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RECORD OF MEETING

Project: City of Victoria Open Spaces Masterplan Time: 11:00am‐12:00pm ‐ mtg with Greater Victoria Green Team Date: 16 August 2016

Project No.: 1616 Present: Amanda Evans, Green Teams Nicola Windjack, LADR

Distribution: Leigh Campbell Julie Potter Shannon Jamison Megan Turnock

General discussion 1. Greater Victoria Green Team values biodiversity in the City’s parks and would like to see ecosystems highlighted and discussed more at a community level (similar to how food security is discussed).

2. Volunteers in Victoria feel underappreciated and often go to other municipalities to volunteer in parks instead of volunteering in Victoria. Three years ago, the City was better at collaborating with volunteers but a change in senior management resulted in less collaboration and open communication with volunteer groups. Green Teams would like the City to be more accessible for volunteers.

3. Main issues that are brought up as problems with Victoria parks are safety and cleanliness.

4. Feels that volunteers efforts should align with the City’s park management plans; increased collaboration needs to occur for this to happen. Parks and open spaces in city would benefit from City staff and volunteers working together. Would like to see increased opportunities for people of all ages to volunteer.

5. Parks should be increasingly naturalized with ecosystem restored

6. Volunteer programs in other municipalities (Saanich and Esquimalt specifically) can be looked at for examples of successful collaboration and open door policies. 7. Volunteer opportunities are important for healthy communities – it is therapeutic for many people including those with mental illnesses.

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Comments forwarded by Amanda: 1. Most valued in Park system: the opportunities for community engagement regarding improving our parks and green spaces. The support from City of Victoria for volunteers being able to help and contribute to the restoration of parks and green spaces.

2. Strength of Park system: The rare ecosystems found, diversity, accessibility, facilities (bathrooms),

3. Weakness in Park system: There is a lack of support for community and volunteer efforts in Victoria’s parks. Our experience so far has been a closed door policy on CoV’s end – we have sent multiple emails to organize community/volunteer opportunities that were not answered or answered with a simple “no”. The GVGT represents 1300 volunteers, any of which reside in Victoria and have been eager to help out in parks they visit, and parks they notice lots and lots of invasive plants invading into. Supporting volunteers and community opportunities in parks and green spaces is vital. It is important to acknowledge the high value of volunteer services and that is a very big weakness in Victoria’s parks.

4. Ideas for improvement: Strengthen relationships with groups like the GVGT that are doing good things to build community resiliency. CoV needs to get on board with developing their volunteer engagement strategy in their parks and by working with organizations like the GVGT, we can help them improve their community opportunities.

5. Missing opportunities/features: Support for current stewardship groups. Building ties with community groups and organizations who serve CoV’s residents. Connection between parks departments and residents – there seems to be a great divide / disconnection between the parks department and city of victoria residents. This is definitely felt especially when connecting to other municipal parks departments who seem to be more connected to the community and are accessible and welcoming.

6. Improved partnership between Green Team & City: Green Team must work with CoV to strengthen volunteer opps (City has to engage in this). Would be great if CoV approved GVGT to organize opps in parks and also to be able to work with current stewardship groups Green Team can help CoV value volunteer engagement in their parks. At moment CoV shows a lack of support for volunteers and their current volunteer stewardship groups.

7. Vision for 20 years ahead: Volunteer and stewardship engagement, increase biodiversity, reduce disturbances like invasive, non‐native plants. Outdoor education programs. Engagement with teachers and allow them to participate in outdoor, hands‐on opportunities that allow them to directly participate in the improvement of our parks and ecosystems.

8. Suggested criteria for City decision making regarding improvements to Parks and Open Spaces: Work with park stewardship groups and make sure they are part of sthe decision making process for volunteer engagement in parks.

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RECORD OF MEETING

Project: City of Victoria Open Spaces Masterplan – Accessibility Focus Group

Date: 8 August 2016

Project No.: 1616 Time: 4:00‐5:00pm

Present: Paul Jones Linda Bartram Susan Gallagher Robin Bayley Steve Bertrand Chris Marks Jeremy Loveday, Councilor City of Victoria Brad Dellebuur, City of Victoria Chaz Whipp, City of Victoria Christopher Windjack, LADR (recorder) Bev Windjack, LADR (facilitator)

Distribution: All above Leigh Campbell Julie Potter Shannon Jamieson Megan Turnock

ITEM General Notes ¾ Some concern expressed that the Accessibility Focus group didn’t represent people with disabilities/challenges such as Alzheimer’s; Parkinson’s; MS; etc., or parents with children with challenges. Also need to remember people with severe allergies are challenged. ¾ Some concern expressed that the accessibility focus group was the last one considered, and should have been spoken to sooner. City staff noted that the accessibility focus group was marked as a stakeholder group from the beginning of the project ¾ Several participants noted that Victoria is a good place to live for people with disabilities: The climate is very good for those with mobility challenges The high retiree population has led to good infrastructure (in general)

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It is the best province in terms of wheelchair access to buildings, public spaces and parks

1. What parks and park amenities do you use? Which do you value the most?

Accessibility ¾ Value both ease of access and the ability to get right up to amenities (e.g. touch the statue) ¾ Parks generally not well used by people with mobility challenges due to poor wayfinding, difficult circulation ¾ Parks can be a challenge for people with severe allergies Peace and tranquility ¾ Value the ability to go into green spaces and get away from crowds, which can often be problematic for people with disabilities ¾ Value undeveloped natural spaces Benches ¾ Overall the number of seating amenities and picnic tables needs to be increased ¾ They are few and far between, and usually only at entries and exits of walkable areas, not in the middle ¾ Should be put in more places than just beside walkways at the edges of areas ¾ Allow for gathering when grouped and facing each other ¾ Picnic tables need to accommodate wheelchairs – why not make all features universally accessible?

2. What parks and amenities would you like to use but don’t? Why not?

Inner harbour ¾ People are not considerate in crowds, and there is not enough room for those with mobility difficulties ¾ People have proven to not follow rules, even when there are bylaws (see: Johnson St. Bridge plan, where cyclists have already stated they will not cross the street and change lanes to the other side in order to get across the bridge as will be required, but will instead illegally use the pedestrian sidewalk) Steps to the Inner harbour ¾ Curved staircases pose a problem ¾ Stair edges are poorly marked ¾ There is only one ramp down to the Inner Harbour, which means that wheelchair users are forced to backtrack to exit the space instead of being able to circulate through it Dallas Road ¾ Considered the pre‐eminent public space in Victoria by most user groups, but needs to be better shared by all those groups instead of being dominated by one or two

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¾ Universal accessibility needs to be built in ¾ Offleash dogs interfere with guide dogs, people with low vision and people with dog allergies. ¾ Very poor signage and clarity regarding where dogs are allowed to be offleash ¾ A gated dog run with an exterior adjacent path could be a good alternative (see: West Vancouver dog runs) Bastion Square ¾ Steps are poorly marked ¾ Steps appear in the middle of the square, and it is challenging for people with low vision to find a ‘safe route’ down the stairs &/or across the square near the stairs ¾ There needs to be tactile signage and surface treatment to inform and guide people with vision challenges ¾ Ramps are unmarked and hard to find. Anything steeper than 1r:12h, even for a very short run, is extremely difficult to navigate in a chair Accessible labyrinth (suggested amenity; don’t have one to use!) ¾ Victoria has many labyrinths but none are universally accessible ¾ A design for one was developed with a landscape architect by members of this focus group, but no suitable location could be found for it so it was shelved. Linda Bartram can be contacted if there is interest in moving it forward Music gardens (suggested amenity; don’t have one to use!) ¾ Auditory experiences can be a great garden amenity for all people, including those with vision challenges ¾ See: Yo‐Yo Ma Garden in Toronto. Wonderful! Scent garden (suggested amenity; don’t have one to use!)

3. Are there other important green spaces in your community that people enjoy? What benefits do those have for your community? What kinds of activities do you do or would you like to do in those spaces?

Beach access ¾ Beach access in Victoria is poor for those with mobility challenges, especially those in wheelchairs. They are limited to seeing the beach instead of being on it ¾ It is something that can be easily improved by adding boardwalks or concrete paths leading to the beach, and then continuing across loose sand to hard packed sand. May only be accessible at low tide. ¾ Wheelchairs can often function properly on hard‐packed sand nearer to the waterline, they just need a solid surface to get them past the dry sand on the upper beach ¾ See: Tofino Beach, Venice Beach as precedents

4. What trends are you seeing in terms of the types of things people want to find or experience in the park system?

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Better direct access to every feature and amenity within Victoria’s parks ¾ Easily accessed amenities – wide enough paths with shallow grades that allow people to easily navigate their way to park elements ¾ Direct access to the amenities themselves – paths that allow people with disabilities to get right up to or into the amenity rather than taking them only to the edge of it or giving them nothing but visual access ¾ Better wayfinding signage/markers that can be instructive to people with visual challenges, as well as others.

5. Do you think the parks are universally accessible to people of all ages? What would improve accessibility?

Wayfinding is key ¾ Tactile maps should be added in designated/known locations for major parks and open spaces. Tactile surfaces could be incorporated into existing signage as a legend that corresponds to similar tactile surfacing in areas within the park itself ¾ Signage should incorporate more than just visual identifiers ¾ Auditory guides, QR codes, and lighting are all wayfinding aids that are underused or not used at all. QR codes very important for the future. Furniture can be made accessible for all users ¾ There is often only one wheelchair accessible table in groupings, but why not make every table accessible for wheelchair users ¾ Picnic tables and benches made from non‐porous, impermeable materials such as recycled plastic are much better for people with allergies than porous materials such as concrete, as spills on porous materials are hard to clean, collect allergens, and often attract stinging insects Surface materials ¾ Aggregate surfaces are only good when they are new and freshly compacted, but with wear they quickly become loose and dangerous ¾ All loose materials eventually becomes a hazard for wheelchair users (see: The Railyard development, where the aggregate path was paved over because everyone preferred to use the paved sidewalk adjacent to it) ¾ Bark mulch is inaccessible for wheelchairs, poor for bicycles, and really only serves walkers and joggers ¾ Solid rubber mats are good and can be temporary or seasonal, and can also be laid down in specific path locations to create wheelchair access ¾ Wood can get slippery, but is not generally considered to be a major problem unless it is quite old and spongy. A more common problem is wheelchair users getting slivers in their hands The allergic community is often overlooked ¾ Beautification strategies often work against them (scented flowering vegetation,

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gathering spaces for people, attraction for stinging insects, etc.) ¾ Spaces are needed that are specifically designed to be hypoallergenic in terms of plantings and site furniture ¾ Create a scent‐free policy within park spaces, in the same way that smoking has been banned from parks ¾ A reference document from the focus group concerning allergy‐friendly design will be shared with the design team (to be emailed)

6. Do you have any ideas about how we can build universal accessibility partnerships and connections (with individuals and groups)?

Manage groups with competing interests properly Find common ground between groups ¾ Engage the large societies for the disabled (CNIB, Arthritis Society, etc.) in order to back up the needs of disabled users with data and lobbying ¾ Many different groups have competing interests (dog owners + the elderly / disabled), and instead of just accommodating one group there should be attempts at creating spaces for all

7. Given all of the things that we’ve discussed so far, what’s your number one suggestion for improving parks?

Improve instead of expand ¾ There are enough parks in Victoria but they need to be upgraded to accommodate all park users, including those with disabilities. Ensure parks are accessible by public transit , including route from transit stop to park, i.e. seamless access.

8. What criteria should the City use to make decisions around improvements to the parks and open spaces system?

Accessible Trail Guide ¾ Update the guide and include path gradations (steepness, width & material). This should also be incorporated into signage so that people can be aware of the specific details of each park, and can plan ahead. ¾ Topography can pose an issue for mobility, and it is not enough to only differentiate between flat and sloped spaces as slight variances in slopes are very noticeable for wheelchair users ¾ Better safety for trails in regards to both maintenance and improvements such as railings (the addition of railings on the breakwater allowed many people with wheelchairs &/or other mobility challenges to feel much safer in the space) Passive bylaw enforcement via design ¾ Designs should make following bylaws easier or more desirable than ignoring them

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¾ By passively guiding people to follow bylaws through design, less active enforcement is needed and overall results are better ¾ Good design is imperative

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RECORD OF MEETING

Project: CofV Parks & Recreation Master Plan‐ Seniors Focus Group

Date: 15 July 2016

Project No.: 1616 Time: 2:00‐3:30pm

Present and Distribution: Distribution: David Dougall all left except Anne Milroy Jae Dougall Leigh Campbell Anne Logie Shannon Jamieson Kim Dixon Julie Potter Anne Milroy Megan Turnock Terry Loeppky Margaret Scott Carolyn Bissonnette Bill Wilson Mandi Sandhu (City liaison) Bev Windjack (LADR, facilitator) Renée Lussier (LADR, recorder)

ITEM 1. What parks and park amenities do you use? Which do you value the most? Parks: Beacon Hill (whole group enjoyed this park) Irving Park Cecelia Ravine Park (Gorge) *outside CofV limits Quadra Park Fisherman's Wharf Holland Point Park Centennial Square Inner Harbour Ogden Point Breakwater Todd Park Dallas Road Dog Park (mostly positive on dog parks) Laurel Point Park Mason Street Park McDonald PArk South Park

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Amenities: Irving Park labyrinth Fisherman's Wharf herb garden Todd Park tennis court Todd Park pickle ball court South Park natural area and Garry oaks Washrooms in all parks where available (equally for and against) Not looking to see more sport fields

Corridors and Connections: The need for corridors and connections for circulation was discussed. These networks were considered a valuable amenity. Specific examples were: Irving Park Lewis Street parkette South Park

Concerns: Safety Alcohol consumption Language Trash/litter Safety in Irving Park Noise Disruptive behaviour Funds for maintenance Labyrinth is not being maintained properly, lack of irrigation Mason Street Park needs maintenance Grass cutting needed, including grass clippings pick up Courts at Montreal Street Park need maintenance

Assets: Open and natural spaces Seating Blending of all ages Visual asset Water features, including drinking fountains, especially in Beacon Hill Park

2. Are there other important green spaces in your community that people enjoy? What benefits do those have for your community? What kinds of activities do you do or would you like to do in those spaces? (i.e. school grounds, provincial land, etc.) *some greenspaces have been noted under #1*

Back of the legislature grounds, north of Superior 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 11 of 144

Connections and corridors (highly valued by the group) Compost Education Centre Lawns of the legislature Fisherman's Wharf (highly valued by the group) James Douglas School South Park Elementary Playgrounds for children Little Bridge Park CPR lawn bowling Corridor around Crystal Gardens Convenient mid‐block crossings Sunken garden ‐ native plants Greenspace around The Empress Pollinator garden in front of New Horizons Allotment, community gardens *consider raised beds Planted boulevards if maintained Public orchards St. Anne's

Benefits: Walkability (highly valued by the whole group) Encourage gardening if other uses are not compromised and if maintained Food security (nut tree was mentioned) Variety of seating (arms/backs were not deemed essential) Drinking fountains

3. What trends are you seeing in terms of the types of things that seniors want to see in the parks system?

Pickle ball was noted as an increasingly popular activity among seniors. Exercise equipment was also a key item as long as the equipment was located close to where they live. They felt that including focused activities, such as adult exercise equipment in the park may act as a deterrent for negative behaviour in the parks (ie. Irving Park's loitering and drug use)They felt that seniors as a group are more active than past generations and providing opportunities for activity was positive. Walking on chip trails added to the much needed walkability/accessibility component in parks; seeing an increase in multiuse paths (for all user groups) and marked paths for distance and direction would be welcomed by the seniors group. Other activities notes included chess boards marked on tables, birding opportunities, natural gardens, and enhanced habitat (ie: Government House). Paths through garden and natural areas were seen as safety items for their group. Organized activities were not deemed desirable by the group.

4. Do you think the parks are accessible to all ages and physical abilities? What would improve accessibility?

There was discussion on walkability with this topic as well and focus remained on corridors and connections and providing more soft surface paths. They felt driving to and in Beacon Hill Park was difficult and an 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 12 of 144

obstacle for getting them to the park. They felt they had limited access to the band shelter on Seniors' Days and the group felt the City should re‐visit circulation flow at Beacon Hill Park.

There was a desire for an increased amount of picnic tables at parks long with a greater number of trash/recycling receptacles with an increased frequency of servicing.

5. Do you have any ideas about how we can build partnerships and connections with seniors (individuals or groups)?

In order to building partnerships with seniors, the group suggested a project be identified and seniors be recruited with specific focus (ie: James Bay Days at Irving Park). This will be attractive also to multiple generations. City grants for these events are useful.

In order to build connections with seniors, consider holding public meetings at seniors' centres to promote attendance. Consider the time the meeting is held, providing public transportation, and/or meeting the in park/greenspace under discussion (allows the issues to be seen firsthand).

Understand there is a difference between neighbourhood associations and community associations/centres.

6. What’s your number one suggestion for improving parks?

Connectivity, Walkability

Also noted off-leash areas (fenced) - The majority of the group felt this was a good thing. There were opposing views for shared (human/dog) spaces.

7. What can the City do immediately to improve parks?

Look at 'quick fixes' ‐ short term, low investment projects More maintenance More washrooms and maintenance Increased safety

Final questions and comments:

Overnight camping ‐ noted that this is an ongoing issue for the CofV for a variety of reasons and is greater than the Master Plan process. The seniors felt it was a good idea if the overnight camping were to be organized as a camprground with open washrooms nearby.

