLDT VALLEY 1. Under section 919.1, for the purposes of section 920, of the Local Government Act, the area

shown within the heavy black dotted line on Map 10.37 is designated as Development Permit Area 35, Humboldt Valley, for the purposes of establishing objectives and providing guidelines for:

(a) the form and character of multi-family residential development;

(b) the exterior design and finish of buildings and landscaping.

2. The following are the special conditions, and the objectives for the integration of new development with those special conditions, that justify this designation:

(a) the unique character of the Humboldt Valley Precinct;

(b) the mix of traditional and modern building forms;

(c) the way that new buildings respond to historical forms and materials;

(d) the mature treed boulevards;

(e) the walkability of the area;

(f) the scale of existing development.

3. To address the special conditions and objectives, the following guidelines will be considered when new development applications are brought forward in Development Permit Area 35:

(a) new development should respect the view corridors and skyline landmarks as identified in the Humboldt Valley Precinct Plan;

(b) where new buildings with minimal setbacks are proposed, consideration should be given to the relationship of the new building to its immediate neighbours, particularly with regard to shade and shadowing, visual privacy, balcony locations, window alignments, and overlook;

(c) large buildings should be visually broken into smaller “human scale” component parts, which could be achieved in a number of ways, including breaks in form, projections, balconies, window design, surface treatments, and articulation;

(d) building massing should respect the existing collection of building forms in order to enhance the unique character of the area;

(e) individual street-oriented entrances for new residential development are encouraged; entrances to buildings should be clearly identified, visible, and street-oriented;

(f) principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design should be incorporated into all proposals;

(g) consideration should be given to the creation of private open space for residential development, which could be achieved in a number of ways, including, but not limited to, innovative landscaping, courtyards, and green roof areas;

(h) mature street trees are an important neighbourhood characteristic; the impact of new buildings on street trees will be assessed as part of a development application; applicants should consult with the City’s Parks Department before submitting an application to determine if there are concerns about City-owned trees that may be affected by the development;

(i) any new front-yard trees should complement the character of existing streetscaping; applicants should discuss species, size, and location of new planting or landscape treatments with the City’s Parks and Engineering Departments before submitting an application.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 36, DOCKSIDE 1. Under section 919.1, for the purposes of section 920, of the Local Government Act, the area

shown within the heavy black dotted line on Map 10.38 is designated as Development Permit Area 36, Dockside, for the purposes of establishing objectives and providing guidelines for:

(a) the form and character of commercial, industrial or multi-family residential

development;

(b) revitalization of an area where commercial use is permitted.


2. The following are the special conditions, and the objectives for the integration of new development with those special conditions, that justify this designation:

(a) The need to revitalize this former heavy industrial site for a variety of uses, including combined commercial and residential use; live/work and work/live arrangements and light industrial, allowing for a vertical as well as a horizontal mix of uses;

(b) Development of the area in a comprehensive and coordinated manner; and on the basis of “green” building practices to demonstrate leadership in energy and environmental design;

(c) The goal of developing and integrating a mix of uses of the area to provide variety to meet public and community needs;

(d) To direct future development of the Harbour Road Waterfront Industrial Area;

(e) To protect high quality views by preserving view corridors.

3. To address the special conditions and objectives, the following guidelines will be considered when new development applications are brought forward in Development Permit Area 36:

(a) Advisory Design Guidelines for Building Signs and Awnings (1981);

(b) Design Guidelines for the Dockside Area (2005);

(c) Harbour Road Industrial Waterfront Design Guidelines (2008);

(d) Guidelines for Fences, Gates and Shutters, 2010.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 37, GORGE ROAD 1. (1) Under Section 919.1 (1) (d), (e), and (f) of the Local Government Act, the land shown

within the heavy black dotted line on Map 10.39 is designated as Development Permit Area 37, Gorge Road for the following purposes:

a) revitalizing an area in which commercial uses are permitted;

b) establishing objectives and providing guidelines for the form and character of industrial and commercial development;

c) establishing objectives and providing guidelines for the siting, form, exterior design and finish of intensive residential development.

(2) Council may impose requirements

a) regarding the character of the development, including landscaping, and the siting, form, exterior design and finish of all buildings and structures being revitalized under sections 1(1)(a) and (c), and

b) for the form and general character of industrial and commercial development under section 1(1)(b).

2. In this Development Permit Area, “intensive residential development”

a) means rezoning to permit three or more dwelling units on a lot, and

b) may include commercial or industrial land uses as part of a development where Council has determined that special conditions exists that merit inclusion into this Development Permit Area.


a) to ensure that the scale, quality and character of the development supports and enhances the quality of the local neighbourhood; and

b) to ensure a high standard of architectural and streetscape design.

4. For the purpose of achieving the objectives, the City’s guidelines listed below apply to the preparation of development plans for individual buildings or complexes of buildings:

a) Gorge Road Guidelines, 2006; b) Advisory Design Guidelines for Buildings, Signs and Awnings (1981); c) Guidelines for Fences, Gates and Shutters, 2010.

5. (1) A development permit is not required when a) only internal alterations are made to a building or structure, or b) a single family dwelling, accessory building, or structure is constructed or altered.

(2) Amendments are permitted to a development permit without further Council approval if the general character of the development is in keeping with the general intent and approval of the development permit.

