Burnside Gorge Neighbourhood Plan Engagement Summary
Table of Contents Engagement Summary... 3 Phase One Engagement (April May 2015)... 4 Phase Two Engagement (January March 2016)... 4 Appendix One: Summary of Urban Design Workshop... 10 FOR MORE INFORMATION: City of Victoria E engage@victoria.ca 1 CENTENNIAL SQUARE, VICTORIA, BC V8W 1P6 victoria.ca/burnside
Engagement Summary Burnside Gorge is one of Victoria s most diverse neighbourhoods in terms of land use, with residential areas to the west, the City s largest industrial and general employment areas stretching to the Downtown, and the Douglas corridor. From April 2015 to March 2016, the City engaged over 1,500 people (1,000 in Phase 1,500 in Phase 2) through 42 events on the future of their community. The community s feedback was used to develop their neighbourhood plan which will help guide future growth and development. The plan includes short term improvements to be done over the next three to five years. Top Ten Desired Improvements The community s hopes for their community are best summed up by the results of their top ten desired improvements: 1. Better waterfront access and paths 2. Improvements to roads to better support people who walk and bicycle 3. Provide diverse housing choices 4. Enhance street design (sidewalks, benches, lamps, landscape, banners, etc.) 5. Spaces for gathering, events and festivals (such as a festival street, plaza or bandshell) 6. Continue restoration of shoreline habitat 7. Trees and greenery within neighbourhood 8. Investment in parks and playgrounds 9. Green infrastructure on streets, parks or public spaces to improve water quality 10. Conservation of heritage city of victoria Burnside Gorge Neighbourhood Plan Engagement Summary 3
Phase 1 Engagement (April May 2015) In the spring of 2015 more than 1,000 citizens provided input through a number of events held in the community, including both City and citizen-led workshops, meetings with key stakeholder groups, and an online survey. Engagement focused on identifying community values, local issues, and opportunities specific to the Burnside Gorge area. This included more than 70 face-to-face interactions, more than 300 surveys and 2,300 interactions on social media. What We Did Advisory Group Seven pop-up booths at festivals and community-gathering spots: 325 people Community-led and City workshops: 151 people Three Walking Tours: 20 people Online survey: 300 people Stakeholder meetings: 168 people Direct outreach to businesses: 50 people What We Heard Need to knit the neighbourhood together: walking and cycling for all ages Waterfront is key: ensure public access The Galloping Goose is an asset: needs to be connected The neighbourhood needs a heart : more shopping and services as part of an urban village Seek opportunities for additional multi-unit housing & mixed use development Ensure access to parks, green space, recreation Keep the neighbourhood family-friendly Support industry and artisans Proactively address social issues Celebrate and preserve heritage Phase 2 Engagement (January March 2016) In the second phase of engagement, the community was presented with multiple options for future change and growth based around five theme areas that emerged from feedback collected in Phase 1: Transportation & Mobility Parks, Recreation & Trails Urban Villages Housing Employment Lands: Commercial Industrial What We Did Open Houses: 130 people Neighbourhood Walks: 25 people Survey: 235 people 3 Urban Design workshops: 50 people Facilitated by urban designers, led by Frank Ducote Create future scenarios Focus areas: - Urban village and residential areas - Rock Bay - Douglas corridor 4 Burnside Gorge Neighbourhood Plan Engagement Summary city of victoria
What We Heard Transportation & Mobility Participants at the Open Houses and Neighbourhood Walks provided feedback on specific measures to improve walkability and cycling routes at five key transportation corridors. Major Road Redesign Bridge Street: Between John and David Streets, Bridge Street should support the evolution of an Industrial Arts village, with a pedestrian crossing and street enhancements such as benches, lamps, and landscaping to create a sense of place. There is also strong interest in developing a bicycle route connecting to a future bridge over Rock Bay, but maintaining on-street parking is a key concern for the business district. Burnside Road: Walking comfort and safety is the primary concern, with a strong interest in adding planted boulevards separating pedestrians from traffic, improving crossings at Washington Avenue and Jutland Road, and encouraging Saanich to redesign Burnside as a two lane road east of Harriet Road. There is also interest in seeing on-street parking replaced with protected bicycle lanes. In the long term, the road may accommodate on-street parking as new development results in improvements to the road, sidewalks and landscape. Gorge Road: Bicycle safety, as well