The seniors group was concerned about police resources. Are the Police understaffed? Are the Police looking to increase their staff?

Maintenance is an important issue for the Master Plan as well as walking paths for all abilities. 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 13 of 144

Additional comments received after the Focus Group: 1. From Silver Threads Victoria participants: 1. Parks and park amenities used & valued most: Cedar Hill Rec Centre Commonwealth Pool Silver Threads (2 locations) Beacon Hill (x 2 responses) St. Anne’s Academy Don’t use anynow (new to area) Saanich Park @ Beam Cres Finnerty Gardens Gorge‐Tillicum Breakwater 2. Other NB green spaces you enjoy; what do you do in them; what would you like to do in them; how do they benefit your community? All green spaces are important. Enclose dog off‐leash areas (totally fenced) Zip line Ensure dogs are on leashes; provide walking routes Beacon Hill picnics and concerts 3. What trends do you see in terms of the types of things that seniors want to see in the parks system? Pickleball Lots of flowers Safe & attractive walking routes (no needles, loiterers, crap) (x 2 responses) Sitting on benches watching people (need benches) (x 3 responses) Put benches all along the breakwater, not just at the end 4. Do you think the parks are accessible to all? What would improve accessibility? Yes(x 4 responses) No ‐ Need more benches for people who can only walk short distances 5. Any ideas on how we can build partnerships & connections with seniors? Silver Threads Walking Groups, coffee walks, coffee in the park, etc. There are many walking groups that use the parks – municipal staff could encourage them to pick up refuse & fallen branches ‘adopt a park’ on a rotating basis) Really feel there should be food/drink available to buy in Beacon Hill Park. Allow weddings in Beacon Hill Park 6. What’s your #1 suggestion for improving the park system? Give ‘history of the park’ walks & talks in Beacon Hill Park More benches Dedicate a few plots for garden growth projects – vegetables to share with the local community House the homeless & clean up the litter Allow beer or wine in the park at picnics & parties 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 14 of 144

2. Additional comments from Terry Loeppky (attended Focus Group) 1. Parks I believe Cecilia Ravine at the north end of the Selkirk Trestle is in Victoria, while Gorge Park is divided between Saanich and Esquimalt.

Ogden Pt. Inner Harbour, the Breakwater and perhaps Centennial Square should be moved to Item 2. "Other spaces".

"mostly positive on dog parks" is not really descriptive of what was said. I commented that I'd seen off leash dog parks in other cities that worked well. They were completely fenced so that the off leash dogs were free to frolic with no concern for passing people. I also said these areas did not need to be large... long enough to throw a ball and get a run ... and finally they could be distributed widely through out the city.

There was no concerted effort to value parks or amenities. I’m not sure this is possible.

Amenities: I mentioned the water features in Beacon Hill Park. Bill Wilson mentioned the basketball/road hockey court in South Park I would like to add the Harrison Yacht Basin in Holland Pt. park, as well as the "Half Full/Half Empty" sculpture/playground piece.

Corridors and Connectors: The diagonal across the back of the Leg. is a huge pedestrian corridor. The Capital Park Plans call for pedestrian traffic through the site currently under construction. We also touched on the mid block pedestrian connectors downtown. Someone asked about trees along these routes...they are very urban... through buildings and parkades. Not many trees, but important walkways away from traffic.

Concerns: The maintenance problem with the labyrinth is no longer lack of irrigation. It has been watered for the last 2 summers. The current problem is the stones marking the path are disappearing beneath the now well watered grass. It needs be trimmed to reveal the path.

2. Other important Green spaces Perhaps this should be other important public spaces. I suggested Spring Ridge Commons at Gladstone /Chambers and the community orchard at Fernwood Community Centre.

We were remiss in not including what I'll call the Market Green at the NW corner of Menzies and Superior. This is vacant land (2‐3 city lots) owned by the province which for approaching 20 years has been the site of the James Bay Community Market. Saturdays May til Oct. 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 15 of 144

and what about ... Laurel Pt. Ships Pt. the parking lots (shame on us) below Wharf. ( Interesting no one used the phrase David Foster walkway. )

5. Partnerships I think the final statement should be...there is a difference between neighbourhood or community associations and community or seniors centres.

Also as to partnerships, it seems to me that a stewardship group might be formed to do the detailed maintenance of the Irving Park Labyrinth. Undoubtedly there are many other possibilities.

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RECORD OF MEETING

Project: City of Victoria Open Spaces Masterplan – Sports Focus Group

Date: 16 July 2016

Project No.: 1616 Time: 10:00‐11:30am

Present: Dale Sparrow, Bays United FC James Guzzo, Oak Bay Rec. Pickle Ball Instructor Phil Meyer, James Bay Athletic Association (Rugby) Vince Greco, Van Isle Soccer League Bill Murphy, Van Isle Soccer League Peter Machin, Victoria Cricket Association Gabe Melizza, Victoria Slopitch League Alan Thomas, Beacon Hill Little League Christopher Windjack, LADR (recorder) Bev Windjack, LADR (facilitator) Shannon Jamison , City (liaison) Jeff Brehaut, City (Mgr of Recreation)

Distribution: All Above Leigh Campbell Julie Potter Mandi Sandhu Megan Turnock ITEM 1. Responses to question #1: What trends are your organizations seeing in terms of participation and desired sports amenities?

Beacon Hill Baseball/Softball | ~450 kids, 12 y.o. maximum (due to lack of a 13 y.o. diamond) Rapid growth, especially in girls softball Okay for space at the moment, but there is no real room for further growth ¾ Their current cut‐off is at 12 years old because there are no baseball diamonds for 13 year‐olds

Victoria Slopitch League | 36 teams, 18 y.o. + Very rapid growth with greatly increased interest recently Field space is always an issue ¾ School fields are not a good option because the School District does not spend

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much money on upkeep ¾ Beacon Hill Park: Old baseball diamonds could be reinstated ¾ McDonald Park: Could be shared with the current men’s fast pitch league ¾ Topaz Park: Soccer and slopitch could work together and share space ¾ Royal Roads University: Currently unused fields could also be used for slopitch

Victoria Cricket Association | 8/9 y.o. + Slow growth via youth and immigration Present needs are met for now and the foreseeable future ¾ Drainage issues are causing problems on their field ¾ Netting and support poles dividing the cricket pitch from the tennis courts are in need of replacement

Van Isle Soccer League (Men’s) | ~2000 members (+ ~1200 in the women’s league), 17 y.o + Flat growth, with a drop off in participation at 16/17 years old Enough fields at the moment but they are not in good shape ¾ The number of fields currently in Victoria would accommodate most, if not all, groups if they were turf and had lighting because Victoria’s climate allows for year round playability ¾ Often have to sweep for needles prior to games and practices ¾ There are issues with unregulated sports groups damaging fields and causing permitted games to be cancelled (due to liability issues) ¾ Mainland facilities are much better ¾ Central Park: Could become a multi‐sport facility. Soccer and slopitch facilities are easy to share

James Bay Athletic Association (Rugby) | 8‐12 CO‐ED, U14 CO‐ED, U18/19 Men’s & Women’s Moderate growth, no field footprint increase expected or planned Play out of McDonald Park, with a practice facility at the North field of Beacon Hill Park ¾ McDonald Park: Was gifted to the City for rugby, it is the Association’s home ¾ The park is at capacity due to the number of users and the climate (winter rains) ¾ Competitors from out of town say it is the best rugby pitch they’ve played on ¾ Highly successful men’s teams run out of a well‐established program ¾ Beacon Hill North Field: Is not in good shape and would be an obvious candidate for artificial turf

Pickleball | No numbers given Rapidly growing sport in Victoria, especially with seniors There is only one dedicated pickleball court in Victoria, and 10‐12 shared with tennis ¾ There is no guarantee that you will get to play when you get to the court ¾ Often have to share space with tennis courts, but tennis users don’t like it ¾ New courts are being installed in Saanich

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¾ Minimum of four courts needed (can fit four inside one tennis court)

Bays United | ~1300 youth, ~225 men and women, U6 – 55+ Moderate growth, currently the largest youth soccer organization on the Island Registration was limited for years due to space limitations ¾ Largest permit holder for field time in the City ¾ Largest financial backer for fields and lighting etc. with the City ¾ Progress has stalled since 2007/8, which has led to them abandoning plans with the City in favor of partnering with Oak Bay to get space at the new field at Oak Bay High ¾ Moving out of the south field at Beacon Hill Park, which will open that field up for use

GENERAL COMMENTS Nothing of note has been improved since the 2002 report ¾ There is a perceived lack of political pull in favour of supporting permitted sports organizations in Victoria ¾ The City needs to decide whether they will actively support organized sports in the future by working with organizations to provide facilities and infrastructure

Permitted sports groups are losing out to informal groups that damage playfields and force the rescheduling of league games. ¾ Unlicensed and informal group sports such as ultimate Frisbee cause pivot damage in concentrated areas on fields in addition to general wear and tear ¾ Competition between permitted sports groups and non‐sport field users has increased over time. Some strong anti‐sport advocates have caused problems in recent years

There is generally not enough available field space for permitted sports organizations in Victoria ¾ Lack of adequate lighting is an issue at many locations ¾ School fields are unsuitable due to poor maintenance and upkeep, and are therefore unused ¾ Sports groups do not share fields and facilities as much as they could if those fields were in better shape ¾ Lack of parking is a major issue at most of the field locations in Victoria

More emphasis on artificial turf fields is needed to allow users to make use of them year‐round ¾ Victoria’s climate allows for year‐round play as long as the fields don’t get swampy

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2. Do you have ideas about how we could make better use of existing amenities? What could be improved or added to the City of Victoria’s parks system in terms of sports amenities?

Nothing of note has been improved since the 2002 report ¾ There is a perceived lack of political pull in favour of supporting permitted sports organizations in Victoria ¾ The City needs to decide whether they will actively support organized sports in the future by working with organizations to provide facilities and infrastructure

Permitted sports groups are losing out to informal groups that damage playfields and force the rescheduling of league games. ¾ Unlicensed and informal group sports such as ultimate Frisbee cause pivot damage in concentrated areas on fields in addition to general wear and tear ¾ Competition between permitted sports groups and non‐sport field users has ¾ increased over time. Some strong anti‐sport advocates have caused problems in recent years

There is generally not enough available field space for permitted sports organizations in Victoria ¾ Lack of adequate lighting is an issue at many locations ¾ School fields are unsuitable due to poor maintenance and upkeep, and are therefore unused ¾ Sports groups do not share fields and facilities as much as they could if those fields were in better shape

More emphasis on artificial turf fields is needed to allow users to make use of them year‐round ¾ Victoria’s climate allows for year‐round play as long as the fields don’t get swampy

The City is wasting money redoing poor fields instead of developing better facilities ¾ The ideal would be to have a multi‐sport facility, with more than one field and supporting a variety of sports, along with supporting facilities to allow the holding of large tournaments ¾ Sports tourism from tournaments can be a huge draw, see Kamloops as an example

Lack of parking is a major issue at most of the field locations in Victoria ¾ Sports and recreation needs to be one of the covenanted user groups for facilities so that sports users can park

Irresponsible dog owners cause lots of problems for organized sports groups by leaving dog waste and allowing their dogs to dig holes ¾ McDonald Park: Is intensely used by dog owners, and seen as an undesignated dog park by local residents

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¾ Fields are routinely checked for dog waste prior to games and practices

3. Are there important green spaces in your community that are being used by sports organizations? (ie: school grounds, provincial land, etc)

Bays United: Uses the new Oak Bay soccer field Van Isle Soccer League: Uses sports fields around the City James Bay Rugby: Members coach at local schools

4. What new outdoor sports and activities are growing in popularity in the community? Are there any that could be incorporated into the parks system?

Pickleball: Users must currently go out of town to find courts BMX/Trials course: Users must currently go out of town to find courses ¾ The City sees the interest and is advocating for a BMX course

5. What is your number one suggestion for improving the parks system?

Council needs to be more active in supporting organized sports and recreation ¾ Sports must be prioritized ¾ User groups should put a plan together in order to direct council ¾ Seasonal sport user meetings were stopped at some point but should be reinstated

Problems within the City need to be addressed ¾ Vocal groups are not related to sports and recreation, they are dog owners etc. ¾ Sports organizations do not present a united group, and as such do not have the political pull of other groups (Only 8/22 groups attended today)

Additional feedback :

1. re pickleball from James Guzzo after attending the Focus Group: 1. Age‐friendly game ‐ patience and placement more important than power; 2. Can be played year round outdoors in our climate, the ball is not affected by water; 3. Easy game to play physically and improves balance, especially for seniors; 4. Pickleball courts can also be used to play TouchTennis ( a slower form of tennis ). 5. Perhaps a softer court material (rubberized subsurfaces) could be considered for Pickleball courts to make play less jarring on joints. 6. Quiet balls are available to eliminate noise concerns.

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2. from Lower Island Soccer Assoc. – Karen Hood‐Deshon We are the district office that assists 10 soccer clubs with approximately 8000 youth soccer players from the Cowichan Valley to Oak Bay to Sooke to the Gulf Islands, which includes the City of Victoria. DISCUSSION What trends are your organizations seeing in terms of participation and desired sports amenities? (events/tournaments, age groups, drop‐in/casual opportunities vs. teams) - Increase in numbers of “mini’s and young players” ie. Up to U11 - Everyone either has or wants a turf field (7 of 10 have at least one, 1 club is currently building, 1 club is currently fundraising, the 10th is Salt Spring I am not sure if a turf field is on their radar) o The latest to build is Bays United at Oak Bay High, they are also a user at Topaz Park and all other clubs were interested in the material they used for their new turf in partnership with the school district as well as the lights they installed. Sooke is next to build. Do you have ideas about how we could make better use of existing amenities? What could be improved or added to the City of Victoria’s parks system in terms of sports amenities? - The fields at Topaz park could be improved for soccer by either having better drainage or switching to turf. We use Finlayson turf year round but the other grass fields we can only count on in September and maybe two weeks in October before the rain comes. - We could offer to host local and provincial events if these fields were improved because there are multiple fields together. - Also the soccer fields at Topaz Park are notorious for needles being left on the field, makes it tough for us to send anyone there, can you improve safety? - Beacon Hill field gravel field is used by soccer and rugby, could be a multiple use (turf with baseball and maybe ultimate Frisbee as well) facility and add an opportunity for hosting finals, at least for soccer because of the multiple fields. - Our members play on Finlayson turf field and the lines are set up to be for a professional men’s game (same size as the Manchester United field) but by adding two more lines when the field is resurfaced and relined in a few years the city could make the youth, women’s and men’s soccer communities very happy. Lower Island Soccer Association would love to be engaged when the time to resurface comes up. Given all of the things we’ve discussed so far, what’s your number one suggestion for improving the parks system? - Improve existing soccer fields

3. from Alphonso Franco, President of Victoria & District Cricket Assoc (VDCA). Note VDCA was represented at Focus group by Peter Machin 1) Cricket has been played in Beacon Hill since 1800’s, the ball is extremely hard and can cause serious damage or death. This ball is flying high based on velocity alone, when it does come down it comes down hard, we at the association have been concerned about both tennis players and lawn bowlers potentially getting in harm’s way based on the ball travelling into those areas on a consistent basis. Reducing harm is one thing but this is something that needs to be addressed ASAP.

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2) There are liability issues with water leaks on and off the fields. Especially close to the entrance of the pavilion.

4. from Geri Dickson Vic West FC

Attached are some comments from our field scheduler. Unfortunately we did not have an opportunity to bring our group together and discuss amongst ourselves for a unified response.

I also haven’t had a lot of time this week, so couldn’t give this as much thought as I would like, but here’s a few comments from my perspective, and what I would have added to any roundtable discussions.

Discussion items: ‐ ball teams seem to have more tournaments than soccer, probably because their weather is better for hanging around before, during and after games. ‐ our club’s participation ages range from 18 to 68 and very competitive to getting out once a week for a kickabout and a post‐game bevvie. Our club has many long‐term members, some with 40+ years as a member. ‐ we don’t see drop‐ins or casual players as majority of our players must be registered with their respective leagues and BC Soccer. The O/40’s and O/50’s must sign waivers, but I don’t believe they are actually registered with any group. ‐ we see costs always going up, whether it’s equipment or referee fees. ‐ one cost that’s very hard is the cost for using the turf field. With that in mind we are curious as to what the City has been doing with all the fees they’ve taken in over the years – is it in a separate fund earmarked for future upgrades to Finlayson or putting turf in any other field? ‐ crazy ridiculous that any group must pay tax to use a field that they’re using to better their health and well being – but that’s just a stupid government thing. ‐ noticing that the men’s ball leagues are now fading fast and furious and the switch is now into mixed leagues. ‐ noticing that there seems to be more recreational ball leagues running – many now out of the recreation centres. I don’t believe City of Victoria has one though – Oak Bay definitely does. ‐ soccer fields in the City are multi‐use and the ones we dislike the most are Central and Glasgow fields, both of which are dog parks and not all dog owners pick up after their pets. Our teams generally do a sweep of the field and when grass is cut short it is easy to spot and remove, but more often than not, the grass is covering the messes left behind. ‐ there are drop‐in soccer games, but you tend to see those more often in the summer – definitely not in the winter playing months, except perhaps at UVic. ‐ seems that the better field are sometimes left unused, while games are played on not‐so‐good fields. This isn’t necessarily a City issue, but more of a league scheduler. ‐ hard when the City shuts down fields on the expectation of rain coming. Once a field is closed (sometimes Thursdays) and even if the weather becomes beautiful, the City does not have a method of reopening for weekend games – decisions are made when they’re at work and they dont’ work on weekends.

