SUMMARY OF PHASE ONE ENGAGEMENT BURNSIDE GORGE AND DOUGLAS AREA PLAN

Transcription

1 SUMMARY OF PHASE ONE ENGAGEMENT BURNSIDE GORGE AND DOUGLAS AREA PLAN OVERVIEW Throughout April, May and June the City of Victoria engaged with more than 1,000 people on the future of the Burnside neighbourhood. Thirty-six events were held, including a number of citizenled events, and 340 surveys completed. Community members were asked to identify community values, local issues, and opportunities specific to the Burnside neighbourhood to inform a new local area plan for this neighbourhood of 6,000 residents and 1,400 businesses. A summary of engagement is attached and will be made available to the public and stakeholders. Public input and analysis confirmed the broad goals and objectives of the Official Community Plan (OCP) regarding land use patterns, improvements to achieve more complete streets, bicycle and pedestrian pathways, improvements to and expansion of park spaces and water access within the neighbourhood. However, engagement also revealed new considerations for the future of the neighbourhood, gaps in other areas needed to prepare the plan, and actions that will be undertaken concurrent with phase 2 planning, as follows: Residents expressed an interest in exploring urban village locations along Burnside Road, Cecelia Road or possibly Gorge Road. Further planning is needed for the design of Burnside Road, Gorge Road, and Jutland Road-Finlayson Street as complete streets supporting active transportation, placemaking, housing and businesses. For Douglas Street, further work was identified, including involvement from BC Transit and the District of Saanich, to confirm desired street width to accommodate the many modes of transportation utilizing the corridor. This work will also aim to refine land uses and urban design for development flanking the corridor. Residents identified the need for improvements for parks within the neighbourhood (with specific reference to Arbutus Park), providing a broader range of activities or facilities to draw residents, employees and visitors, and to expand access to the waterfront. Business representatives identified a need to remove regulatory barriers and to consider other strategies to better support business attraction, incubation and expansion throughout the employment lands. Within the Rock Bay area, both residents and business representatives envisioned Bridge Street as a unique opportunity for placemaking supporting evolving arts uses and linking David Foster Way and Selkirk Village, while Government Street is seen as an opportunity to create a Main Street for the Rock Bay District with creative placemaking, active transportation and active storefront businesses. NEXT STEPS Commencing in fall 2015, the second phase of engagement will further explore more detailed village and corridor planning with the community and local businesses. A transportation and urban design consultant team will assist with planning for key corridors and presenting options to the public. Phase 2 may include one or more urban design workshops or charrettes, key issue workshops, or working group meetings designed with input from the Council-appointed Engagement Advisory Group as well as the Burnside Gorge Community Association, building on recent Engaging Neighbourhoods discussions. A draft plan will be developed and is expected to be available for community feedback in the first quarter of Summary of Phase One Engagement: Burnside, Gorge and Douglas Area Plan Page 1

2 WHAT WE HEARD OVERVIEW Engagement was generally consistent throughout different engagement techniques, although there were key areas where there was a range of public input, indicating that further refinement is needed. Key themes which emerged from phase I include: There is a desire for better, family-friendly connections for people to walk and cycle throughout the neighbourhood. The Galloping Goose Trail is seen as a key asset in the neighbourhood that should be enhanced. The Gorge Waterway seen as a key asset in the neighbourhood that should be enhanced. Opportunities were seen for additional multi-family housing, mixed-use development and possible urban villages in key locations throughout the neighbourhood. Areas to consider are identified below and will form the basis of further consultation in phase 2. There is a desire for more services and shopping offered within walking distance from where people live and work. Residents would like to see the neighbourhood be supportive of the needs of families and residents of all ages. There is a desire for increased access to parks and recreation opportunities in the neighbourhood. There is a desire to support important industrial, manufacturing and commercial areas of the neighbourhood through updated policies, zoning, services, organization, branding and marketing and infrastructure. Stakeholders would like to see continued strategies to proactively address social issues and their impacts in the neighbourhood. There is a desire to celebrate, interpret and conserve the area s heritage. The following sections provide a summary of what was heard in regard to each of the key themes. There is a desire for better, family-friendly connections for people to walk and cycle throughout the neighbourhood: Key destinations for improved connections include downtown, the Galloping Goose Trail, Selkirk Village, parks (Gorge, Hampton, Rudd, and Topaz parks), recreation centres (Pearkes, Crystal Pool), Schools (including Tillicum and Quadra schools) and shopping and services. Burnside Road, Gorge Road, and Government Street should become safe, comfortable and attractive locations for pedestrians and cyclists, with attention to upgraded sidewalks, street trees, (separated) bicycle lanes, and crossings. Other streets mentioned for complete streets improvements include Bay Street, Hillside Avenue, Jutland Road/Finnlayson Street, and Bridge Street. The planned greenway from Balfour Street to Washington Street remains a key priority for creating a walkable and bikeable connection, away from busy streets, to the Galloping Goose, Cecelia Ravine Park, and Burnside Gorge Community Centre, as well as west towards Tillicum School and Pearkes recreation centre, further knitting the neighbourhood together. A greenway along the shore west of the Galloping Goose, connecting to Saanich s Gorge walkway and Gorge Park, also remains a priority. Summary of Phase One Engagement: Burnside, Gorge and Douglas Area Plan Page 1