as walking comfort and safety, are both primary concerns. The current conditions make walking and cycling destinations feel farther than they actually are. In the short term, there is strong support to redesign Gorge Road to accommodate protected bicycle lanes by removing one westbound travel lane if feasible. At the same time, removing encroaching vegetation and other impediments could improve the pedestrian experience. In the long term, Gorge Road should maintain sufficient travel lanes for frequent bus transit and should add planted boulevards separating pedestrians from the street. There is interest in an improved crossing at Balfour. Government Street: There is strong support for removing one lane of traffic and creating protected bicycle lanes, connecting to Gorge Road and thus linking the western parts of Burnside neighbourhood to the Downtown. This option retains on-street parking. Government Street is envisioned as a Main Street with adjacent businesses, large canopy trees, and funky public art and street furniture south of Pembroke Street. Jutland Road: Because of Jutland Road s role as a business street, a balance is sought between bicycle improvements and retaining on-street parking. Crossings at Burnside and Gorge road need improvements for pedestrian comfort. In the long-term, Jutland road can be designed as a Main Street with adjacent business, bicycle lanes, on-street parking and attractive sidewalks. city of victoria Burnside Gorge Neighbourhood Plan Engagement Summary 5
Trail Connections Enhance connections from Galloping Goose to the neighbourhood Create a bicycle and pedestrian connections from Washington Avenue to Balfour Complete waterfront walkway, starting with a bicycle and pedestrian connection from the Galloping Goose to Arbutus Park Bicycle connection through Rock Bay desired Parks, Recreation, Trails Engagement focused on waterfront improvements, support for recreational activities and general expansion of green space. Waterfront is key asset Top activities desired: Kayaking (launch) Other boating Swimming Walking Improve Arbutus Park Strong support Families / Picnics / Dogs / Nature / Water access / safety Small park at Harriet Support Water access, not just overlook More spaces to play More green/open space in general (majority of residents in multi-unit housing) Green space at Burnside School site 6 Burnside Gorge Neighbourhood Plan Engagement Summary city of victoria
Urban Villages Retail analysis shows that based on expected growth, the neighbourhood could support one large and one small urban village, totaling 2 3 blocks of retail frontage. Based on feedback in Phase 1, two potential locations for a mixed-use large urban village, and two potential locations for a smaller urban village were presented. Two possible large urban village locations were presented Selkirk and Cecelia-Jutland: 55 60% preferred Gorge Road: 40 45% preferred Most survey respondents supported both locations At the Open House, it was made clear that the neighbourhood could only support one large urban village Urban design participants focused on the Selkirk and Jutland-Cecelia area. However, participants noted that this location should be supplemented by a village located further west on Gorge Road. Complete Selkirk Village with a blend of work and compatible residential uses above, including new development incorporating a new Legion Hall. Two potential small urban village locations Housing There was strong interest in further developing Burnside at Harriet village There was less support for Gorge at Harriet location due to concerns for the pedestrian comfort at this intersection, with many stakeholders suggesting a location closer to the Gorge Road Hospital Engagement in this theme area centered on where additional housing and greater density would be supported. Urban Housing 4 5 storeys acceptable along Burnside and Gorge, Cecelia-Jutland area 4 8 storeys acceptable adjacent to Selkirk Village 10 12 storeys acceptable at Mayfair and Humber Green Humber Green as mixed use Housing Diversity Residential-above-industrial at edges of Rock Bay near Downtown and Selkirk Village Townhomes appropriate in traditional residential areas Cottage clusters and courtyard housing acceptable west of Cecelia Ravine Affordability is a concern Caution about converting motels to single occupant units Allow a range of low-rise multi-family development and townhomes in the residential areas southeast of Jutland Road, with a focus on Manchester Road as a greenway city of victoria Burnside Gorge Neighbourhood Plan Engagement Summary 7