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‐ city sports field are majorly lacking in bike racks, hence bikes are locked to the fences. ‐ city needs another turf field. Finlayson is chock‐a‐block booked. ‐ does bother me that we and other groups pay through the nose for use of turf field but many times I go by and there’s ad‐hoc groups on the field and they’re not paying a dime, which means essentially we’re not only subsidizing the youth groups, we’re also subsidizing community or just a bunch of friends groups. ‐ our club uses school fields for games – most especially for our women’s teams – there doesn’t seem to be any permits issued to women’s teams for use of city fields. VISL has the “monopoly” on city fields for men’s league and way too many times those fields are sitting empty and our women are on school fields. ‐ issue with school fields that bother us is that we have to pay for the field to be lined for soccer, and yet the school teams get the benefit of having it done. Government – always got their hand out for your money!!! ‐ city has a huge playing field at beacon hill gravel and it’s a real shame that this sits as is and totally too bad we can’t put a turf field down there – though I know that’s probably next to impossible. but, one can hope for the future. ‐ there’s probably lots of “new” sports and activities that would want to use city fields. but no doubt they’ll want them for free. always seems to be the case. then they’ll complain they can’t get on the fields because organized sports ( in other words PAYING CUSTOMERS ) are always on them. number one suggestion is to keep the sports fields in top‐notch condition. any monies collected for current use of fields should be kept separately and always used to upgrade or maintain fields to best level possible. decisions about future use of fields should always have the input of paying users. stated previously, communities want a lot of amenities but not willing to pay for them.

I’m sure given more time my response would be more thoughtful and definitely more organized.

It truly is unfortunate we were not able to attend the focus group, but thank you for allowing us to provide our thoughts after‐the‐fact. Hope what we have to say helps the process in any small way. Sure wish I could have been there to hear what all the other groups had to say.

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RECORD OF MEETING

Project: CofV Parks & Recreation Master Plan‐ Stewardship Focus Group

Date: 16 July 2016

Project No.: 1616 Time: 2:00‐3:30pm

Present and Distribution: Pat Johnston – Friends of Moss Rock Park Ludo Bertsch – Ryan St Greenway Manu Ronse – Maddison / Wilmer Green Roy Fletcher – Friends of Beacon Hill Park Bev Windjack – LADR (facilitator) Shannon Jamieson – City (liaison)

Distribution: All above Leigh Campbell Julie Potter Megan Turnock

ITEM 1. Who we are: Manu‐ one of the Wilmer Green neighbourhood volunteer ‘founders’. At least 15 years ago. Original concept was for a wilderness style park on gifted land. Initiative started with neighbourhood meetings. Now a zoned park.

Ludo ‐ Was part of the neighbourhood group that applied for and received the City’s first City Grant for neighbourhood greenway development in 2007 – Ryan St Greenway. Group still very active and built Ivy Place greenway last year. Upper part of Ryan still to do, and also looking at Doncaster between Hillside and Myrtle and at the Myrtle buffer behind Romeo’s on Hillside (buffer is officially required between commercial and residential but City hasn’t enforced it)

Pat – Involved in may initiatives over the years including Oaklands Green Native Plant Park around 2001. Now focussing on Moss Rock Park & outreach education, especially in middle schools.

Roy – Long time chair of Friends of Beacon Hill and also involved in sea change related issues at Todd Inlet. Very interested in the relationship between native/natural environments and our natural history, and finding ways to protect our natural history and share natural history info with the public.

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2. What existing ecosystems & natural areas within the City’s parks system are most valued / important? Are they well known, protected & highlighted for their value? All ecosystems & natural areas within the City are important and all are valued by knowledgeable people. On the whole they are not well known, adequately protected or properly maintained. People volunteering or otherwise looking after these areas require a level of knowledge and ongoing responsible direction (leadership) to ensure the environment’s protection

3. What opportunities exist to improve or expand the ecosystem values within the parks system? a) implement a parks classification system that includes a management strategy attached to the classification. In this way all areas like Wilmer Green would have the same classification, and be managed similarly (e.g. mow once the camas has set seed & not before), while park areas with different primary functions would be classed and managed differently. Through signage everyone in a ‘Friends of’ group or simply accessing the park would be aware of the classification (through signage et al) and this would guide management and use of the area. Areas of horticultural wonder, native ecosystems, novel ecosystems, specific habitat, steep slopes, food gardens /orchards, boulevards, sports fields, dog parks, etc. would all be classed different. Can then prioritize what $ is used for in each classification. b) improve green linkages. These need not include any pedestrian access. Habitat should be mapped and areas requiring linkages be determined. This includes open spaces not just ‘parks’. c) provide education to people who want to volunteer in maintaining/restoring natural parks ecosystem but don’t know enough about them . There are lots of interested citizens, including children, but many need some basic guidance – a coordinator of volunteers would be beneficial. d) Thomas (city staff) occasionally holds educational Saturday get togethers for ‘Friend of’ and other interested ‘ecosysytem’ minded people, however, if you don’t know about these sessions already its unlikely you’ll hear of them. There is an opportunity for the City to provide more educational opportunities and conservation/restoration support for citizens; even to help neighbourhoods organize themselves to apply for grants. e) collaborate with unions to ensure that children and adult volunteers are able to engage in restoration/conservation of natural areas activities. Union issues have interfered with several great restoration and community building projects in the past.

4. Are there other important green spaces other than parks systems? What benefits do they provide? What potential additional environmental benefits could be achieved in those spaces? Yes, valuable habitat exists on private land and on school lands – these habitat nodes are significant and important links in a highly valued habitat greenway and should be created if they don’t exist and/or cannot be protected. Healthy large trees should be given greater protection and if at all possible be retained throughout development. A City Wide map or tree strategy identifying root and canopy space (adequate growing medium volume, no competing services above or below ground) should be completed to ensure trees will have room to be planted as the City continues to densify. It could proactively dictate that u/g services be grouped so as to provide future tree planting opportunities. School grounds also have important green spce – both habitat and open space. If school fields were kept better, and sports teams could safely use them, it could free up some park land for restoration or expansion of native/novel ecosystems or related activity. 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 26 of 144

5. What trends do you see in terms of stewardship volunteers and projects? How can we improve partnerships? a) Volunteers are critically important to habitat protection/restoration (invasives removal, new plantings, neighbourhood initiatives, etc). However, there needs to be education for people working in sensitive environments, and there needs to be good coordination and assurance of continuity. A coordinator of volunteers and some $ towards name tags, perhaps safety vests and snacks would be helpful (at a minimum) and is already in place in several municipalities. b) Engaging youth/children is very important, and becoming more so as many community leaders are aging and new and young volunteers are needed to take over. c) There is an increased awareness of health benefits of interaction with nature & a related increased interest in protecting native ecosystems ( so need to get the ecosystems identified). d) Partnerships with the community can be improved through education (signage, go into schools, workshops), by supporting volunteers, and by improving relations between volunteers and the union. e) Trend towards resilient planting (natives species do this well). Should be a conscious balance between horticulture focus and ecosystem focus. 6. What is #1 suggestion for improving the parks system? #1 – Create a classification system. Parks should be classified as neighbourhood, community, regional, etc. focussed, and areas within parks should be classed as habitat, sports, urban agriculture, non‐ programmed play, etc. Land that is owned by school versus City, or is part of a private partnership (e.g. Bays United) should be identified in the classification system. This will help protect habitat & limit activities that encroach on habitat can happen. It will also help position areas classified as habitat for related grant applications. #2 ‐Provide zoning or other long term protection for green spaces, areas of native habitat, and linkages. #3 ‐ Improve maintenance/management of ecosystems. However, volunteers & staff maintaining native ecosystems need to be knowledgeable about how to do so (don’t cause harm) 7. What criteria should the City use to make decisions around improvements to the parks & open spaces system? Create an inventory of green spaces (parks, green open spaces) and establish linkages between them. Linkages should be ecosystem corridors that support habitat as well as people. Inventory should identify public owned land so opportunities for creating/restoring green space & new linkages are identified & that land is protected for this use.

Create a classification system (see #6 above)

Establish a natural areas management plan and action plan that addresses informed invasive species removal, ecosystem protection and restoration, opportunities for novel ecosystems etc. Ensure NO NATURAL AREA LOSS. Build corridors.

8. Any specific concerns? a) Concerned that volunteer efforts by children, especially, are being limited by the union. b) Urban forest is disintegrating despite the Urban Forest Plan. c) No existing inventory (or protection) of all available green space and the linkages between them. For 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 27 of 144

example: ‘green’ triangle adjacent Jewish Cemetery not protected and may be sold to Jewish Cemetery for building expansion. d) Beacon Hill Park: northwest ridge trampled; Ecosystem south of Dallas not recognized and protected; e) f) some new ‘nature’ parks are too obviously manufactured and don’t provide the foundation for evolution of a native ecosystem (Fisherman’s Wharf cited) 9. Other: GOERT‐ ‘Back to Our Roots’ is a good reference

B. Additional comments: 1. Feedback on minutes from Pat Johnston: Thanks for your thorough summary of our discussion. My only comment is that I thought there was more emphasis on establishing greenways, linkages or corridors between natural areas. And, yes, a classification system of what is there and what is available is important with the end result being the creation of greenways within neighbourhoods and ultimately between neighbourhoods

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RECORD OF MEETING

Project: City of Victoria Open Spaces Masterplan – Neighborhood Association Focus Group #1

Date: 18 July 2016

Project No.: 1616 Time: 6:00‐7:30pm

Present: Marg Gardiner, James Bay Wendy Bowkett, Downtown Ian Sutherland, Downtown Tim Van Alstine, James Bay Heather Murphy, Fairfield Don Monsour, Fairfield Christopher Windjack, LADR (recorder) Bev Windjack, LADR (facilitator)

Distribution: All above Leigh Campbell Julie Potter Mandi Sandhu Shannon Jamison Megan Turnock

ITEM General Notes

Public meetings need to be held on neutral ground, easily accessible to all communities ¾ Hold them at City Hall The GVHA is not a harbour authority ¾ Transport Canada is the only authority in the inner harbour The past rejected Parks and Open Space masterplan is being used as a reference, but the new plan is not a continuation of it

1. What do you value most in the parks and open spaces system?

Spaces to move to, not spaces to move through ¾ Public space for public use ¾ Play elements incorporated into plazas and open spaces Open green space and treed areas

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¾ Not manufactured spaces or concrete plazas ¾ Look at the pocket parks of New York for examples of green urban spaces Safe spaces for children to play ¾ More spaces are definitely needed Tranquility and peace ¾ Usable green space, both passive and active

2. What could be improved in the City of Victoria’s parks system? Are there any park amenities missing?

Not nearly enough parks in the downtown core ¾ There are no playgrounds downtown, or spaces for children to safely play outdoors Parks must be properly catalogued and classified ¾ Existing green spaces cannot be lost, so need to be classified as parks ¾ Urban plazas and boulevards are currently being called parks when they aren’t usable as such ¾ Certain areas currently designated as parks are just leftover space ¾ Increased condo living and micro‐units require more outdoor space, and it is not being provided Schoolgrounds are currently counted as 50% parks ¾ This is functionally not true and should be changed ¾ They are unusable during school hours Mixed‐use parks ¾ Catering to multiple demographics and public groups Neighbourhoods have different amounts of parks relative to their sizes ¾ There should be a focus on adding parks to the neighbourhoods that have the least, then bringing them up together Parks are currently a series of disparate parts ¾ Focus needs to be put on interconnectivity and greenways, creating a network and linking the parks together There should be support for developers to have to add public park space with new development ¾ There was supposed to be a kids park on Pandora Green, but it never materialized ¾ The City doesn’t seem to push to have these concepts made reality ¾ Creating an Amenity Fund from new development would help fund park projects ¾ A DCC added to developer costs is a good idea, and would force them to help the communities they’re developing in ¾ This could also motivate community associations to be more vocal about what they want and can get, and shifts power from the City to the neighbourhoods

3. Are there other important green spaces in your community that people enjoy?

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There are many important green spaces that are not classified as parks ¾ There are also spaces called parks which are just leftover lawn spaces like the back of the parliament building ¾ Existing green spaces should be protected as parks if they are used as such Multi‐use urban plazas give a sense of place and can be parks even if they’re not “green” ¾ Many benches help make a city walkable, especially for seniors ¾ Strategies like this are easier done and less expensive than acquiring land Centennial Square is a well‐used public programmed space

4. Is there anything that could help improve the ability of everyone in the community to enjoy the parks and open spaces?

Seniors in James Bay with mobility issues are not able to use sidewalks all the way to get to parks ¾ Focus on creating greenways and pedestrian corridors to link to parks safely ¾ Handicap access to parks in Victoria is poor ¾ There is poor access to Beacon Hill Park across Douglas St. Green linkages should incorporate new development, and new development should add public green space Neighbourhoods are individual in their needs and must be treated as such ¾ Transparent local area planning with the Parks Department involved ¾ Neighbourhood population numbers vs. park area required needs to be told to the public so they can see what they need and then say what they want ¾ Local expertise is abundant and should be utilized Washroom facilities for the public are important ¾ Useful for event planning, can provide power/water hookups ¾ Can cause problems due to the transient population, and require constant maintenance and upkeep ¾ Location is a key factor in their success – James Bay has issues with them, but the Downtown facilities are successful ¾ Large organizations who attract large amounts of people to their facilities adjacent park space (such as the GVHA) should be required to provide washroom facilities at least for their users if not for the park as well

5. Thinking ahead 20 years, what should be the focus of Victoria’s parks and open spaces system? Key words and concepts?

Adopting modern and contemporary practices in finding spaces for parks ¾ Parkade‐top parks are highly successful in cities such as San Francisco ¾ There should be some thought given to trading parking areas for park spaces, given that green space in the downtown core is severely lacking Waterfront spaces should be prioritized for parks ¾ Ship’s Point should be converted from parking into a park

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¾ The goal should be linked nodes on an oceanfront walkway Victoria should emphasize making the best of what it has, rather than seeking new large parks ¾ Budget allocation, utilization/programming, and infill park opportunities should all be considered ¾ Topographical play elements such as berms can be a successful and lower cost addition to play spaces ¾ Low maintenance options such as climate resilient and native plantings should be considered as a way to save money without sacrificing beautiful spaces New technologies should be incorporated into parks ¾ Turf fields are improving and becoming safer and better for sport The changing demographic trends should be taken into account ¾ The population is continuing to age ¾ Spaces for passive activities are needed More public use in semi‐privatized or restricted areas such as McDonald Park Focus should be placed on community parks operated by the neighbourhood ¾ Community building and ownership of park spaces through art and programming ¾ Creating sheltered, close‐by, and safe spaces It is important for the City to consider resident and community quality of life ¾ Better ease of access to public parks, ensuring everyone can use them ¾ Not ‘selling off’ public land to user groups (allotment gardens, organized sports contracts on public fields) ¾ Community gardens are great if they are built on unused land, but they shouldn’t appear in existing park space. They can be temporary or permanent, placed on lots awaiting development, and movable if designed as palette gardens

6. What criteria should the City use to make decisions around improvements to the parks and open spaces system? Budget according to the most need, not according to the most advocation ¾ Focus on areas that have the least green space ¾ Strategic land swapping to improve overall green space, get rid of underused spaces and acquire better ones Don’t lose existing park spaces ¾ Protect existing green space that isn’t park space ¾ Inventory what’s there ¾ Consider neighbourhood resources Consider partnerships with private enterprises Consider food security ¾ But be aware that community gardens are not nearly productive enough to actually provide food security unless they involve fruit trees ¾ Community gardens can be very successful amenities without providing food security ¾ New development should be providing food production opportunities for

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residents so that more demand isn’t placed on existing gardens Consider resilient planting Improve public use of schoolyards as parks Consider the old greenways plan, which is now defunct ¾ Recapture old proposed green connections such as Queen Ann’s through Belleville to Laurel Point Consider the 2014 Urban Forest Plan ¾ Trees being removed are not being replaced, some are being left as stumps or not totally removed ¾ Tree plantings have been put on hold re: Downtown Beautification Plan All plans need to be interconnected ¾ Parks and open space plan ¾ Downtown core area plan ¾ Urban forest plan

Additional comments & feedback on minutes received after the Focus Group meeting:

1. from Marg Gardiner, James Bay Neighbourhood Association: General Notes: Downtown was suggested ‐ not necessarily City Hall. Such general meetings are often held in Crystal Gardens (either OK). Still don't know why GVHA being consulted while other more major property owners are not. Mayfair Mall is much more important as far as a City business concern. item 3 (in minutes). There are great innovative seating structures which are not necessarily "benches" Parks being used as sport fields are not necessarily available for local general public use item 4 (in minutes) James Bay does NOT want more washroom facilities in parks. Did not suggest GVHA should provide facilities for park. They should provide facilities on GVHA property, at Fisherman's Wharf and Ogden Point and Causeway. Other organizations (restaurants) are required to provide washroom facilities. Item 5 (in minutes) Not sure if Ship's Point meant as park area or the Reid site (Enterprise Wharf) to the north of Ship's Point or both. Additional We have encountered something relatively unique to James Bay. There is a growing tendency to use parks for garbage collection centres. Garbage cans are not adequate along the walkway/streets from downtown to Fisherman's Wharf Park. the City has begun to double up garbage cans in the parks rather than place cans where people need them. Information of alternate spots was provided to Parks/Engineering last week.