3 The Galloping Goose Trail is seen as a key asset in the neighbourhood that should be enhanced: Connections to the Galloping Goose could be improved within the neighbourhood in areas such as Gorge Road, Alpha Street and the Burnside Gorge Community Centre. In the interim, wayfinding signage could be provided guiding cyclists through Selkirk Village. There is a desire to enhance the sense of safety along the Galloping Goose through better lighting and better ways for commuting cyclists, recreational cyclists, walkers and joggers to share the trail. The Gorge Waterway seen as a key asset in the neighbourhood that should be enhanced: There is a desire to create more opportunities to access the water through view points, waterfront parks, public boat launches, swimming platforms, or additional water taxi landings. These improvements could be made at places such as Rock Bay, near Point Ellice House, at the Selkirk Waterfront (with a public boat launch), at Arbutus Park, at the Gorge Road Hospital site, or at the end of Harriet Road. There is support for a waterfront walkway west from Selkirk Village, which might be completed incrementally if it is not possible to complete in its entirety soon. Water access at Selkirk Village, at Point Ellice House, and along the Selkirk Trestle and Galloping Goose to downtown were seen as positives that could be built upon with expanded public access opportunities. There is a desire for more commercial uses such as cafes or restaurants with patios and views of the water. Suggestions were made for further ecological restoration in the Gorge Waterway and Upper Harbour and introduction of shared green infrastructure to enhance water quality and minimize run-off from the impervious surfaces in the area. Opportunities to daylight the creek which once flowed into Rock Bay were also mentioned. Opportunities were seen for additional multi-family housing, mixed-use development and possible urban villages in key locations throughout the neighbourhood. Areas to consider include: Along Gorge Road, particularly extending from Selkirk Village west, with possible urban village nodes at Gorge Road Hospital or near the Robin Hood motel. Along Burnside Road, with possible urban villages extending east from Harriet Street, between Cecelia Ravine and Jutland Road, or nearer Douglas Street. Expanding the footprint of Selkirk Village. Cecelia road between the Galloping Goose and Jutland Road as an urban village or a location for further residential development. Adjacent (to the west of) Mayfair Town Centre. East of Douglas Street in the Rock Bay District; or alternatively extending north from Old Town into the Rock Bay District. Possibly in other locations along Douglas Street or between Douglas and Blanshard Streets. Some participants suggested further housing in additional parts of the Rock Bay area; however, many participants were concerned about the potential impacts on existing and future businesses. Suggestions included live-work housing, residential housing above light industrial flex spaces, or artists housing. Summary of Phase One Engagement: Burnside, Gorge and Douglas Area Plan Page 2