Commercial/Industrial Engagement centered on how to best support commercial activity, focusing on the light industrial businesses and artisans who cluster in the Rock Bay area. Land use regulations, public space design, amenities and business vitality policies were a focus. Participants were also asked under what conditions limited residential uses might be acceptable. Rock Bay Phase 1 input demonstrated significant support for light industrial and commercial uses in the area. Phase 2 focused on how to support commercial/industrial activity and identify compatible uses. Maintain industrial business identity Diversify range of commercial uses, without displacing Improve public or on-street parking Develop Industrial Arts villages with creative placemaking and new uses on Bridge Street and south of Pembroke Street and a festival street to support events on Discovery Street Public realm improvements (cleanup/beautification, greenery, signage) Promotion (storytelling, brochure, organization) Business incubation Residential-above-light industrial only on the edges Caution regarding public access to the waterfront and accommodating bicycles, non-compatible business and housing in what is largely a production-oriented light industrial area Urban design participants recommended new development should be encouraged with industrial businesses at ground level, accessory office or retail only, while allowing upper floors to accommodate general commercial uses up to four storeys Support for industrial arts village on Bridge street Redevelop the BC Hydro/Transport Canada lands using high level principles, including: a park at Barclay point and bridge spanning Rock Bay; an active or well-designed frontage along Pembroke Street and Government Street; viewsheds and possible public access from streets terminating opposite these lands; and the potential for waterfront walkways around Rock Bay. Douglas Corridor The charrette recommended the Douglas Corridor continue to be a focus for future employment, with opportunities for additional residential development, connectivity and public space improvements supporting the evolution of Rapid Transit in this corridor. New buildings should front onto Douglas Street to a maximum height of 15m, consistent with the downtown. There is a possibility for taller towers above to add residential development. Douglas Street from Burnside Road to Tolmie should be developed as a Main Street with smaller storefronts facing Douglas Street and the possibility for residential development above. Redevelopment of Mayfair Mall should support this vision; the Douglas-Finlayson intersection becomes a focal area for placemaking. The Douglas-Burnside intersection may become a focal point for development with a potential Rapid Transit station location (not previously identified in BC Transit study). The light industrial district around Alpha, Beta and Gamma streets is an important area for jobs, and should be retained. South of Bay Street, there are westward views from Douglas Street which should be protected. 8 Burnside Gorge Neighbourhood Plan Engagement Summary city of victoria
Humber Green, Mayfair and others Mayfair Area Mixed use adjacent to Mayfair Mall Connect and integrate with transit future Improved landscaping and site design Alphabet streets are important industrial lands Humber Green Where s that? Put the green in Humber Green Pedestrian improvements Mixed use is okay, more density is okay Central location for businesses North edge of Downtown Gorge Road Enhance as a tourism destination (Access the Waterway, Goose) Heritage Which heritage sites need to be protected? Conservation of key buildings Dunedin-Manchester houses Scattered houses throughout Industrial buildings Interpretation and celebration First Nations Gorge Waterway Burnside Snapshot 5860 residents 2800 households 18% have children at home (Victoria: 19%) 49% live alone (Victoria: 49%) 21% are low-income (Victoria: 21%) 60% commute by auto (Victoria: 53%) 63% rent (Victoria: 59%) 1,400 business 14,000 employees (20% of City s) city of victoria Burnside Gorge Neighbourhood Plan Engagement Summary 9
Appendix 1 Summary of Urban Design Workshop (Charrette) Results Three urban design workshops called charrettes were held in February and March to look at future change in land use and public space in three subareas of the Burnside neighbourhood: the urban village and residential areas to the west; the Rock Bay area; and the Douglas Corridor. The charrettes were facilitated by a team of urban designers led by Frank Ducote, and brought together stakeholders representing residents, businesses and landowners. Each charrette produced 2 3 future scenarios, which were then reported out for identification of commonalities and key themes. The urban design team then synthesized these scenarios into a single option which was presented to stakeholders for feedback the following day. The Burnside Neighbourhood Design Workshops provides more detailed recommendations which will be considered in developing policies for the Burnside Neighbourhood Plan. Urban Village and Residential Areas: The main proposal is to develop an expanded urban village extending from Selkirk Village to the Jutland- Cecelia intersection, anchored by a revitalized Burnside School Building. New opportunities for living and