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the item is raised as it also belongs in your project. Garbage cans in a park should service park users, not be the depository for special events or private sector private business. Should not event or special group (cruise passenger surges) pay fees to cover garbage cans/pick‐up?

Re: public open house, we would never tell residents to go to Fernwood for a parks session. During consultation planning, suitable dates should be explored with the neighbourhoods prior to creating the consultation timeline.

2. From Ian Sutherland and Wendy Bowkett , Downtown Residents Association

General Notes Public meetings need to be held on neutral ground, easily accessible to all communities ➢ Hold them at City Hall or Crystal Garden The GVHA is not a harbour authority

2. What could be improved in the City of Victoria’s parks system? Are there any park amenities missing? There are no useable parks in the downtown core ➢ The downtown area alone will absorb the vast majority of growth for the City of Victoria over the next several decades and the minimum standards for area of Park per unit population are not even being met for the existing population let alone the many thousands more to take up residence in the next decade. ➢ There would need to be a Park acquisition plan in place to serve this rapid and significant population growth downtown There are no playgrounds downtown, or spaces for children to safely play outdoors (Note: this is a separate point from the previous) There should be a City requirement that developers contribute to the creation of public park space with each new development

3. Are there other important green spaces in your community that people enjoy? ➢ Existing green spaces should be protected as parks if they are used as such Multi‐use urban plazas give a sense of place and can be good public spaces even if they’re not “green” but should not be classified as parks Centennial Square is a well‐used public programmed space but is not a park

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RECORD OF MEETING

Project: City of Victoria Open Spaces Masterplan – Neighborhood Association Focus Group #2

Date: 19 July 2016

Project No.: 1616 Time: 6:00‐7:30pm

Present: Paula DeBeck, Fernwood NRG Aimee Botje, Rockland Janis LaCouvée, Hillside/Quadra Patti Parkhouse, Vic West Susan Morrow, Vic West Denis Farling, North Jubilee Nbhd. Association Soren Henrich, North Jubilee Nbhd. Association Dave Clark, Rockland Amy Zidulka, Fernwood NRG Lee Herrin, Fernwood NRG Christopher Windjack, LADR (recorder) Bev Windjack, LADR (facilitator)

Distribution: All above Leigh Campbell Julie Potter Mandi Sandhu Shannon Jamieson Megan Turnock

ITEM General Notes

Parks are not necessarily a functioning ‘system’ in Victoria ¾ One large main park with many small parks spread around it ¾ No linkages, greenways, or overall plan to their locations

1. What do you value most in the parks and open spaces system?

Waterfront walks Connectivity to nature ¾ Safe, peaceful, and restorative spaces

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¾ ‘Backyard’ space for multi‐family and micro unit developments

Solitude in some parks ¾ This does mean some spaces are unused, or less used ¾ Solitude can mean physical &/or audio Children’s play spaces ¾ Family oriented ¾ Safe, natural play environments ¾ Social space Shared respite spaces ¾ Emphasis on water – both the ocean and rivers/creeks Use for community events ¾ Public gatherings of varying sizes ¾ Not necessarily green space, plazas serve this function as well There are a variety of things to do in different park spaces ¾ Both organized and informal activities are supported ¾ Consider that new technology changes the use of public space (re: Pokemon GO) Cultural programming in parks ¾ Art displays ¾ Concerts and movie nights Community gardens and orchards ¾ Important as more than green spaces ¾ Create great teaching opportunities ¾ Need to be facilities for all community members, not just for certain ones ¾ Programmed multi‐use spaces are good for communities ¾ Need to be supported by developers, as well as by the Parks Department through partnerships ¾ Edible plantings (native shrubs etc.) in parks can supplement community gardens ¾ Consider the future of food production – how are fruit trees planted now going to be harvested in 20 years? Fisherman’s Wharf Park ¾ Seen as successful – multi‐use; flexible ¾ Want to copy those successes and build on them

2. What could be improved in the City of Victoria’s parks system? Are there any park amenities missing?

A park management strategy is needed ¾ Council doesn’t have a real concept of what’s happening in parks, they are somewhat naïve ¾ Tailor the plan to each unique neighbourhood’s needs & demographic ¾ Build people’s capacity to understand their relationship to the natural environment

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Park information is hard to acquire ¾ Add QR codes to park signage for information ¾ There is no online PDF map or catalogue of parks ¾ People can’t use what they don’t know exists ¾ Park rule signage within parks can be stifling (use QR codes) ¾ Hard to connect with staff in Parks Dept. List staff on web site Green linkages and greenways connecting existing parks ¾ Allow people to move from green space to green space ¾ Being able to easily get into a park and share it with other members of the public adds to a sense of community ¾ Connecting different parks can allow people to engage with other groups and demographics Parks need to be classified, and green spaces used as parks need to be zoned as such even if they aren’t currently ¾ Schools are counted, but are not always accessible (not during school hours), and are able to be sold off by School Districts ¾ Existing parks need to be itemized, classified, and protected ¾ An inventory of park usage should be created ¾ Certain poorly used parks are protected because they are green space, even if they are not the best ones to keep and spend maintenance money on ¾ Land swaps should be considered where it is possible to acquire better areas for parks to be made, allowing underused current parks to be developed or changed into other public amenities ¾ Categorize and itemize vacant City‐owned land and use it as a resource CPTED is important, but can also cause problems when it prescribes clearcutting vegetation for the sake of safety ¾ Natural play experiences in groves of trees and large shrub beds are reduced ¾ Aesthetics often suffer ¾ The landscape feels much more constructed and less natural ¾ ‘Friends of’ community groups that take stewardship of community parks help to make people care about them and also help reduce unwanted behavior Dog walking is a huge draw for parks, and has a very vocal advocacy group ¾ Having certain off‐leash zones, while other areas are on‐leash only, is working ¾ Dog owners must be responsible, or the experience is worse for other users ¾ More dog parks could be added in order to reduce conflict between dog‐owners and other users in shared use green spaces Attention should be given to the accommodation of different park uses at different times of day ¾ Vagrancy is a problem in some parks, especially overnight More water play and water features ¾ Potential for an outdoor pool? ¾ Well designed water parks are very popular ¾ Some existing water parks, like the Beacon Hill water can park, are not very functional

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as play spaces ¾ More water features help park microclimates Some parks like Stevenson Park in Fernwood have better used paved and playground spaces than green space ¾ Not all user groups want green space as their primary usable space ¾ Underused spaces can be animated through programming ¾ Parks should be catered to address unique needs of users/neighbourhoods, not just be green space Park washrooms are contentious but needed ¾ Largely a missing amenity from park spaces ¾ Better signage could at least tell people where to find the closest ones ¾ Maintenance is an issue, as well as dealing with abuse of the facilities Make use of existing research ¾ UVic Path Project ¾ Urban Forest Plan (the study was a decade old before the plan came into effect) Consider space for food carts within parks ¾ Not space for large vendor trucks, but small market stall sized areas ¾ Better classify and identify parks where commercial activities can occur (is Beacon Hill the only covenanted park?) Parks should be seen as recreation facilities themselves ¾ Not just places for organized sport to occur ¾ Their tacit health benefits should be recognized

3. Are there other important green spaces in your community that people enjoy?

Bits and pieces of green space that are disconnected from each other and from parks are a waste of money ¾ Increased maintenance costs with little value ¾ Better to spend the money elsewhere ¾ Rationalize parks to capture real use ¾ Make use of current non‐park spaces that have been ‘claimed’ by user groups for healthy and positive recreation Geological features like rock outcroppings need to be protected ¾ Many aren’t parks, but should be protected as if they were ¾ Natural play spaces should incorporate these “real” natural features, as long as the ecology isn’t damaged

4. Is there anything that could help improve the ability of everyone in the community to enjoy the parks and open spaces?

There should be less overall privatization of public spaces ¾ Parks such as McDonald Park should not be considered public amenities since the

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public is not largely able to use them Spaces should be provided for often overlooked groups to engage in public socialization ¾ Park spaces for grieving people ¾ Healing gardens Park spaces need to serve individual communities in their unique needs ¾ Rockland has no real parks, but Government House is counted as one, but isn’t actually freely usable public space ¾ Rockland lacks children’s play spaces in addition to the existing natural green spaces ¾ North Jubilee only has two major green spaces: Fern St. Park and the Spirit Garden (City land, but not a park) ¾ They must also take into account changing demographics (certain areas are getting older while others are getting younger, leading to different needs) ¾ Outdoor exercise equipment put in at Central Park without consultation with the public goes largely unused Parks need safe access for the public in general ¾ Especially children and seniors ¾ Dangerous road crossings need to be addressed (ex: Topaz Park, Beacon Hill Park) ¾ There should be an emphasis on micro‐parks within walking distance to communities Spaces for alternative recreation ¾ There are few amenities other than the large ones that are often far away ¾ Users of these spaces are not usually a vocal demographic ¾ Groups such as skateboarders and BMXers should be accepted and supported when they are important in the community ¾ Adult play spaces are important as well as children’s ones – look to support parkour and other forms of adult play Many of Victoria’s park spaces lack utilities ¾ Water/electricity hookups are very important to enable public gatherings ¾ Signage and QR codes should be better used to give park information

5. Thinking ahead 20 years, what should be the focus of Victoria’s parks and open spaces system? Key words and concepts?

Remember that certain demographics have different needs and wants in a park ¾ Places to smoke ¾ Places to party/gather ¾ Places to cook outdoors ¾ Places to have fires on beaches – fire pits, safety tools (Goose Spit as an example) ¾ The Steveston Park bonfire is a hugely popular event that demonstrates a desire for fire opportunities in local parks New developments should be obliged to create public open space as part of their requirements ¾ Could occur through partnerships with the City or Island Health

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¾ There should be a constant stream of new public park space coming from new developments ¾ Development is currently stretching its bounds, and non‐cursory park space needs to be gifted to the City to offset its encroachment ¾ Urban villages, both new and already established, badly need usable green space Daylighting streams should be a priority ¾ Especially Bowker Creek, but not limited to it ¾ The City endorsed the Bowker Creek Blueprint, and should now support some spaces being reinstated ¾ The new work at Rock Creek could have been a great opportunity to being daylighting but it was not done Focus should be put on creating pocket parks and linkages wherever possible ¾ Through lanes could be acquired and converted ¾ By creating a network the greenways become the way to move through and the parks become the places to go to ¾ Greenways need to be lit and have basic standards in order for people to feel safe ¾ These spaces need to be identified – leftover ‘green space’ doesn’t count ¾ Consider the decommission of underused parks in favor of acquiring better park land Adopt a first refusal lean process ¾ The City can reserve land for green expansion ¾ This would require an expansion plan ¾ This would allow the City to acquire plots of lands when they become available, and not miss the chance to get them Use for resilience building ¾ Social & cultural engagement, food, earthquake/disaster preparedness, etc (a go‐to place)

6. What criteria should the City use to make decisions around improvements to the parks and open spaces system?

Universal design ¾ Materials ¾ Location of planters/amenities ¾ Kid‐sized amenities Experiential design ¾ Focus on supporting activities that are currently happening in their unique locations ¾ Discuss proposed changes with those users ¾ Enable people to try something new by nurturing the passion projects of other groups There should be a focus on inter‐discussion between City departments ¾ More cooperative planning ¾ Increased public input ¾ This process needs to be completely transparent, and the rationale for decisions

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made in certain areas needs to be easily available to all the different neighborhoods

Additional comments received after the Focus Group meeting:

1. from Patti Parkhouse, Vic West Community Association, Food Security Collective I went over my notes from my discussion with VicWesters and realized I forgot to include something that was mentioned as a missing amenity by many people ‐ playground equipment/elements that are suitable for toddlers/children under 2. There is an immediate need now with Vic West population of young families increasing dramatically over the past few years but this need would extend into the future as well.

2. from Janis La Couvée Is there anything that could help improve the ability of everyone in the community to enjoy the parks and open spaces? Topaz Park should be added to this item—it’s large fields are, for the main part, used for organized team sports. Park spaces need to serve individual communities in their unique needs please add Topaz Park to this item. The community was never consulted about this equipment and it is rarely used. Thinking ahead 20 years, what should be the focus of Victoria’s parks and open spaces system? Key words and concepts? It would be important to identify that Goose Spit is in the Comox Valley. Daylighting streams should be a priority This item should read “work done at Blackwood Park could have been a great opportunity to begin daylighting Rock Creek—which flows from Fernwood to Rock Bay through Oaklands, Hillside‐Quadra and Burnside‐Gorge”

One last thing I forgot to mention—increased bike parking in large parks like Beacon Hill and Topaz Park (in all the parks ideally but these two could really benefit). I was at a concert at the Cameron Bandshell recently and there was NOWHERE near the bandshell for people to park their bikes so they were securing them to benches and trees.

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RECORD OF MEETING

Project: City of Victoria Open Spaces Masterplan ‐ mtg with Esquimalt Planning & parks

Date: 21 July 2016

Project No.: 1616 Time: 10:00‐11:00am

Present: Bill Brown, Director of Development Services, Scott Hartman, Director of Parks & Recreation Bev Windjack, LADR (facilitator)

Distribution: Leigh Campbell Julie Potter Mandi Sandhu Shannon Jamison

General discussion 1. Parks management & forward planning tends to have an environmental focus.

2. Boulevard tree survey recently completed. Work impacting or potentially impacting trees in parks &/or boulevards is reviewed by all departments & consensus reached before action approved or implemented. Very integrated process.

3. Land acquisition for parks is only considered with respect to expanding what they have, not creating new stand alone spaces. They strategically secure 1st rights of refusal for properties they have an interest in.

4. Think partnering with other municipalities to create a ‘softball city’ or other major recreation centre would be a good thing as island communities don’t have a venue to host big events on the island.

5. Gorge waterway is heavily used & a major asset. The Japanese Garden is the oldest in Canada.

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6. Moving away from signage & into QR codes & technology wherever they can. Signage creates visual pollution & can’t provide enough information to those seriously interested in learning something. Use QR codes for points of interest, walking trails, etc.

7. Municipality is growing – still affordable for families. Much demand for splash pads. New $1.9million water park going ahead. Can be tented in winter & used for skating or other recreational opportunity. No wasted space/land.

8. Volunteers come from all over. They invite residents, Green Team, commercial organizations & businesses, Girl Guides, etc. When aware of a project the P&R staff organizes an event, invites everyone out, & participates in it themselves. Events are often sponsored in some way; sponsor or Esquimalt will provide refreshments & may have prizes, etc. Esquimalt doesn’t really have ‘friends of’ or independent volunteer activities. Union is highly supportive of the current process.

9. Good inter‐municipal partnering already in place but could look more thoroughly at providing different experiences at different venues across the region or across a few connected municipalities.

10. Need & have good coordination with schools.

11. Don’t need more playgrounds as much as need to add challenge to them. Overly safe designs of the past are no longer wanted – there is a return to and demand for more interesting & significantly more challenging play environments.

11. Need & have long term vision though no specific parks master plan. Community connections are very strong & considered very important. Staff is accessible & contact info for staff is readily available on the web. There is always lots of public consultation on park related activities. Currently have ‘Looking Beautiful’ and ‘Branch Out’.

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RECORD OF MEETING

Project: City of Victoria Open Spaces Masterplan ‐ Greater Victoria Harbour Authority – email feedback

Date: 22 July 2016

Project No.: 1616

Distribution: Leigh Campbell Julie Potter Mandi Sandhu Shannon Jamison Megan Turnock

The following comments were received in an email from Sonterra Ross, CEO of GVHA, who solicited input from a staff level. The comments focus on waterfront park areas that are close in use & proximity of GVHA properties.

Benefits: • strengthens community • more attractive place to live and work • tourism related benefits • attracts/retains affluent retirees and knowledge based workers to community • environmental – storm water collection, pollution abatement, community garden • commercial – economic spinoff • David Foster Way • community events

Opportunities (applies to all Parks): • parking impact to adjacent facilities whether it’s residents or businesses • public washrooms should be provided in all parks • security – after hours – early hours included • wayfinding signage – if there is connectivity throughout the City on parks or overall with the waterfront that is consistent • David Foster Way enhancements • With GVHA (and possibly other adjacent landowners to Parks) there would be opportunity for cost sharing or consolidation of operational services where/when appropriate o waste management

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o public washrooms o security o event planning and adjacent facility impact

Develop a cross functional working team COV/GVHA to facilitate project transitions: • David Foster Way • Way Finding Signage • Harbour Master Planning Process • Operational Cost Sharing Opportunities • Public Washrooms/Waste Management Facility @ FW • Heron Cove Bridge Project • Reeson Park

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RECORD OF MEETING

Project: City of Victoria Open Spaces Masterplan ‐ mtg with Oak Bay Planning & parks

Date: 26 July 2016

Project No.: 1616 Time: 9:00‐10:00am

Present: Deborah Jensen, Planner, Chris Hyde‐Lay, Manager, Parks Services Bev Windjack, LADR (facilitator)

Distribution: Leigh Campbell Julie Potter Mandi Sandhu Shannon Jamison Megan Turnock

General discussion 1. Parks management & forward planning tends to align with what the City and Saanich are doing;. There is good communication between the 3 municipal Parks departments (especially with the City). Oak Bay borrows plants and gets advice from the City (Thomas Munson (sp?) especially helpful).

