Letter to Council

Dear Mayor and Council,

I have read and understand the proposed Official Community Plan (OCP) for Victoria and have concerns regarding some of the policy statements found in the plan:

Check those that are of concern to you:

The population estimates in the document appear inflated. The city claims there will be 142,000 people by the year 2050 but the BC Government estimates the number in the year 2046 to be 118,253. This is a discrepancy of close to 24,000 people!

I request the city population estimate match the provincial figure. This reduces density targets set throughout the document.

Less than 2,500 people commented on the city survey out of a population of 93,000. The city's questionnaire also forced people to choose between 4 and 6 story buildings on every lot with no option to refuse either.

I request Council consult further using a questionnaire that offers true choice. This consultation should be conducted by an independent body, not City staff, and reach a broad cross section of residents.

The existing Missing Middle Housing regulations already allow for a minimum of 6 units on lots throughout Victoria which provides for a range of housing options. This is sufficient density increase in residential areas to meet our housing requirements.

I request the draft OCP be modified to only have Missing Middle zoning in residential areas outside of major transportation routes

The draft OCP is not compatible with the city's Trees Masterplan; Parks Masterplan, BC's 2022 Coroner's Report on Extreme Heat; BC's commitment to the Coastal Douglas-fir zone; and the Union of BC Municipalities' resolutions on tree canopy and stormwater management.

I request the following policy change be added to the draft OCP:

Victoria signs onto the C40 climate cities recommendation of 40% green infrastructure on each lot which includes grass, shrubs etc. with 15% of each lot dedicated solely to contiguous plantable space.

The draft OCP only provides tenants compensation of (i) 2-6 months’ rent (and the 6 months comes only after 20+ years of tenancy!) and (ii) a right to return to the new building at 20% below market rents.

Council needs to approve the same tenant protections that the City of Burnaby requires: (i) developers cover the difference between current rent and the new rents when they relocate and (ii) a right to a unit in the new building at your old rent.

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Sustainable Victoria Network

Letter to Council

Sustainable Victoria
Network