4 There is a desire for more services and shopping offered within walking distance from where people live and work: Many citizens in the area would like to enjoy the walkability available within many other neighbourhoods in Victoria. The need for a grocery store was widely emphasized. Other services participants would like to see include a public market or farmers market, bank, coffee shops, convenience store (near Rock Bay), and medical services. The community would like to see Selkirk Village s function as an urban village improve in terms of its physical and social connection to the neighbourhood, variety of retail and services offered, and businesses open after 5 PM. There is a desire for small public gathering spaces or hubs for people to come together near commercial areas including in Rock Bay, Humber Green, and along Burnside and Gorge Roads. Retail and service uses and village character might be extended along Gorge Road (particularly west of Cecelia Ravine) or along Burnside Road. Many people don t see the development of Humber Green Village as relevant to the more residential parts of Burnside Gorge neighbourhood. However, members of the business community recognized it as an attractive and central business location. Many supported the development of Mayfair Town Centre, particularly the Douglas Street frontage, as a place for new development and improvements creating an urban village character for the area. Access for people to walk and cycle from the rest of the neighbourhood was noted as key for making this area relevant to the community. Residents would like to see the neighbourhood be supportive of the needs of families and residents of all ages: The existing tree-lined neighbourhood streets, the mix of housing types and affordability, and new residential development in Selkirk Village and at Loreen Place were all seen as positive aspects of the neighbourhood. Stakeholders expressed a desire for a mix of housing suitable for families including townhomes, small lot homes, and apartments with larger units with access to on-site green space. Improving the safety of connections for walking and cycling will make the area more appealing to young families. There is a desire to see an improvement to the perception of safety in the neighbourhood through improvements to lighting in Rock Bay, Washington Avenue, and the Galloping Goose Trail. There is a desire for increased access to parks and recreation opportunities in the neighbourhood: Recent improvements to Cecelia Ravine Park, as well as nearby parks such as the Gorge Park/Walkway, Rudd Park and Hampton Park in Saanich, Topaz Park and Banfield Park in Victoria, and the Crystal Pool and Pearkes Recreation Centre, were seen as positive aspects to build upon. Improvements to existing parks and green spaces, creation of new spaces, and easier access to existing spaces were priorities for many participants. Several participants wanted to see a broader range of activities to draw people to neighbourhood parks and create a sense of safety. There is a desire for added green space in the neighbourhood, especially near the water or as viewpoints. Opportunities could exist at Gorge Road Hospital site. Summary of Phase One Engagement: Burnside, Gorge and Douglas Area Plan Page 3

5 While the Burnside Gorge Community Centre was recognized as a positive addition to the regional community, many participants felt it was not a well-known or well-used part of the neighbourhood and that awareness, programing and physical access for the community could be expanded. Several participants mentioned the desire for additional community garden spaces within the neighbourhood. Several participants expressed a desire that Arbutus Park include more activities or attractions to draw people, that the sense of safety be improved, and that it be better signed and/or connected to the Galloping Goose trail. Many participants were unaware of this park, or saw it exclusively as a dog park with limited appeal despite being one of the few waterfront public spaces in the neighbourhood. There is a desire to support important industrial, manufacturing and commercial areas of the neighbourhood through updated policies, zoning, services, organization, branding and marketing and infrastructure: Many participants recognized the importance of harbour based industrial lands and maintaining an industrial and commercial tax base. The importance of light industry in the area was noted, including the area s industrial ecosystem where designers, fabricators, contractors, and marketers conduct business with one another in a location that is central to the region s customers, employees and close to downtown. Overall there is a desire to see improvements to the public realm to better support businesses and create a sense of place for customers and those who work in the Rock Bay district and surrounding area industrial areas. Noted areas for improvements include parking access, bike parking, condition of roads, trees, sidewalks and crosswalks. Several business participants expressed a desire to better mitigate certain industrial impacts (e.g. dust and odours) on surrounding businesses. Other public realm improvements that would help draw more people to the area include the need for a central gathering space, exploring placemaking opportunities along Bridge Street through the introduction of banners or public art, public events and a public farmers and artists market. There was concern regarding vacancies and the quality or business-readiness of buildings in the Rock Bay area; buildings may require significant upgrades to meet building code for new business uses. Participants mentioned a desire for easier changes of uses, incentives for the construction or rehabilitation of light industrial space, not increasing commercial and industrial property taxes, maintaining building condition inventories, creating business incubation space, creating a city position or business development office to assist existing and potential businesses in locating and permitting space, and other means to encourage investment in business-friendly building stock in the area. Participants felt that the future of the BC Hydro and Transport Canada lands in Rock Bay will set the tone for what is possible in this district. Several participants suggested creating a significant economic or tourist draw in this district with examples such as the Haida Heritage Centre in Skidegate, the Wood Innovation and Design Centre in Prince George, or Granville Island. Many participants saw the need to update zoning, particularly in the Rock Bay area, to allow for more flexible use of space compatible with the light industrial character of the area. More flexibility could allow small scale and start-up businesses to grow and expand. There is a desire to celebrate and draw interest to the Rock Bay area as a destination for craft beer, locally roasted coffee, and creative arts and artisan production, together with Summary of Phase One Engagement: Burnside, Gorge and Douglas Area Plan Page 4