2. Oak Bay & neighbouring municipalities align sport field closure times, share knowledge & sometimes equipment

3. OB Urban Forest Strategy should be ready in September 2016

4. Would like to work more closely with the City on edge connections/transitions – i.e. bike corridors/trails, pedestrian ways, waterfront connections and Oak Bay Avenue which Oak Bay would like to establish ‘main street’ guidelines for. The OB Active Transportation Strategy would be a key reference document for this.

5. Would like a better partnership with the school board but don’t see that happening as improved fields would require $ and municipalities won’t invest $ on school land, and the SD won’t invest $ to aid

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the municipality or non‐school sports groups. Almost not worth the effort of pursuing. Uplands School is a good example of non‐collaboration (resistance from SD).

6. Have had lots of help with foreshore protection and preparation of usage/restoration guidelines from Jacques Sirois who is an expert, one of best in Canada. This has led to development of eelgrass protection/restoration strategies, foreshore bird sanctuary establishment, etc. His # is personal ; information he is currently working in the Arctic. Oak Bay has recently erected 7 bird info educational signs along the waterfront.

7. Trying to get more public art installed around the municipality, including parks. OB uses HR codes for art pieces – includes info on piece, name of artist & bit of background on them, etc. Their outside, summer, temporary exhibit is extremely successful (on now). An inter‐municipal ‘art walk’ is of interest.

8. Also have 7 First Nations monuments with HR codes, and pamphlets for a variety of self guided walking tours.

9. Rely heavily on volunteers, especially in Uplands Park which has a significant population of rare & endangered species. Union is supportive of volunteer efforts – no issues. Friends of and other volunteer groups organize themselves but each ‘effort’ comes with written instruction from Parks (in a signed letter).

10. Interested in doing more with the City & Saanich on the Bowker Creek 100 Year Blueprint Initiative. The BC Initiative has a committee but it is not very active and more could definitely be done, and should be done. Headed up by Jody Watson of the CRD.

11. OB has allotment gardens on public land but not in parks. They don’t expect that they will ever be in parks. OB established a set of rules & regulations but the allotment gardens are self managed.

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RECORD OF MEETING

Project: City of Victoria Open Spaces Masterplan ‐ Tourism Victoria – phone call with Paul Nursey, President & CEO

Date: 22 July 2016, 9‐9:30am

Project No.: 1616

Distribution: Leigh Campbell Julie Potter Mandi Sandhu Shannon Jamison Megan Turnock

1. Most important feature for Victoria (or any city) re tourism ‐ be interesting; be yourself; reflect Victoria’s values (honesty)

2. Tourism marketing no longer looks at demographics but, rather, at how tourists experience life: 1) how they dress; 2) how they consume (specifically travel & entertainment); 3) how they engage with family and friends.

3. Today’s best tourism customers are value based. People want experiences related to their values.

4. Global tourism has what is called an Explorer Quotient (EQ). It divides tourists into 3 categories: 1) authentic (eg. Rick Steeves) 2) cultural (eg woman in late 30s, well dressed & drives a Saab) 3) free spirit (travel for status, don’t necessarily mix with locals)

5. One thing seriously missing in Victoria is motor coach parking – eg coaches doing a Rockies tour have no where convenient to park. Parking for cruise ship coaches is not a problem.

6. Critical to have (create more) good, continuous, walking & cycling routes. Intermodal transportation very important. Increasingly important.

Excellent referencs (from follow up email): Destination Canada’s Industry Toolkit for travel market segmentation is available at: http://en.destinationcanada.com/resources-industry/tools#eqtoolkit

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The EQ Toolkit outlines product-market matching, content marketing for specific traveller types, and best sales channels and techniques for each market in each country. The entire toolkit can be accessed directly via: http://en.destinationcanada.com/resources-industry/tools#eqtoolkit

A helpful overview from a Destination British Columbia perspective is available at: http://www.destinationbc.ca/getattachment/Resources/Explorer-Quotient/EQ-Presentation- 24NOV15_FULL.pdf.aspx Case studies from British Columbia tourism operators are also available via: www.destinationbc.ca/Resources/Explorer-Quotient.aspx

From a Tourism Victoria perspective, National, Provincial, and Nature Parks along with Hiking and Cycling are top travel activities especially for domestic visitors (see profile available at: http://www.destinationbc.ca/Research/Research-by-Region/Vancouver-Island.aspx ). Our current EQ profiles follow Destination British Columbia’s target travel markets – learners including Authentic Experiencers (mature nature seekers), Cultural Explorers (younger explorers seeking active adventure and cultural immersion), and Free Spirits (enthusiastic indulgers of all ages). We have a draft set of profiles for these travellers: http://bit.ly/TVicEQDemoCA This deck starts with the Travel Values, which are the basis of the Explorer Type segmentation model. These indicate what a traveller type is seeking from a travel experience. To explain the travel values, you can ‘drill down’ to details by clicking on the ‘down arrow’ at the top right of the chart and then click on the travel value of interest. To select a different traveller type, click on the EQ Type of interest at the top right of the slide. The second slide provides demographics of the EQ Types, from different source geographic markets, which can be further explored in terms of geographic concentrations in slide 3. Slide 4 shows travel motivators – what types of travel products they seek when they are planning trips. Slide 5 shows actual activities on their last trip, along with trip characteristics. Slide 6 shows past and future travel intentions to BC and Victoria.

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RECORD OF MEETING

Project: City of Victoria Open Spaces Masterplan – Youth Focus Group

Date: 9 July 2016

Project No.: 1616 Time: 10:30‐11:00am

Present: Rebecca, 13 Nicole, 16 Solomon, 17 Leo, 20 Liam, 16 Eric, 13 Duj‐on Libby, 25 August, 16 Rebecca Penz, Citizen Engagement Advisor Christopher Windjack, LADR (recorder) Bev Windjack, LADR (facilitator)

Distribution: Leigh Campbell Julie Potter Mandi Sandhu Shannon Jamieson

ITEM 1. Where in Victoria do you hang out outside?

Frequently hang out in urban squares such as Market Square, Bastion Square, The Atrium and the Downtown Victoria Public Library ¾ Victoria urban spaces would benefit from green elements – not necessarily naturalized park space, but higher quantities of trees/lawn /shrubs within plaza space Generally hang out in parks for passive green space access, and Rec Centres for planned activities ¾ Having green park spaces is very important even if they aren’t used by youth.

The Atrium building ¾ Easy to access by bike and public transit ¾ Covered space, easy to use ¾ No requirement to buy anything to sit in the space 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 50 of 144

Gonzales Beach ¾ Waterfront space sheltered and bordered by trees and topography Dallas Road ¾ Easy to access by bike and public transit ¾ Friendly feeling, comfortable space Topaz Park ¾ Easily accessible green space Victoria Public Library (Downtown) ¾ Covered space with good bike parking West Songhees Walkway Plaza ¾ Easily accessed from downtown Mount Douglas Park ¾ Not for hanging out, but great for hiking Goldstream Provincial Park ¾ Not for hanging out, but great for hiking

2. Do you think there is enough public space for youth to hang out? Where should new public spaces be?

There is enough green space currently but access to it could be improved ¾ Green connectivity between urban spaces and parks ¾ Better access to covered meeting spaces There should be a covered youth gathering place downtown ¾ Youth want to have their own space where they aren’t seen as loitering/unwanted

3. What activities do you enjoy most in the parks?

Being in a calm and relaxing green space ¾ Green spaces are valued for beauty, not just utility ¾ Green spaces are very important given the greyness of the climate Inter‐community and inter‐generational spaces to bring people together

Youth generally pass through park space, or use it passively ¾ Go to Rec Centres for activities, or Mount Doug/Goldstream for hiking

4. What’s missing or could be improved for youth in Victoria’s parks and open spaces?

Parks that aren’t easily accessble aren’t visited ¾ Many of Victoria parks are hard to get to via bike or transit ¾ Most of Victoria’s parks that are easy to access by bike have poor bike parking once you are there Usable greenhouses in parks

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¾ Warm and covered space ¾ Possibly provide an opportunity for youth to get involved in gardening Beacon Hill Park is one of the largest and most accessible parks but it doesn’t feel safe at night ¾ Better lighting is needed Public washrooms in Victoria’s parks close early and don’t serve youth users ¾ Gender neutral bathrooms are important and should be adopted

5. Do you think youth are well represented and have a voice regarding parks in Victoria? How would you like to be involved in parks in the future?

Definitely not ¾ Many youth don’t think giving feedback or participating is important ¾ Some youth feel that their opinions won’t count for very much ¾ Many are simply uninterested in taking part

More effort should be made to reach out to youth

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Parks & Open Spaces Master Plan Survey - Summer 2016

1. What outdoor recreational activities do you participate in on a regular basis? Please think of both summer and winter months and check all that apply.

Response Count

Bicycle: both off-road 261 32.9% and on-road

Bicycle: only on-road 223 28.1%

Bicycle: only off-road 26 3.3%

Bird watching 182 22.9%

Rock Climbing 52 6.5%

Skateboarding 49 6.2%

Golf 123 15.5%

Hiking 482 60.7%

Running/jogging 246 31.0%

Lawn bowling 98 12.3%

Soccer 79 9.9%

Field Hockey 11 1.4%

Baseball/Softball 51 6.4%

Cricket 10 1.3%

Rugby 22 2.8%

T ennis 168 21.2%

Pickleball 30 3.8%

Basketball 67 8.4%

Lacrosse 6 0.8%

Walking 652 82.1%

Dog walking 260 32.7% 1 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 53 of 144 Dog walking 260 32.7% Response Count

Picnicing/socializing 428 53.9%

Gardening 383 48.2%

Kayaking, canoeing 196 24.7%

Windsurfing/kite 24 3.0% boarding

Boating/fishing 104 13.1%

Other (please specify): 146 18.4%

Total: 794

Wild harvesting table tennis, carpet bowling, line dancing

Kid Games!

Category required on this list for Bicycle: paved trail and/or separated bike lane

Badminton; ping pong (yes, it can be outside)

Outdoor fitness classes

Outdoor fitness class

Paddle Boarding

Babywalking playgrounds, geocaching playing at playgrounds

Ultimate

I am disabled. So although I say I like to "walk" my dog, and "walk", I can't walk. I would like to have parks planned in a more accomidating way so that I might safely use them without fear of being mowed over by a bike. swimming

Painting en plain air 2 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Painting en plain air Page 54 of 144

Children's park.

Outdoor swimming

Meditating on Clover Point Park bocci!

Swimming outdoor yoga simple enjoyment of nature in green spaces----parks aren't just for physical recreation, but for mental recreation, too!! badminton- need facility

Swimming

Photography in the parks

Wildflower identification and appreciation

Volleyball wheelchair on sidewalks croquet

Rollerblading

Ultimate Frisbee

Bocce dance; yoga

Squirrel watching & feeding

Badminton

Frisbee

Table tennis, Jazzercize

Star parties at the Dominion Observatory

Swimming in lakes

Deer hunting. 3 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 55 of 144

Swimming

Disc Golfer

Disc golf

Disc golf

Disc golf

Discgolf

Disc golf

Disc golf

Disc golf

Disc golf

Disc golfing disc golf

Disc golf

Disc Golf

Disc Golf

Disc Golf

Disc golf

Disc golf

Sup swimming!

Tai Chi fitness: strength training, outdoor fitness equipment for circuit training, yoga, zumba, hoola-hooping, sprint training, running/jogging, stairs, mini-golf, boomerangs, fly kites, sunbathing, frisbee, frisbee golf, BBQ, camp, shakespeare in the park, farmers' markets, concerts, festivals, playground

Hockey 4 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Hockey Page 56 of 144 disc golf table tennis

Swimming in the Gorge Waterway (almost every warm day) nature exploration

Swimming, yoga- yes outdoors

Disc golf

General enjoyment of our beautiful neighbourhoods and city

Swimming also yoga volleyball exercise equipment

Eco-arts based arts practice

Dragon Boating

PLAYING VIDEO GAMES, TAKING IN A MOVIE, ROLLERBLADING WITH A SPORT I INVENTED CALLED FLICKER CNAPPY BALL, BOARD GAMES, COOKING AND BAKING. kite flying, lawn games, bocce, mölkky, kubb swim in pool & the gorge, yoga, tai chi

Disc golf ultimate frisbee

Yoga in the park!

Bocce

Playing at playgrounds

Disc golf!

Disc golf!!!

Yoga. Music/Performance. Mostly dog walking... would love to let him play, but there's no fully fenced Parks in YYJ. :( fly kites

5 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 57 of 144 Enjoying plants, gardening views; birds, bees soundings swimming, kite flying, beach combing,

Disc golf

Tai Chi nature observation

Swimming in the gorge and at lakes and oceanfront beaches croquet, volleyball

Pickup games, frisbee, catch etc

Croquet, pick up games

Croquet camping

Concerts/music/special events

Winter Nativity, Concerts

Croquet

Plein air painting

Croquet photographic

Croquet at CPLC

Croquet croquet at CPLBC working out on outdoor equipment croquet croquet croquet at Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling Club

Croquet

CROQUET 6 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement CROQUET Page 58 of 144 swimming and beach picnics croquet - Canadian Pacific Lawnbowling Club

Curling croquet

Weight lifting

Weight lifting wake boarding, wake surfing, snow boarding

Stand Up Paddle boarding swimming

Volleyball

Croquet

Dragon boat and outrigging

Sailing, paddle boarding

Snowboarding outdoor workouts, weights, etc.

Hockey

Night time astronomy

Working out on beacon hill parks outdoor workout gear

Fitness and outdoor exercises including yoga

Outdoor gym

Outdoor volleyball on grass

Playing on equipment with children

Dancing

Croquet

Please build a kite launch off Dallas Rd

7 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 59 of 144 skiing

Paddleboarding

music in park- Beacon Hill, Fisherman's Wharf- Shakespeare by the Sea, Holland Pt, Clover Pt, photography, dancing, story telling

Bike Polo

2. Do you have children under the age of 18?

Response Count

Yes 205 25.9%

No 588 74.1%

Total: 793

3. If yes, do you have children:

Response Count

Under 5 years old 82 45.3%

5 - 11 years old 77 42.5%

12 - 17 years old 63 34.8%

Total: 181

4. What outdoor recreational activities does your child or children age 5 - 11 participate in on a regular basis? Please think of both summer and winter months and check all that apply.

Response Count

Bicycle: both off-road 59 37.3% and on-road

Bicycle: only on-road 32 20.3%

Bicycle: only off-road 9 5.7%

Bird watching 13 8.2%

Rock Climbing 20 12.7%

8 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 60 of 144 SkateboardingResponse 36Count 22.8%

Golf 12 7.6%

Hiking 68 43.0%

Running/jogging 32 20.3%

Lawn bowling 1 0.6%

Soccer 56 35.4%

Field Hockey 7 4.4%

Baseball/Softball 22 13.9%

Cricket 1 0.6%

Rugby 5 3.2%

T ennis 34 21.5%

Pickleball 5 3.2%

Basketball 23 14.6%

Lacrosse 3 1.9%

Walking 76 48.1%

Dog walking 35 22.2%

Picnicing/socializing 72 45.6%

Gardening 23 14.6%

Kayaking, canoeing 30 19.0%

Boating/fishing 18 11.4%

Other (please specify): 26 16.5%

Not applicable 41 25.9%

Total: 158

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Kid Games

Go to Park and playground, markets, splash pads playgrounds, splash parks, Guides/Scouts, swimming, street hockey open water swimming, sailing

Playgrounds, swimming sailing

Swimming

Trampoline jumping (much safer now that springless trampolines exist! would be nice to see a public trampoline in the Cook St. park at Beacon Hill)

Disc golf

Disc golf

None yet, he's only 12 weeks old

Disc golf ball hockey

Newborn

Disc golf ultimate

Playing on playgrounds!

Playing at playground swimming

Playground/swings

Swimming park play

Paddle board

10 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 62 of 144 5. What outdoor recreational activities does your child or children age 12 - 17 participate in on a regular basis? Please think of both summer and winter months and check all that apply.

Response Count

Bicycle: both off-road 47 32.9% and on-road

Bicycle: only on-road 20 14.0%

Bicycle: only off-road 1 0.7%

Bird watching 6 4.2%

Rock Climbing 26 18.2%

Skateboarding 26 18.2%

Golf 5 3.5%

Hiking 45 31.5%

Running/jogging 35 24.5%

Lawn bowling 1 0.7%

Soccer 32 22.4%

Field Hockey 11 7.7%

Baseball/Softball 18 12.6%

Cricket 2 1.4%

Rugby 11 7.7%

T ennis 22 15.4%

Pickleball 5 3.5%

Basketball 21 14.7%

Lacrosse 3 2.1%

Walking 47 32.9%

Dog walking 29 20.3%

Picnicing/socializing 39 27.3%

Gardening 13 9.1%

11 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 63 of 144

Kayaking, canoeingResponse 24Count 16.8%

Windsurfing/kite 2 1.4% boarding

Boating/fishing 14 9.8%

Other (please specify): 16 11.2%

Not applicable 64 44.8%

Total: 143

boxing

Outdoor swimming open water swimming (thetis), sailing at Esquimalt

Playground equipment squash sailing

Trampoline jumping

Disc golf

Disc Golf

Disc golf swims with friends & nieghbours in gorge & lakes & ocean bmx

Paddleboard skating swimming (when there is an outdoor pool)

Volleyball - Beach & Indoor

12 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 64 of 144 6. How often do you visit a City of Victoria park or open space?