working would evolve around this focal point and adjacent to the existing Selkirk Village, with Jutland evolving into a pedestrian-friendly Main Street. East-west connections from Balfour Road through to Cecelia Road realize the vision of a connected neighbourhood, while new residents near Selkirk Village support more vibrant shops and services. The charrette also recommended the evolution of a smaller focal point along Gorge Road near Gorge Road Hospital. Key recommendations from the charrette include: Support the development of a village focused on the Burnside School site, with a green and possible housing on the site itself, and a High Street on Jutland Road. Support the development of an area for working and living between Burnside School and Cecelia Ravine. Allow a range of low-rise multi-family development and townhomes in the residential areas southeast of Jutland Road, with a focus on Manchester Road as a greenway. Complete east-west connections from the neighbourhood to Cecelia Ravine and Cecelia Road. Complete Selkirk Village with a blend of work and compatible residential uses above, including new development incorporating a new Legion Hall. Rock Bay Employment Lands: Rock Bay should be a place for making first, supporting a vibrant and evolving industrial district with compatible businesses and improved public space and pedestrian conditions. Key recommendations from the charrette include: Making First : Businesses that produce, distribute and repair goods and equipment cluster here, with evolving creative industries. The district should be supported as a light industrial district with harbour-oriented industries at the waterfront. Other uses should be compatible to the district s main function, without displacing it. New development should be encouraged with industrial businesses at ground level, with accessory office or retail only, while allowing upper floors to accommodate general commercial uses up to four storeys. Pedestrian conditions and street trees should be enhanced throughout the district. An industrial/arts village should be supported on Bridge Street, with a broader range of uses possible and enhanced public space, focusing on cheap and cheerful improvements with a feel appropriate to an industrial district. The charrette recommended some high level principles for the redevelopment of the BC Hydro/ Transport Canada lands, including: a park at Barclay point and bridge spanning Rock Bay; an active or well-designed frontage along Pembroke Street and Government Street; viewsheds and possible public access from streets terminating opposite these lands; and the potential for waterfront walkways around Rock Bay. Government Street and Douglas Streets should continue to evolve as Main Streets fronted by small shops. 10 Burnside Gorge Neighbourhood Plan Engagement Summary city of victoria
The form and character of Rock Bay south should feel like a grittier extension of downtown. A festival street should be developed on Discovery Street, supporting events. Residential uses should be permitted only east of Douglas Street, as contained in the Downtown Core Area Plan, with possible residential uses above employment on the west side of Douglas Street. Douglas Corridor: The charrette recommended the Douglas Corridor continue to be a locus for future employment, with opportunities for additional residential development, connectivity and public space improvements supporting the evolution of Rapid Transit in this corridor. Key recommendations from the charrette include: New buildings should front onto Douglas Street to a maximum height of 15m, consistent with the downtown. There is a possibility for taller towers above to add residential development. Douglas Street from Burnside Road to Tolmie should be developed as a Main Street with smaller storefronts facing Douglas Street and the possibility for residential development above. Redevelopment of Mayfair Mall should support this vision; the Douglas-Finlayson intersection becomes a focal area for placemaking. The Douglas-Burnside intersection may become a focal point for development with a potential Rapid Transit station location (not previously identified in BC Transit study). The Five Points Humber Green intersection should be redesigned to become a pedestrian-friendly space with key buildings visually anchoring the prominent corners. Routes off of the major arterials should be connected for ease of pedestrian and bicycle movement. This includes east-west routes such as Frances Street, Topaz Street and King s Street. A north-south connection through the Mayfair Mall site should eventually link Nanaimo Street in Victoria to Oak Street in Saanich. The light industrial district around Alpha, Beta and Gamma streets is an important area for jobs, and should be retained. South of Bay Street, there are westward views from Douglas Street which should be protected. city of victoria Burnside Gorge Neighbourhood Plan Engagement Summary 11