6 industrial history, public or graffiti art, etc. Participants saw potential areas of interest focused on Bridge Street and/or south of Pembroke Street. Participants mentioned the potential for an organization to represent the Rock Bay area businesses and coordinate efforts to improve the conditions and image within the area (e.g. a Business Improvement Area). Participants noted the cohabitation of industrial use alongside the growing local artisan, manufacturing, design, arts and culture groups. There is a strong interest in the Rock Bay area among artists, who are in need of industrial zoning, affordable and flexible spaces, and the ability to carry out activities (artisan production, music) which impact neighbours but which coexist with light industrial uses. Several suggestions were made to support artists or an arts district, including convening arts non-profit groups to support affordable studio spaces, arts incubation space, an arts centre, or artists housing, along with placemaking to support events and programming with events such as Rifflandia already using the district. Artists cited many of the same concerns other businesses did. It was recognized that further development of already existing arts, artisan and creative sector would bring more people to the area beyond daytime business hours and help enhance sense of community and safety in the area. There were concerns that allowing residential use within close proximity to industrial and manufacturing areas could displace some businesses that create noise or disturbance to residents through their operations. There were also some who noted that live-work buildings or artist residences could be appropriate in some areas. Stakeholders would like to see continued strategies to proactively address social issues and their impacts in the neighbourhood: Stakeholders felt the City should continue to seek solutions to the impacts and perception of concentrated social issues in the neighbourhood, particularly in the Rock Bay area. Some concerns were raised regarding the presence of needles and the need to install fences and gates to secure businesses after hours. Many citizens expressed opposition to the further conversion of motels into single-room occupancy housing. Many participants expressed concern about the perceived concentration of transitional housing and services serving very low income clients within one part of the city, preferring that these services be distributed throughout the city. Overall there was support for both market housing and affordable workforce/family housing developments (e.g. Loreen Place at 21 Gorge Road East.) Participants in the Rock Bay area expressed differing opinions on the current presence of social service providers, including the Rock Bay Landing shelter. Some participants saw these providers as having a negative impact; others felt that their presence had not altered the prevalence of socially undesirable activities that already occurred in the neighbourhood. Many participants cited the need for better programs to assist those engaged in drug use and prostitution, as well as homeless individuals. A more pro-active police presence, as well as the potential for Good Neighbour agreements on Gorge Road could help facilitate better relationships between the community and social service providers and clients. There is a desire to celebrate, interpret and conserve the area s heritage: Suggestions included better opportunities to celebrate the history of the area including First Nations history, industrial history in Rock Bay, the history of the Gorge Waterway, and of the Burnside Street Car route. Summary of Phase One Engagement: Burnside, Gorge and Douglas Area Plan Page 5

7 Participants would like to see the revitalization of key buildings including the Power Plant building on Store Street (BC Hydro lands) as a possible arts centre (similar to the Tate Gallery in Toronto) or business incubation centre. Some topic areas requiring further public consultation: Future of Douglas Street Area, with attention to appropriate land uses, connectivity, and public realm improvements. Future change or development in the Cecelia Road area and the Burnside School site Refinement of development character along Burnside and Gorge Roads Appropriate zoning within the employment lands Future land use direction for the Rock Bay District (south of Bay Street). Summary of Phase One Engagement: Burnside, Gorge and Douglas Area Plan Page 6

8 ENGAGEMENT APPROACH A variety of engagement techniques were used to engage a broad range of community members in the development of their local area plan. Engagement Advisory Group The Council-appointed group consisted of ten community members and was instrumental in providing guidance on how best to engage all community members in their plan. Some members also organized and hosted citizenled events engaging their neighbours, friends and colleagues in the future of their community. Pop Up Events In an effort to make engagement convenient and accessible, seven pop up booths were hosted through April and May at the Burnside Gorge Community Centre, local coffee shops, along the Galloping Goose Trail and during the Selkirk Waterfront Festival. Pop up events were used to collect feedback on the spot and to raise awareness about upcoming engagement opportunities. Staff also visited businesses throughout the Rock Bay area to listen to ideas and concerns. City and Community-led Workshops Six workshops were hosted to collect feedback from the community. One was hosted by the City and was held at the Burnside Gorge Community Centre in May. Five were community-led workshops supported by the City at Gabriel Ross, Rifflandia Headquarters (for with the arts and culture community), for the UVic Urban Development Club at Victoria City Hall, at an Urban Development Institute breakfast meeting, and with participants who attended the Green Building Conference at UVic. The community-led workshops were held for the first time and proved to be successful in engaging new members of the community. In total 151 people provided input through community-led workshops. Summary of Phase One Engagement: Burnside, Gorge and Douglas Area Plan Page 7