Response Count

Daily 277 39.6%

Several times per week 295 42.2%

Once per week 69 9.9%

A f ew times per month 46 6.6%

Inf requently 12 1.7%

Total: 699

7. Overall, how satisfied are you with access to parks and open spaces available in City of Victoria? Are you:

Response Count

Very satisfied 218 31.2%

Somewhat satisfied 249 35.6%

Neither satisfied nor 40 5.7% dissatisfied

Somewhat dissatisfied 30 4.3%

Very dissatisfied 3 0.4%

Comments: 159 22.7%

Total: 699

Quality of parks is quite variable

need concrete table tennis in park next to James Bay Senior Ctre to give all year play in James Bay

I love the parks we have, but compared to other Canadian citeis we don't seem to have a lot of park area (until one goes to the outlying municipalities(

Would like to see more multi-generational focus; compatible uses even in Garry Oak areas

There are no playgrounds and very little park space downtown (core)

some neighbourhoods don't have enough green space eg downtown, 13 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 65 of 144 some neighbourhoods don't have enough green space eg downtown,

Off leash dog times needed mornings in parks

I would like to see more water parks in the city of Victoria and think many playgrounds need better maintenance to ensure dangerous garbage is not left about.

Again, accessibility is not created equal in the majority of our parks and open spaces are created with children and cyclists in mind, but not people with disabilities.

Dogs have taken over the off-leash area at Dallas Road, are generally not under control and have precluded old uses of the lawns such as picnicking and informal games such as bocce. The grounds are fouled and there are no people-only spaces for kilometres.

We have been waiting for 30 years (since the start of the neighbourhood plan, for park and public open space in Rockland.

I deplore the allocation of public park space for unleashed dogs, particularly the spectacular Dallas Road waterfront that I can no longer visit.

It would be amazing to have a children's park in the down town core. Perhaps with a water feature like at Uptown!

Always having to clean up homeless people rubbish

Too many parks are unavailable now due to your allowing off-leash dogs. large parts of them seem to be for specific activities like organized team sports or dog walking and not left natural for enjoyment of all

In fernwood, the Children's parks aré poor maintained

There are no green paces downtown (core) that feel safe/clean. extremely poor access for skateboarding

My favorite park to enjoy is Summit Hill park.

Ticketing people who sleep in a park due to poverty or lifestyle and wanting to end poverty and "homelessness" is absurd. Not helpful.

Very satisfied EXCEPT do not like dogs-off-leash areas - awful areas, not people friendly and ruin the greass/area. the proposed sewage treatment plant at Clover Point is not conducive for a peaceful park visit

Many parks are rendered unusable due to being overrun by the homeless, and the littering of used drug paraphernalia.

14 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 66 of 144 Afraid of losing beloved Clover Point Park

I would say satisfied.... but I worry that Clover point is not valued as much for daily exercise/ dog walking since it was on proposal sewage treatment would not be happy if more sewage treatment was added to waterfront parks like clover point. this would severely limit access.

Clover Point Park should remain a park

Campers / tent city issues poorly managed. Clover Point a silly place to suggest for a sewage processing facility. can't access park beside provincial courthouse any more.

I love our parks and I am mostly satisfied with access but I wish there were more opportunities for citizen stewardship of natural areas.

There is a lack of useable green space in the burnside gorge area

I wish there was more parks and playgrounds near my house downtown

I am satisfied with the natural environment and the number of parks/not the state of parks

I live in Rockland. All, 99%, of our open space is privately held. ie. Lg's & Craigdarroch. It could disappear at the stroke of a pen. rockland area has no parkland still waiting for additional parkland in rockland neighbourhood

Far too few parks and many completely insignificant

ROCKLAND AREA HAS NO PARKS TO VISIT

Ther are no city parks in thr Rockland neighbourhood satisfied except too many people run their dogs off leash. As a dog owner I want to walk with my dog without other dogs disturbing our walk by distracting (and sometimes spooking) my dog. I walk my dog at least 3 times a day as it is a healthy habit for him and me.

Connecting entrances via pathways lacking at Stadacona. No park in Rockland otherwise.

I would like to see Gonzales Beach Park open to dogs during the summer months from 6-9am and from 7- 10pm. not enough parks dogs are in the eating garden at fisherman's wharf park. I don't want dog hair/pee/feces/paws touching my 15 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 67 of 144 herbs. fence this off and also patrol/monitor better. i know at least 2 people who let their dogs go in WITHOUT a leash we odler people need more parks so we don't have to walk to far to get where we can sit and enjoy the day with our dogs!

Very satisfied for most of the parks we use. Some, less so (eg pemberton park playground)

Limited off-leash areas nearby

Need more benches, picnic tables & washrooms.

I live in Rockland, and there is no park! Please please please City can something be done about this? Many thanks!

I want more areas that are kept "natural" --more native species

A couple of major parks in my neighbourhood need more crosswalks to get to them safely. no parks near our house in the Rockland area

There are dogs running off leash in all the parks. I would like to walk in parks without dogs running around and jumping on me. Are there any?

Too many homeless in some parks

Rockland area needs more parks very upset with the removal of the tennis courts at Topaz Park

O go to Clover Point at least once per day. My favorite place in the world, and I'm worried about losing it. we have very little park space in our community compared to other neighborhoods

More tennis courts needed

Would recommend that some of the single tennis courts be turned into pickleball courts, and the tennis courts not have pickleball markings. This way each has their own appropriate facilities.

Access is great but some of the facilities require better maintenance such as the tennis courts at Beacon Hill and James Bay.

Generally, we should have more washrooms in our parks.

Too many SIGNS clutter many green/natural spaces; example: Beacon Hill Park has been 'destroyed' by signage pollution and barricades

In the past 10 years or so, the local park has felt much less safe, as there are people living there during the warmer months. I don't even go down to the beach anymore at Cecelia Creek area of the Gorge, a place I 16 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 68 of 144 used to enjoy going to sit. Homelessness has had a huge impact on how much pleasure Victoria residents can take in their parks. They don't feel like safe places anymore. There can be needles, toilet paper, even feces, garbage, etc. There are people on boats in the Gorge who sometimes play very loud music, shout obscenities at their cohorts on shore, etc. Things feel out of control. And there could be more green spaces in this city. Also the trees need to be valued more. In Banfield Park/Selkirk Trail, Parks seems to have a misunderstanding about the complaints of people speeding on their bikes down the hill. They responded by cutting off the edges of all growth -- bushes and trees -- at a certain line. I'm sure they're trying to improve visibility so cyclists will be better able to see as they go down the hill. This makes no difference, as the path is both going around a curve and downhill at the same time. You cannot improve visibility without levelling the path or straightening it out. The best thing you could do for safety is install gates so cyclists have to get off and walk. Cyclists' desire to go fast down a hill seems to be stronger than their willingness to exercise control and cautioun in case there is a family walking toddlers around the curve, or an unleashed dog standing in the way, or a couple standing and talking and enjoying the view, or whatever. Also, someone once ridiculed me for lying on a blanket "in a dog park". There are no signs posted saying it's a dog park, nor were there a lot of dogs. Dog owners should be aware that all parks are community parks, not there only for dogs. Also, I would love to see some park benches in Banfield Park that face the water, with their backs to the path. At present, most are right on the path, facing the path. Especially for someone sitting alone, it just feels weird. You either have to acknowledge the people walking by, or ignore them, even if all you want to do is look at nature. I am happy that the path from Banfield Park along the Gorge is not paved. Also, I disagree with leaving dead trees standing with a birdhouse carved at the top, when it is in the centre of a park, like in Banfield. It is really ugly. No problem with doing it in out of the way or more wooded areas, but it makes a strange and unpleasant focal point in the well-used, open middle of a park. I would appreciate the Parks department making more decisions with beauty as a value, such as having a gardener do pruning, not BC Hydro.

I know this doesn't pertain to Victoria proper but I am alarmed at how fast we are losing wilderness areas in the outskirts. I would encourage more intervention by the City of Vic with outlying municipalities to save wilderness areas. Re Victoria proper - preserving as many green corridors as possible is important to me more tennis. clay courts please. great for old people and rain

Like to see less car trafic through Beacon Hill

Tennis facilities and playing surfaces need a revamp, the game requires a proper surface free of cracks, weeds and bumps.

It would be nice if the basketball nets were all in good shape

The local tennis courts are not being maintained.

Access to Arbutus park from the Goose trail is needed

There are not many open spaces/parks in my area so most often have to drive or bike to one

Need disc golf like other BC communities 17 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Need disc golf like other BC communities Page 69 of 144 lack of discgolf corses

Parks seem to cater only to dog walkers, tourists and league sports

My partner has MS and relies on a wheel chair for transportation. I would like to see more trails and beaches that are wheel chair accessible

More small playgrounds and green areas would be nice.

Too many dogs, both on-leash and off-leash, and their droppings

Don't like road barriers in Beacon Hill Park.Also the trail to Bamfield Park from the tresle has a big pedestrian/cyclist conflict as the cyclists move very fast in the downhill curves.

Beacon Hill Park should be more accessible for cars!

Washrooms left open until 2:30 am or all night to accomodate negative disrution to neighbourhood, and teary eyed decesions to allow overnight camping in our urban parkspace well beyond any temporary court order..

Would like to walk coast near Clover Point w/o fear of loose dogs

Better access to the Gorge for swimming is needed (e.g. Arm Street; North side of the Gorge)

Some areas of Victoria have good access to greenspace, other neighbourhoods do not and not everyone drives.

Still unhappy with the car access to Beacon Hill park since the change. Some parks could be showcased more as many people don't know about them.

I think we have the best parks of any city. All the parks within the city are excellent and well maintained. All the parks just outside the city like Francis King, Thetis Lake, Todd Inlet, etc. are world class.

Don't like the road blocks in Beacon Hill park.. didn't feel unsafe bike riding through the park before the changes. Difficult for people with handicaps to access the area they want to go now.

Open spaces/ natural parks areas are very impacted by high levels of use by visitors and high number of dogs

Too many constraints on dog usage

Open spaces are good

I've been attacked by dogs going to yoga at my community center and told park is only for dogs not to walk through, although the community centre in the park houses child care center and fitness opportunities, so attitudes like that are super dangerous and impossible to police. I dont think the city has really thought through this, with all the pressure from citizen canine, they've forgotten the rest of the citizens, it only takes one crappy dog owner to cause a lot of problems 18 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 70 of 144 too many dogs loose and so many flowers have been removed by City

Exploding Pickleball sports players need more outdoor courts

North Jubilee area is low on park space the number of green spaces seems to be decresing-it is important to keep school grounds within the system rather than selling the land and losing that green space-eg Richmond School in my neighbourhood: some of the Blanchard School grounds should be intentially kept a green sapce -while I support the health care facilty going in that area we need to keep open areas for play areas abd trees too many dog restrictions

Tent City and people "camping" in parks - 'nuff said. Very dissatisfied.

This down desperately needs 1 - 3 disc golf courses set up. Very cheep to install and once installed are free from maintenance . And can be put in nearly any good sized park

Unlike Vancouver where there are many fully-fenced dog Parks (and even Nanaimo where there are a few) the city of Victoria has nowhere I can take my dog safely to play. This degrades my lifestyle here.

I have concern that the green space of the bowling green will be developed and be lost.

Concerns over personal safety in off leash dog areas keep me from enjoying those spaces.

By and large the parks are fine within the city with the exception of the off leash area on Dallas Road where both older people and small children are impacted by rambunctious dogs

I would like to seat or walk in bear foot on cleaning grass (not grass where dog's pu before or leave rest of pu after the owner take it from)

Much better this summer with fewer homeless in the parks.

A community can always use more parks to meet a range of social, physical, spiritual and other needs. I'd like to see more parkspace in Vic West and ensure that existing parks are maintained, improved and retained for recreation and environmental stewardship.

Beacon Hill Park is sadly lacking in any mapping signage on pathways so frequently it is difficult to know where you are going or how to get to where you want to go. Too many tourists asking for directions.

Preserve the history and lawn bowling at Cridge Park

Tent City ruined the closest green space, hate that fact, get it back please

Except Tent City and creepy campers

Particularly love the downtown lawn bowling which is open to everyone, gracious to visiting tourists informing them and welcoming them. Plus th rose gardens and green make excellent pictures that promote th tourist 19 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement them and welcoming them. Plus th rose gardens and green make excellent pictures that promote th touristPage 71 of 144 vision of Victoria, sensational

No overnight camping

Disabled accessibility could be improved in some locations, especially bathroom facilities

Tent City should never have been allowed to take root.

Very satisfied generally but have stopped walking on Dallas Road pathway due to annoyance of off leash dogs on the pathway. Deer are cute but need to be culled (killed) to protect beautiful gardens.

More green space needed in the downtown core with facilities for children

Would like more access to the times dogs can be at various dog friendly parks/beaches etc

Less and less green space - more and more people - too many people shoved together

Campers in parks not good, end it please fairly satisfied, things have been improving but could still be better

Please keep them and protect them. It's dreadful to see what's happened to the one behind the Courthouse - Tent City. Such beautiful trees.

THE DOWNTOWN CORE AND AREA AROUND ST. ANN'S, HUMBOLDT VALLEY NEEDS GREEN SPACE PROTECTED too many dogs off leash, in leash zones

Would like to see the urban development of space like Barcelona.Where the artist create the landscape

Would love a small skatepark somewhere on the east side of the Gorge garbages need to be cleaned more often, more access to compostible doggy bags

Parking at lawn bowling bad due to the children's park.... too many unleashed dogs and too much dog pooh

I love lawn bowling daily at the Victoria Lawn Bowling Club.

The more parks Victoria has the easier access people will have. I think this will increase the amount of excercise people pursue.

If there is skatable hiking park, that will be all in one of fun!!

Need more offleash dog areas.

Workout area like venice beach would be off the hook

Overall very happy but Council needs to protect more green-space/ large trees from development (and not 20 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 72 of 144 the token manicured parks provided in developers plans). Once these spaces have gone they can never be replaced. Green spaces are of great value without "developing" them

Not nearly enough outdoor basketball courts

I wish they had nicer basketball nets and rims

Saanich park stand yo in the city of Victoria

Disappointed by the lack of waterfront bicycle paths

No crosswalk to fishermans wharf park

It would be great if Gorge waterfront access were continuous instead of chopped up into little spaces. I also wish there was not so much litter everywhere!

I am often endangered in city parks with my child. My local parks (James Bay) are frequented by people with obvious mental health struggles and addictions often threaten us and make us feel unsafe. I am regularly forced to call the police non-emergency line.

Access to cross country type cycling is lacking (e.g. mountain or cyclocross)

The park is large and able to accommodate many interest groups, activitives at the same time. A very diverse and user friendly park. In paticular, I want to mention how much I value haveing the tennis courst and lawn bowling facilities in the park. Lawn bowling is a very historic spoirt in Victoria and I delight in being able to walk by and see the lawn bowlers in progress. The club is very friendly, and encourages visitors to come in, sit down and watch. They help visitors understand the rules or the game and its ambience and friendliness enhance the value of the park for young and old alike. The lawn bowling facility seems to always be in use by some group or other and is a real draw in bringing people into the park. I think the lawn bowling club, as well as as the tennis courts and cricket and other playing fieldss are value added activities to Beachon Hill Park and should be strongly supported, and encouraged by the City, in whatever way they can.

Need more shaded public seating in the downtown core.

I live near downtown and when friends come to visit with kids or dogs there's few places to take them that are very close by

The threat of changing the rules for dogs at Dallas rd is very upsetting. Also the threat of the sewage treatment plat possibly going in at Cloverpoint is upsetting. It seems city council is determined to ruin this park.

Constant threat of lawn bowling club in downtown being paved over for parking is discouraging

Satisfied now that parks are safer and have been returned to taxpayers to use as opposed to transient and homeless campsites/ hangouts.

City council appears to have no problem removing green space from the city's inventory, e.g., the open 21 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 73 of 144 fields that were at Hillside and Blanchard. Is the lawn bowling site next to the Crystal Garden next. This is land that will never again be used as green space, and the city is not adding any more.

Carnarvon tennis courts have been left to degrade so much over the past few years that a serious game can't even be played there, there are bumps all over the courts as well as cracks and low spots where puddles remain and where did the basketball hoop disappear to a couple weeks ago!

homelss people setting bad examples

Dallas Road and Cook St intersection access very confusing- needs more traffic controls there.

