Speak Up for Your Neighbourhood
Over approximately 2 years there has been a Villages and Corridors consultation process that has resulted in a report that would shape the future of the neighbourhood. Unfortunately, the report is being considered without having a meaningful in person engagement that everyone is invited to. While it is understandable that this large in person engagement did not happen due to COVID before now, it is inexcusable to not have one in the coming weeks and before Councill votes on whether to accept. This is especially so now that significant additions have been added (in red) to the report that were largely not discussed in the Villages and Corridors process.
What are you hopes and dreams for the neighbourhood? Are they reflected in the plan? How will the future of massive special zones like Evergreen Terrace and 950 Kings be decided? How will the missing middle recommendations impact Hillside-Quadra?
Whatever your views, please let Council know what you think by emailing councillors@victoria.ca or presenting to City Council in time for the June 9 meeting!
Please consider passing on some key requests to the City of Victoria, as outlined by the Hillside-Quadra Neighbourhood Action Committee working group:
Delay the Villages and Corridors report going to a public hearing
Ensure red letter additions (special zones etc) in the Villages and Corridors Report are clearly defined and that local residents have significantly more time to review them.
Ensure meaningful, everyone welcome, group discussion that includes in-person engagement takes place. This needs to be an in-person workshop with a question and answer period. It also needs to take place in the neighbourhood.
Unfortunately the Villages and Corridors planning project has not been a meaningful or fair consultation!
For example:
Due largely to COVID a digital divide has prevented many low income individuals and families from engaging fully in the neighbourhood planning process.
No translation provided of the Villages and Corridors report.
Red letter additions including special planning zones and missing middle notified May 2.
The Villages and Corridors report is an 102 page report. There has been insufficient time for review or to get a guided tour of key components from City staff.
Lack of in person engagement on the report with a group discussion component.
No parks plan or clear path forward for 950 Kings. This has major implications for Evergreen Terrace and the health of Hillside-Quadra.
The future of the neighbourhood is on the line. This may be the last chance to influence the road map to the future that is the Villages and Corridors Plan!