6. The provisions of this Official Community Plan prevail if there is a conflict between any of them and the provisions of the guidelines specified in Section 4.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 39, ROUNDHOUSE 1. Under section 919.1, for the purposes of section 920 of the Local Government Act, the area

shown within the heavy black dotted line on Map 10.41 is designated as Development Permit Area 39, Roundhouse for the purpose of establishing objectives and guidelines for:

a) the form and character of commercial, industrial or multi-family residential development;

b) revitalization of an area where commercial use is permitted.


2. The E&N Roundhouse buildings and grounds have historic and architectural importance as well as special environmental features and challenges, including rock outcrops, native vegetation and a rail operation in close proximity to planned residential uses, that merit special conservation and design sensitivity. The following are the objectives for the integration of new development with those special conditions that justify this designation:

a) to conserve and enhance the character of the historic E&N Roundhouse and its setting;

b) to realize the heritage, economic, cultural, natural and architectural potential of the area;

c) to buffer new residences from noise associated with the rail operation; d) to revitalize this former heavy industrial site for a variety of uses, including hotel,

commercial, residential, live/work and industrial; e) to ensure a high level of architectural and landscape design quality; f) to develop in a comprehensive and coordinated manner; g) to meet public and community needs.

3. The following guidelines apply in Development Permit Area 39 for the purpose of addressing the special conditions and objectives:

a) Roundhouse Design Guidelines, July 2008; b) Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada prepared

by Parks Canada; c) Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design – Guidelines d) Guidelines for Fences, Gates and Shutters, 2010.

4. Despite section 920 of the Local Government Act, a Development Permit is not required as a condition of approval of the subdivision, in this Development Permit Area, that accords with the Development Area (DA) boundaries, but a Development Permit is required as a condition of the issuance of building permits in this Development Permit Area.

5. Other provisions of this Plan prevail if there is a conflict between any of them and the provisions of the Guidelines specified in section 3.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 40, HUMBER GREEN 1. (1) Under section 919.1 (1) (d), (e) and (f) of the Local Government Act, the area shown

within the heavy black dotted line on Map 10.42 is designated as Development Permit Area 40, Humber Green for the following purposes:

a) revitalizing an area in which commercial uses are permitted;

b) establishing objectives and providing guidelines for the form and character of industrial and commercial development;

c) establishing objectives and providing guidelines for the siting, form, exterior design and finish of intensive residential development.

(2) Council may impose requirements

a) regarding the character of the development, including landscaping, and the siting, form, exterior design and finish of all buildings and structures being revitalized or developed under section 1 (1) (a) and (c) respectively; and

b) for the form and general character of industrial and commercial development under section 1 (1) (b).

2. In this Development Permit Area, “intensive residential development”:

a) means rezoning to permit three or more dwelling units on a lot; and

b) may include commercial or industrial land uses as part of a development where Council has determined that special conditions exist that merit inclusion into a development in this Development Permit Area.


a) to realize the aesthetic and economic potential of Humber Green;

b) to ensure that the scale, quality and character of the development supports and enhances the quality of this major commercial area; and

c) to ensure a high standard of environmental, architectural and streetscape design.

4. For the purpose of achieving the objectives, the City’s guidelines listed below apply to the preparation of development plans for individual buildings or complexes of buildings:

a) Humber Green Guidelines, 2010;

b) Advisory Design Guidelines for Buildings, Signs and Awnings (1981);

c) Burnside Neighbourhood Plan;

d) Guidelines and Fences, Gates and Shutters, 2010.

-2- 5. (1) A development permit is not required when:

a) only internal alterations are made to a building or structure; or

b) a single family dwelling, accessory building, or structure is constructed or

altered. (2) Amendments are permitted to a development permit without further Council approval

if the general character of the development is in keeping with the general intent and approval of the development permit.

6. The provisions of this Official Community Plan prevail if there is a conflict between any of

them and the provisions of the guidelines specified in section 4.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 41 ROCKLAND INTENSIVE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT 1. Under section 919.1(1)(e) of the Local Government Act, for the purposes of section 920 of

the Local Government Act, all properties shown within the heavy line on Map 10.43 are designated as Development Permit Area 41, Rockland Intensive Residential Development, for the purpose of establishing objectives and providing guidelines for the form and character of intensive residential development in the form of attached and semi-attached dwellings.

2 The special conditions and objectives that justify this designation are:

(a) To ensure that the design and landscaping of new attached and semi-attached dwellings in Development Permit Area 41, Rockland Intensive Residential Development, including the particulars of the landscaping, exterior design and finish of such development, preserve the architectural integrity and established character of the Rockland Neighbourhood.

3 The special conditions and objectives referred to in section 2 will be met through guidelines

for the character of the development of attached and semi-attached dwellings, including landscaping, and the siting, form, exterior design and finish of such development.

4 The following guidelines apply in Development Permit Area 41 for the purpose of addressing

the special conditions and objectives:

(a) Advisory Design Guidelines for Buildings, Signs and Awnings (1981); (b) Design Guidelines for Attached and Semi-Attached Dwellings in the R1-A Zone,

(Rockland Single Family Dwelling District) (2011). 5 Other provisions of this Plan prevail if there is a conflict between any of them and the

provisions of the Guidelines specified in section 4.

1995 - victoria official community plan

Documents

city council

peopleoriented city

liveable community

various meetings

social planning

advocacy groups

advisory planning commission

strong downtown