I would like to see parks (especially in James Bay) open for dogs off-leash during early morning hours (7- 9am)

except for the continuous issues my family was dealing with dogs off leash, the parks are great

No City Parks in my neighbourhood (Rockland)

We need a skatepark!

except for encounters with campers and their refuse.

live adjacent to park next to law court which is currently tent city and therefore inaccessible. fortunately I have easy access to CPR lawn bowling, cridge park, beacon hill park and st. anne's

8. How satisfied are you with each of the following facilities or park amenities in your community?

22 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 74 of 144 Very Somewhat Neither satisfied Somewhat Very Variable satisfied satisfied nor dissatisfied dissatisfied dissatisfied

Outdoor sports fields (i.e. 138 193 246 30 14 ball diamonds, soccer Total: 621 22.2% 31.1% 39.6% 4.8% 2.3% f ields)

Court facilities (i.e. tennis, 111 183 234 63 30 Total: 621 lacrosse, etc) 17.9% 29.5% 37.7% 10.1% 4.8%

213 299 70 62 12 Pathways Total: 656 32.5% 45.6% 10.7% 9.5% 1.8%

Unprogrammed green 151 218 161 81 28 Total: 639 space 23.6% 34.1% 25.2% 12.7% 4.4%

121 142 231 74 68 Off-leash dog areas Total: 636 19.0% 22.3% 36.3% 11.6% 10.7%

239 260 63 71 30 Waterfront/beach access Total: 663 36.0% 39.2% 9.5% 10.7% 4.5%

353 172 93 31 13 Flower displays Total: 662 53.3% 26.0% 14.0% 4.7% 2.0%

84 234 155 144 43 Park washrooms Total: 660 12.7% 35.5% 23.5% 21.8% 6.5%

238 297 56 57 18 Natural areas Total: 666 35.7% 44.6% 8.4% 8.6% 2.7%

Outdoor fitness 96 113 302 68 36 Total: 615 equipment 15.6% 18.4% 49.1% 11.1% 5.9%

147 198 220 40 9 Playgrounds Total: 614 23.9% 32.2% 35.8% 6.5% 1.5%

9. What park amenities do you appreciate the most? Please check all that apply.

23 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 75 of 144 Response Count

Outdoor sports fields (i.e. ball diamonds, 134 19.3% soccer fields)

Court facilities (i.e. 171 24.6% tennis, lacrosse, etc)

Pathways 425 61.2%

Passive green space 358 51.6%

Off-leash dog areas 200 28.8%

Waterfront/beach access 500 72.0%

Flower displays 301 43.4%

Park washrooms 329 47.4%

Natural areas 491 70.7%

Outdoor fitness 97 14.0% equipment

Playgrounds 189 27.2%

Other (please specify): 135 19.5%

Total: 694

Native plant gardens

We need all year table tennis is James Bay! only have 10 mo now

Seniors fitness

THere are places that have created pathed access areas on beach and waterfronts for people in wheelchairs etc. I'd like to have at lease ONE of those in the area.

I WOULD appreciate some people only space in the Dallas Road waterfront park area of Beacon Hill park

Water-play for children in the summer.

Very dissatisfied with lack of access to Dallas Road waterfront paths due to off-leash dogs.

I would like outdoor swimming pools in each of you communities cool ones like 3rd beach and kits in 24 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 76 of 144 I would like outdoor swimming pools in each of you communities cool ones like 3rd beach and kits in Vancouver separation of walkers and cyclists along Dallas Road walkways is something that must be kep

Clover Point Park multi functional, multi community user friendly, has many of the above amenities cameron bandshell; festivities at clover point

Opportunities to participate in stewardship of natural areas

Trails for walking only , no cyclists natural area's should have some paths, overgrowth removed ie. vines, invasives, passive green space needs the same basic level of care. I would like to see the Pemberton Trail actively being worked on. more soft packed trails in the city would great! like Cedar Hill and Beacon Hill parks

The list in question 8 is meaningless in that if I check off dissatisfied it could be interpreted as need more or need mess attention, such as dogs off-leash parks. The one on Dallas is simply awful and no more should be created. In urban centres dogs should be on-leash, under control at all times. Do NOT want more off-leash, too costly for other dog owners and the public re safety and our enjoyment of the parks unprogrammed green space unprogrammed green space need more off leash dog areas and outdoor fitness equipment in James Bay

Waterfront/beach access that allows dogs

Need more benches & seating.

Concession Stands for burgers/fries/popsicles in summer rockland has been waiting for a small park for over 30 years! less off-leash dog areas

Views

I often have to go another municipality for these areas

Not sure if bowling green fits under "courts" or "playing fields"? year round dog access to beaches within the neighbourhood

Parking space too many dog off leash areas & much of the green space is also used by off leash dogs 25 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement too many dog off leash areas & much of the green space is also used by off leash dogs Page 77 of 144 native plant areas

Places to sit and enjoy the beauty away from the path. Picnic tables where families can gather, or individuals can sit and write.

Wilderness areas for hiking; ocean access for kayaking and swimming

Dog free areas & leash mandatory areas

Everywhere that has a good basketball court!

Oxygenation from trees discgolf needed

Disc golf features

Disc golf course

Beacon hill bandstand

Public Art! Community Gathering Venues! Performing Arts! Little libraries :)

Put a fence between walkway & off leash dogs on Dallas Rd. swimming access points but we need more@

I was unclear if this question "What park amenities do you appreciate the most?" was meant for existing park amenities or ones that I would like to see. I answered for ones that I want to have, and do not currently have sufficient access to in my community.

Dog owners spoil it for everyone. They are not self policing. Calgary has a great system; re: license requirements.

Forested and naturalized areas.

Soft grass for picnics and relaxing not dried dead grass that no one wants to sit on green space close to home per 8. : "somewhat dissatisfied", Waterfront/beach access - because overuse of cliff trails by thoughtless dog owners and uneducated users, adds to sharp erosion at Beacon Hill Park.

We LOVE Fisherman's Wharf Park!

I'm concerned with the boats in the gorge, and the lack of safety/sewage facilties there. The community has worked so hard to clean up the gorge and have it swimable, will there be facilities for the new 'temporary boaters'? 26 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 78 of 144

I dislike the f=dogs off leash adn the privatisaztion of public lands. The survey is difficult to fill out. If dissatisfied as too many dogs off leash and pricvatization of too much land - how does one complete those questions. If I write dissatisfied you may think that means I want more when I want less.

Chip trail paths to run on

Disc golf

Dog bag dispensers.

Trees displays

Water parks

Minimized construction (roads, buildings, etc) bmx/bike parks skateboard parks

Lawnll

Lawn Bowling lawn bowling, croquet downtown

Preserve the history & plan bowling at Cridge Park

Lawn bowling and golf lawn bowling

Love the lawn bowling area. Good opportunity to talk to spectating visitor and promote Victoria as a place to see. Everyone is welcome to bowl at the downtown club. There is a connector of Crystal gardens, the lawn bowling club, Cridge Park, St. Ann's and Beaconhill Park. Just beautiful.

Spaces where dogs are NOT allowed.

Lawn bowling Green

Lawn Bowling

Lawn bowling facilities lawn bowling green

Croquet lawn bowling

27 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 79 of 144 Lawn bowling Victoria club at Beacon Hill Park and C.P. Lawn bowling at Cridge Park

CP Lawn Bowling Club lawn bowling greens - the sport for 9 to 90 year olds

I think the walkways should be divided to allow cyclists

CPLBC gardens and green space a crucial park area to be protected in perpetuity

Putting greens, croquet greens, bowling greens, tai chi gardens lawn bowling

I would more areas where dogs are not allowed. green space - lawn bowling

Croquet

Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling Club green

The Clover Point off-leash dog area is the best in the world. Off-leash areas are usually fully contained (which often causes dog fights), filthy, muddy and unpleasant to use. the outdoor fitness equipment has been a blessing

Lawn bowling at CPLB lawn bowling and croquet

CROQUET FACILITIES

Barcelona style architecture that is created by artists for the viewing and sitting pleasure but skateboarding as a lifestyle too

Skateboard Park skateparks

Skateboard parks

Lawn bowling clubs

Skateparks skateparks

Lawn Bowling Green very important

28 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 80 of 144 Lawn Bowling lawn bowling greens but membership bears all costs lawn bowling greens

More skateboard facilities need to be built.just adding a 20' wide concrete mini ramp in several of the neighbourhoods would help. But each neighbourhood should have its own small skate park. Look at how many baseball fields and soccer fields are around town and they are always empty. The kids have only one skateboard park and often it is so busy with scooters , bikes and skaters that it almost becomes unsafe. Also kids should not have to travel so far from their local neighborhood to make use of a skateboard park

Lawn Bowling Club

Community gardens , food forests like spring ridge commons lawn bolling greens court access for croquet and lawn bowling

Skateparks

Skateparks

Mountain bike access and trails off leash, but need more early morning 7-9 parks,

Being able to ride cyclocross on City parks, we have world class cycling in Victoria. Adding permanent access to some areas would provide benefit for everyone.

Bowling/croquet greens

Gorge walkway

Lawn bowling

Skateparks lawn bowling at Beacon Hill Park benches in the shade!!! lawn bowling facilities

Greenways are key to transit, to fitness and for wildlife, we need better connectivity.

I very much value the use of recreational space and opportunities within a park as it adds to utilization of the space. 29 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement space. Page 81 of 144

Availability of shade and sun

Signage

Running / waking trails

Kelp farms would help with the fecal coliform levels

Any that are wheelchair accessible!

Croquet lawns

skateboard parks for riding skateboards, scooters and bikes

skateparks

year round water fountain

Fernwood skatepark

Fernwood community skatepark needs more funding

10. Are there parks and open space amenities that are missing in the City of Victoria?

Response Count

384 responses

Native plant ecosystems, edibile landscapes

Shelters which are reservable for small events; outdoor pool; nature playgrounds; sun and rain shelter; disc golf; soft-surface trails; boathouse; coffee stand

would like to see a better walkway connection blue bridge to Ogden Pt. along the water

1) Another mini bike park like the one in Cecilia ravine would be great, especially if it were constructed in an easier to access part of town like Fairfield (2) Outdoor pool would be great and could be solar heated.

https://www.pinterest.com/mylittletoe/chinese-reflexology-walking-paths/ Very common in Asia and great to walk on for both kids and seniors health. Zen garden areas for peaceful contemplation.

no

more seating opportunities in the parks we have

30 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 82 of 144 More off leashed and fully fenced dog parks

Active spaces for youth (teenagers) east of the inner harbour: scate boarding, BMX etc. blueways/waterways and urban playlots

No

A place for fires so you can gather around in the evening and roast hot dogs or marshmallows

Dallas Road cycling path built into grass area along roadside. More coastal sitting benches.

Yes, we need more urban community gardens so people can grow their own vegetables.

Off leash fishermans wharf park in early morning

Playgrounds downtown. There are none. Picnic/family spaces, places to breasfeed etc

It would be great to have more in the downtown area that are safe for children fully enclosed, with gates, off-leash dog park

Playgrounds that have a more natural feel to them.

Splash park in the Fernwood area, playground in downtown

Early morning off leash for dogs with waste bags and garbage

There needs to be more playground equipment for children under five. Nature playgrounds in the style of Cornelia Oberlander is very appealing to me, because it's attractive to people of all ages, especially the underserved under five population. we need more water parks.

THere are places that have created pathed access areas on beach and waterfronts for people in wheelchairs etc. I'd like to have at lease ONE of those in the area.

Toddler playground spaces. It can be very challenging to find a park that is safe and interesting for both my 4 year old and my 1 year old. I would love to see small play equipment for children that are still crawling or just walking ie. stairs that are closed in and lower to ground. No wood chips or stones in this area (they go straight in the mouth). Toddlers love crawling over and under bridges, climbing stairs, sitting on stools (like tree trunk rounds), turning wheels (positioned close to the ground) etc. I would love to have a toddler play area right next to a preschooler area. Thank you!

No.

Let's re-wild the city and have no boundaries between nature and our day-to-day lives! A practical goal is that everyone lives within a 3 minute walk of park space.

31 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 83 of 144 Yes, a small people-only space in the Dallas Road waterfront park area of Beacon Hill park where nearby residents could enjoy the type of neighbourhood park most other residents do, with harassment by out of control dogs

Amenities are there they just need to be improved upon. Eg. Gravel Sports Field at Beacon Hill Park

Yes, in Rockland, especially. We need more parks and natural open space throughout the city.

The downtown core needs more green open space. Perhaps next to the courthouse?! we need have a way of locking these parks in the evening to prevent druggie homeless leaving needles

Yes, too much is planted, or has facilities

Something with a playground in the downtown core.

Out door swimming pools, water slides

Wather parks

In the downtown core!! skateboarding

Public outdoor swimming pool

More natural parks with wood chip trails.

Tennis courts at Topaz Park

Non profit operated tea house in Beacon Hill Park none

The parks are becoming threatened by single interest groups. City handing over too much to special interst groups such as allotment gardens and gogs-off-leash. more open space needed downtown. open spaces to be kept of enhanced in Fairfield

The park on Bushby desperately needs updating - lack of accessible playgrounds and spray parks more pickleball what would be the largest spot to have a gathering? Beacon HIll? Some place people could rent to have a picnic and the City to make some money.

SAFE off-leash dog areas. i.e. completely enclosed with a gate. I never feel comfortable letting my dog run in the designated off-leash spaces ( like Dallas Road) and the other, almost safe areas are not technically dog areas and therefore fine-able.

32 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 84 of 144 no

No

No off leash dog areas

Dallas road green space needs some thought.All off leash and can't even have kids ride a bike. Huge opportunity to make it more than just an off leash area. very little playground space in downtown for children in the downtown core and visitors very little if anything in Rockland or downtown. also, finish the whole Rockland Avenue Greenway to Oak Bay, not just that silly bit in the 900 Block of Rockland Avenue better connectivity of waterfront pathways, particularly between downtown and Burnside Gorge

Burnside/ Gorge has not got enough useable park space

Bike racks, covered/shaded areas, benches natural adventure playgrounds

Yes; in Rockland

We have no parks nor open space amenities in Rockland

What an open-ended question!!! Yes! Isn't that the point of the entire questionnaire? What were you actually trying to ascertain?

In Rockland, we are very dependent on the Government House grounds for park space. Stadacona Park is lovely, but not accessible for some of our residents.

Almost none in Rockland area. rockland has no parks rockland

More ziplines - like the Beacon Hill Park one (which is some distance - it would be nice to have more). in regards to dog friendly spaces, more need fencing. its not worth safety risk of letting my dog off leash and they run into the road because a squirrel catches their attention. let's make spaces be multi-purpose. and soccer fields should have running tracks around the outside of them (multi-purpose!)

One in ROCKLAND where I live. We have none!

In Rockland there are no parks. We have been waiting for years for park space.

33 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 85 of 144 Rockland needs more open space parkland.

Not enough parks and green spaces.

Interpretive signage

Rockland area

Waterfront access along the Gorge. yes - I live in Rockland and we have no public parks or off leash areas for dogs

Park space has been threatned by private or special intersts. let's not lose any more park space to gardens or dogs off-leash. These special interets needs should be met by the dog owners and gardeners when they choose their homes and perjaps by conversion of paved surfaces for new green spaces.

More open space for quiet enjoyment especially dog-free space.

Since Stadacona Park is my closest, and shared with Fernwood community, you just have to connect the main entrance on Pandora with West entrance on Begbie and move crosswalk at Begbie and Belmont westward to park entrance and new xwalk at west entrance over Begbie, otw everyone jay walks to get there! we need more parks and green space james Bay needs more adult exercise equipment in Fisherman's Wharfprk as well as the west side of Beacon hill Park or in JB area, perhaps on a vacant lot if you can find one!

Waterfront/beach access that allows dogs all year round are scarce

Rockland Neighbourhood is very short on common green space.

Dog walkers are not permitted in Ross Bay Cemetery - not even on leash, and on path.

Yes, fenced in areas for dog owners so there dogs can run off-leash. Then make the rest of the park leash only.

TEST

All of htem

A car-free Beacon Hill Park rockland has been waiting for a small park for over 30 years. It doesn't have to be a large park, just something with a few benches and some natural plants/trees.

There are not enough safe, protected off leash dog areas (i.e. large fenced areas safe from traffic)

More natural playgrounds for kids. Less equipment, more hills, stumps, trees to climb.

Yes... there is no park in Rockland and the bear is sad :( 34 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 86 of 144 Yes... there is no park in Rockland and the bear is sad :(

Not enough forest areas and natural habitat. Need more security for people (women) walking alone.

Need more small town squares, like Mexico, where there is lots of greenery, grass and places to sit and visit with some bocci or horseshoe pits.

Missing, no, but the washroom facilities could be improved.

Yes, in the Rockland area open spaces are missing, but of course there will never be an area built by the city-too expensive. Gov't House Grounds do not count. g

It would be a good idea to have parks with more swings for adults/persons with disabilities in them

Yes, it would be wonderful if there was park space in the downtown core.

It would be nice to have more off leash dog areas. And absolutely safe Clover Point as is!

More washrooms and open year round

Access to parks can be improved by limiting parking on edges to 3 hr or so - avoid residents and commuting downtown staff from parking for 8 hrs

There are too few parks and open spaces in the Rockland area.

Fenced in dog parks separated for large and small dogs

Outdoor pools!