9 Youth Engagement Members of the Burnside Gorge Active Youth Program, City of Victoria Youth Council and UVic Urban Development Club were invited to participate in engagement activities. The UVic Urban Development Club hosted a workshop at City Hall where they worked in groups to create their vision for a new village at Humber Green. The workshop was well attended and also allowed participants to speak directly with staff to gain more insight into the field of planning and learn more about other areas of City governance. Walking Tours Five walking tours took place providing residents the opportunity to learn more about the neighbourhood and share their knowledge with the City. A community-led walking tour coincided with the annual Jane s Walk, two walking tours occurred during the Burnside Gorge Community Conversation event and two separate walking tour events focused on the Rock Bay area. Online Survey For those unable to attend the events, an online survey was available. 340 completed surveys were received. Coffee-on-us / Stakeholder Meetings Any association, resident or business group who wanted to explore issues at a deeper level than what was covered during some workshops were able to invite the City to come to them. In total seventeen coffee-on-us sessions were hosted engaging 168 community members. Several Coffeeon-us meetings followed a similar (if less formal) format as the Community Conversation workshop held at Burnside Gorge Community Centre on May 9 th. Online Engagement Online tools were used to share information about the project and encourage participation in the survey and upcoming engagement events. Online tools included a dedicated page on Victoria.ca as well as HaveYourSayVictoria.com, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Outreach In order to ensure as many people as possible were aware of the opportunity to provide input on the Local Area Plan, a variety of outreach channels were used including the City s website, print ads in the Times Colonist and Victoria News, an article in the Burnside Gorge Community Newsletter, posters, fliers, a stakeholder and face-to-face notification to local businesses. Summary of Phase One Engagement: Burnside, Gorge and Douglas Area Plan Page 8

10 ENGAGEMENT EVENTS: SUMMARY OF CONTACTS Technique Description Date Est. Interactions Pop-Ups Second Crack Coffee Thurs Apr BGCC Seniors Lunch Tues May 5 20 Galloping Goose Trail (lunch) Wed May 6 30 BGCC Family Dinner Thurs May 7 30 Galloping Goose Trail (evening) Wed May Selkirk Waterfront Festival Sat May Wheelies Mon May Subtotal 325 Workshops Community Conversation at Burnside Gorge Community Centre Sat May 9 16 Community Conversation in Rock Bay (Community-initiated) Thurs May Creative Sector (Community-initiated) Wed May UDI Breakfast Meeting Thurs May UVic Young Developers Club Thurs May Growing Better Cities (Vancouver Island Collaborative, Cascadia Green Building Council) Sat May Subtotal 151 Coffee On Us/ Meetings Gorge Hotel Owners Wed Apr 29 6 BC Hydro Fri May 1 3 Gorge Tillicum Association (Saanich) Thurs May 7 15 Gorge Waterway Initiative Wed May BGCA CALUC Mon May Rock Bay District Landowners Wed May 27 5 Selkirk Employees (community-initiated) Wed May 27 9 Albany St Residents (community-initiated) Sun May Washington Coop Residents Tue Jun 2 16 Downtown Residents Association Wed June 3 6 Rock Bay Industrial Property/Business Owners Thurs June 4 14 Treelane Estates Residents Tue June 9 18 Hillside Quadra Neighbourhood Action Group Mon Jun Victoria Esquimalt Harbour Society Wed Jun Mt. View Colquitz Association (Saanich) Thur Jun 18 5 Rock Bay Landing Shelter (clients and coordinator) Tue Jun 9 9 Victoria Chinese Commerce Association Fri Jun 19 3 Victoria Advanced Technology Council Thur Jul 23 1 Subtotal 168 Walkshops (not including walkshops held as part of Community Conversation at BGCC and Selkirk Festival) Jane s Walk (Community-led) Sat May 2 12 Rock Bay District Thurs May 14 4 Rock Bay District Tues Jun 2 4 Subtotal 20 Door-to-Door Subtotal Direct outreach to business interests Various Dates 50 Survey Subtotal Apr 17 Jun TOTAL 1,064 Summary of Phase One Engagement: Burnside, Gorge and Douglas Area Plan Page 9

11 Map 1: Transportation Corridors Summary of Engagement Summary of Phase One Engagement: Burnside, Gorge and Douglas Area Plan Page 10

12 Map 2: Pedestrian and Bicycle Connections (excluding Arterial Roads) Summary of Engagement Summary of Phase One Engagement: Burnside, Gorge and Douglas Area Plan Page 11

13 Map 3: Land Use and Urban Villages Summary of Engagement Summary of Phase One Engagement: Burnside, Gorge and Douglas Area Plan Page 12