Rockland needs parks. good performance spaces (aka band shells) and Public Art. Places for people to smoke. dog access to beaches year round, open summer beach area very far from home, at the very least beaches could be shared by all in the am. no

More youth elements not enough dedicated off leash space protected bike path into south east corner of town, adult-oriented playgrounds (eg. tall monkey bars)

ADULT PLAYGROUND

Covered picnic areas

A harbour walkway fully connected for pedestrians and cyclists, more accessible urban beaches and boardwalks. A large "destination" park for families with water play features and creative, natural play areas and programmable areas for events, not in Beacon Hill Park, but possibly Topaz Park or another large city35 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 87 of 144 and programmable areas for events, not in Beacon Hill Park, but possibly Topaz Park or another large city park, where visitors and families outside the municipality could come for a whole day and participate in fun and educational recreation activities. This might have an indoor and outdoor component, such as botanical demonstration greenhouse that looks to our future climate change, or a natural science museum that show cases the west coast amazing ecosystems, or a marine interactive display centre, combined with managed natural areas that tell the cultural story of Victoria's landscape, including 1st Nations perspective with reagrd to plants and the ocean environment and its important cultural, historical contribution to this city. This may sound like a pie in the sky "dream" park, but Victoria is a world class city when it comes to its location and the natural environment, so it would be good to showcase it for residents and visitors from all over the world. Along with a large destination park, we should as a city spend considerable budget on preserving our remaining natural areas, woodlands, meadows, endangered species both fauna and flora, for future generations. Some work has been done on this and it needs to continue. These are all big ticket items, but could be planned and implemented over several years. These are important aspects I see missing from the Victoria parks system. Overall, I think it is a great city with pretty good parks and open spaces. drinking fountains

Tennis Courts at Topaz Park (demollished) - this ASSET must be replaced within Topaz Park boundries

All the open spaces and park areas need more conifers. The city needs more trees.

Good access for disabled people; have you considered making motorized scooters available to borrow to get around Beacon Hill Park for those who can't walk but don't have their own?

Not missing - but more tennis courts needed/need repair.

Clay tennis courts, children apparatus in open parks

Off leash dog walking

More clean washrooms

More tennis courts pls. More benchs at playgrounds too

No outdoor fitness equipment in James Bay...

Specific pickleball courts with proper net height and ability to form associations.

Pool

Tennis courts in Topaz Park no an enclosed off leash area

Not a lot of tennis courts

36 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 88 of 144 We could do with some dedicated pickle ball courts that are not tied to tennis courts.

Washroms

Most parks have no washrooms at all, and our larger parks don't have enough. lots of passive. Note high use of Central Park basketball court - replicate elsewhere please

Fruit/Veg Garden for Homeless outdoor washrooms

Yes, there are no parks or green spaces in the Rockland neighbourhood

More tennis courts

I would love to see more areas that are car free; I'd love to see the downtown core become car free though that prob wouldn't bode well with business owner who I also sympathize with; I do NOT support turning Clover Pt into a sewage plant - as that is green space vital to the waterfront more tennis and pickleball

Garden plots with guidance

No

Public trampolines would be nice. If the trampoline is springless, at ground-level, and protected with a mesh enclosure, it's quite safe even when unsupervised! (As safe as the exercise equipment found at Beacon Hill and Crystal Pool.)

I think it would be a good idea to close part of Dallas Road every Sunday until noon during the summer months for biking, roller blading etc... They do this in Ottawa all over the city and it is fantastic.

Outdoor fitness equipment

Maybe more attention to the other senses (hearing, smell, touch) other than visual.

Burnside Gorge is lacking green space / parks and also easy access to existing parks. interactive urban markets and commercial space

No outdoor swimmers big pool, must be the only city in the world without one

Not enough green space downtown.

Disc Golf

A Disc golf course!

Discgolf 37 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 89 of 144

Disc golf

Disc golf

Disc golf course

Disc golf course

Disc golf

Disc golf park improved tennis facilities. seperate pickleball courts

A Disc Golf Course, its incredibly popular here and we have no course.

Disc Golf Courses

A disc golf course

Disc golf course

Small parklets and playgrounds in the downtown area would be a benefit for the growing population of families in the core.

Need closed in areas for dogs but can still be off leash. Also beach access for pets.

Downtown Victoria on the opposite end of beacon hill (think the swans side) has no where to play

Bike paths could be improved

More water parks for kids

Pathway lighting for bike and pedestrian routes. Especially backfield park

Businesses near walkways to offer stops for leisure walks. swimming access in the gorge - we need a sandy beach and bettr swim docks yes. We need more places to do fitness activities that won't compete with people ambling, sightseeing, walking, etc.

Rugby interconnected network of walking paths and more bike laneways away from traffic so that I feel safe taking my family

Around the bridge and Harbour Rd. and also Bay St. Bridge lined parking spaces along Dallas rd. breakwater, to increase use (enjoyment?) of said area (Beacon Hill 38 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement lined parking spaces along Dallas rd. breakwater, to increase use (enjoyment?) of said area (Beacon HillPage 90 of 144 catchment?)

No natural areas; wilderness

Restricting car access to Beacon Hill Park (and Mount Douglas Park) limits visitations for people with mobility problems.

Tennis courts don't seem sufficient

Do not dis[place Clover Point with a massive sewage forever plant...

Management of native species and particularly Garry Oak Habitat fence between path & loose dogs on Dallas roads; outdoor table tennis in James Bay - Irving or MacDonald Parks

The Gorge Waterway used to be the City's summer playground (in the early 1900's). Now the Gorge has been cleaned up we should encourage more people to swim in it and keep it clean! accessible playground and more unprogrammed green space particularly in the "northern neighbourhoods"

Off leash dog areas are small spaces that do not lead to good socialising- I would like to see off leash pathways that a person can walk with dog off leash like you used to be able to at Cedar Hill Golf Course. A circuit means dogs can greet each other play briefly and move on, leading to better behaviour than concentrated dog areas.

Disc golf

Burnside needs greenways, sports fields, off-leash dog areas suitable for small dogs, more pathways connecting parks, and new park space along the waterfront as well as in the residential areas. can't think of any

Clay tennis courts

Vic west needs better access to swimming in the gorge, also the kids play park in Vic west needs updating! fences around dog off leash areas.. dogs run on pedestrian pathways and trip unsuspecting people.. esp. people with mobility difficulties. early morning off leash dog areas 7-9 am

Lit tennis courts. Multiple tennis courts on one location. my neighourhood is highly lacking in green space

Public gardens - specifically nut trees 39 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Public gardens - specifically nut trees Page 91 of 144

Creeks - Bowker Creek - Rock Creek - opportunity for running water and wetlands diversity

More Dog Friendly areas

An entirely dog-free park, to balance the entitlement of dog owner/ dog impacts to natural and open/ passive recreation use.

Yes, there are several pocket parks in James Bay that have been left (neglected) and are in need of fixong up or the addition of amenities. off leash dog areas, especially during summer months when Gonzales Beach for e.g. is closed. In James Bay there are zero off leash areas.

Quantity/location

Public, small boat launch facilities

Higher volume of small parks near the core are needed with amenties. The downtown core desperately needs a playground besides Crystal Pool. harbour access points

More is better.

Skateboarding, Trick biking

Need more pickleball courts

More off leash dog parks better beach front access and walkways. It would be very good if we could complete the pathways around the gorge as this is such a great natural waterway

Small pedistal square tables with 4 seats or sitting pads. A better shape for meeting strangers and concversation than a park bench, where people tend to stare into the void. One could read newespaper or book at this table. tennis courts - Topaz

Insufficient Paddleball courts in south side of Victoria

The 'amenity' that is missing is the recognition of the value of city parks in protecting species diversity, their importance to wildlife and all ecological benefits.

Out door pool at summit park reservoir instead of mosquito sludge pond. Think there is a dead racoon in there right now.

Outdoor swimming pool 40 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 92 of 144

Disc golf we need more sidewalks and walkways that are friendlier to those using mobility aids

It would be nice if there were more outside parks with access to fitness equipment, similar to Henderson Park concrete chess tables/backgammon or table top tennis tables, haven't found any yet.

Yes, an outdoor pool! It would be so AMAZING to have an outdoor pool (think maybe Beacon Hill Park, or connected to Crystal Pool in some way at Central Park, or maybe even Topaz or Stadacona Park). When visiting other cities I see what a big hit an outdoor pool is, and the only ones we have here (that are extremely busy all summer long) are associated with hotels and cost a fortune. This would be a HUGE addition to the community and the whole region, and would bring people from all the neighbouring municipalities to enjoy Victoria's parks. An entry fee is often charged (see how the City of Calgary runs a whole host of outdoor neighbourhood pools) and could be a great source of revenue. If you added this one thing alone, it would be a trememdous improvement to our already fantastic parks.

Daylight areas of Bowker Creek. More greenspace needed in North Jubilee. Improve Jubilee hospital grounds with flowers, benches, paths, etc

Natural playgrounds

Some senior fitness stations could be integrated into garden and natural areas similar to those in Sidney

Play boxes like they have at Saanich Parks; more opportunities for adults to excercise while watching their kids play in playgrounds (e.g. exercise equipment, basketball nets, etc. RIGHT beside the playground; offer rec. centre adult & child exercise classes in parks); more community gardens; more fruit trees in parks; we LOVE the Fisherman's Wharf herb garden - should have more similar initiatives; a spash/water park (the Beacon Hill playground one is in the shade and always freezing) there are not enough off leash areas, especially considering the restrictive hours at some locations i really think that victoria is long overdue for a proper disc golf course, we have tons of space. vancouver has 5 just in and around downtown.

Disc golf course. Topas park and beacon hill park trees

A public lawn tennis court would be pretty cool, maybe at Stadacona

The "camping" amenity needs to be revoked. I do not feel safe in Parks anymore when people are passed out there.

Many if not most of the green spaces/parks are missing electrical/water untilities so that communities can organize events a little easier. I have spent a fair bit of time in France and noticed that in even the smallest41 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 93 of 144 organize events a little easier. I have spent a fair bit of time in France and noticed that in even the smallest village and in the smallest of their pocket green spaces there were these little utility boxes that were in the ground that could be popped up when an event is to take place (they are locked with a key) and then pushed back down and out of the way when the event is over. There are not enough bike racks in the open spaces. There is aneed for very small pocket parks in the downtown that may have living walls as the greenery. There need to be more water works, fountains and more modern water parks that help to reduce noise polution as well as improve the quality of the air. I think that the city ought to be collaborating more closely with other organisations that have control of green space such as schools and hospitals a good example is the green space at Richmond and Fort owned by Island Health, that beautiful space has only one bench as an example of gross under utility. Many of the school yards and playing fiels have no benches for seniors or other to sit and enjoy watching a game or just the informal play activities of young people. If there is adesire on the part of the City administration to encourage density in the "large urban village" areas it is critically important that accompanying open space is developed with amenities for these people in vertical housing. There should be more quiet spaces considered for activities like chess as well as bocce. community/allotment gardens in Irving Park covered benches/picnic table areas to sit in the rain would be nice. Better technology to dispose of dog poo. more benches/seating needed green spaces,open spaces to balance the multi development of condos: treed areas .

Natural play areas for kids/youth benches and bins for garbages fencing to contain off-leash areas, interpretive and wayfinding signage

A disc golf course would be great

Disc golf

More water Parks

Yes - there should be "lot sized" parks in areas where parks are not close by - maybe up to one such micro park per 3-4 blocks

There needs to be a at least one more skateboard/scooter/bmx park and there should be an entry level park.

There are very few off leash areas for dog owners, compared to many cities and given the number of households with a dog. skateboard parks more dog friendly areas 42 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 94 of 144 more dog friendly areas

Every neighbourhood should have respite parks, for quietly observing nature and resting, not playing.

Multiplex

There are no parks in Rockland, hence my response to question 8. would love to see a sandy beach added along the gorge in vic west - there is a space near the trestle that could accommodate this. Swimming in the gorge is increasing but currently the only good access point near vic west is off the jetty at bamfield. A sandy beach near there would get tons of use by families and residents.

Pocket parks and playgrounds in Rockland, esp. along Fort Street corridor.

No

Enclosed dog areas. Both for small and large dogs.

Lawn bowls - a sport for all ages

Let's no lose the parks & amenities that we already have. Protect walkers from unleashed pets.

Live next to Beacon Hill park so very happy

Over night camping in the parks by homeless individuals makes it creepy to walk, especially by women.

All we need is green space preserved and available without campers and needles.

Nothing comes to mind can't think of any

Disabled accessible bathrooms in more locations cridge

Down town Victoria

We need to protect the green spaces that are left downtown.

Cycling along a divided pathway.

Again, I feel the downtown is densifing so rapidly and we need more small green spaces and play areas for young children

Early morning and early evening access to areas that are dog friendly for only some parts of the year i.e. Gonzales and Willows beaches. tai chi gardens, outdoor fitness equipment

43 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 95 of 144 Off leash in Oaklands that does not need to cross a busy street.

More areas where dogs are not allowed. no

Middle harbour waterfront paddling on north side destroyed by VI Marina

Wharf Street waterfront wasted as a car park. Would like the Stephen Foster walkway completed.

There are not enough parks/green spaces in the City of Victoria

Hand sanitizer or soap and paper towels in the washrooms; Please consult with an animal behaviourist if you plan to build any new off-leash dog areas outdoor fitness equipment should be placed in more places, with more variety of equipment no

No, however Dog On Leash areas MUST be marked more clearly. So many dog owners see an open green space and assume they can let their dog(s) run off leash, bark, annoy other people...

THE INNER HARBOUR + CITY NEED TO PROTECT WHATEVER GREEN PATCHES REMAIN

Larger, wilder spaces for wildlife and native plants; more beach access; connecting different green spaces together; multi-use areas (I liked fencing for the Dallas Road park - even as a dog owner - because it made the area more accessible and enjoyable for everyone)

I would love to see more pump tracks and/or mountain bike skills park opportunities for varying levels of skills and ages similar to what has been put in place at Cecilia Ravine. there is only one croquet field in the city and surrounding area

Yes.To create spaces similar to Barcelona Spain which would be created by artists but for the people to hang out and the lifestyle of skateboarding as an art could thrive.

Outdoor BBQ in parks like Australia skateparks

Pop-up skateboard parks

Washrooms at the walkways of a beach area. Skateboard park in Fernwood.

The Beacon Hill Park Trust is preventing many good opportunities for holding sponsored events.

Skatepark East of Downtown no? i don't understand the question.

44 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 96 of 144 Safe places for dogs to go swimming (sandy beach) and cool down in the hot summer months.

Dallas Road scenic route needs cycling pathway and place to lock bike so riders may also enjoy walks and beach access

Not enough skateboard zones and outdoor bbq grills for picnics in parks

Family picnic "shelters", upgraded tennis courts, accessible park washrooms in winter, secure bicycle parking in park areas

Skateboard parks !!!!!

Workout areas on Gonzales beach would be outstanding!

The outdoor fitness equipment is not found easily enough for people in the northern Victoria and Saanich regions

Yes

Skate Parks

More Bike paths..

Fernwood area

Places to cycle away from traffic

More satellite style skate spots as opposed to skateparks to take the pressure of the the Vic West one -as kids want to learn close to their home, close to a rec centre (washroom, first aid, etc). Additionally the lack of shade at skateparks is unfortunate. more variety for dog owners bathrooms and water fountains slacklines

Outdoor gym or fitness equipment

Nothing that I can think of workout Gonzales beach.

Outdoor exercise area for fit people

Progressive skill acquisition playgrounds, dynamic skills parks yes, early morning (7-9 am) off leash spaces,

Morning off leash dog hours in parks 45 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Morning off leash dog hours in parks Page 97 of 144 water fountains for people & dogs, bike racks, bike service stations

Yes not enough off-leash zones

Dedicated off road cycle areas in town. Children love and enjoy riding their bikes and are able to delay skills and confidence when challenged with off road riding - rather than challenged by people who say "you are not allowed to ride here!"

It would be great if the tennis courts or the basketball courts could get some nighttime lighting

"A" food vender

A good boat launch.

Outdoor work out facilities for adults

Appreciate the parks that are open to other, infrequent uses (e.g. Small community gatherings, cyclocross races). I'd like to see more of this in all parks in the city

Not enough spaces to do non programed activities.

Permanent washroom on Dallas Rd, around clover point, and although it was controversial I believe there should be separation from the off leash dog area to the road and to pedicels trichina, not fair for those who don't like dogs or may not be stable on their feet

Jogging path around perimeter of McDonald Park waterfront bicycle paths (they can be shared paths like those in Vancouver), cultural programming scattered throughout various parks (i.e. movie nights, plays, fringe festival, buskers, etc.) not just Beacon Hill Park, growing clover instead of grass on open fields & along roadside, too much investment in sprinkler systems

Public, multi-use plazas

Water Bottle Refill Stations

More outdoor work out facilities or equipment etc. workout spots we need more water features, picnic spaces

Downtown Parks, including one at Ship's Point; pathway connections within and between neighbourhoods more water parks! especially ones with different types of spray features

Community gardens; contiguous waterfront access 46 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 98 of 144

Resources and capital infrastructure

Many parks on busy urban streets would benefit from gates.

Yes. Very little green space in downtown area. Few parks, hidden away Cridge,Reeson, not safe

Off road cycling

Greenways and connected natural spaces are important in urban environments like ours.

Fenced dog parks

More public art / City Studio esque engagement pieces within natural settings.

More safe bicycling pathways for recreation and functional transportation! More community Gardens! More wild spaces with native plants.

More outdoor fitness equipment!

More consideration to accessibility at city festivals. Car access for people with disabilities, low numbers or non-existent disabled parking, mean that we often avoid such events. I would also like to see more tennis walls in the tennis courts. Also, table tennis facilities would be great.

Fully fenced dog parks!

No

More shade needed, either trees or awnings, for sun protection

Spots for free group fitness (stairs), bathroom near children's farm

Signage downtown

Fully fenced off leash dog park.

Yes. Natural elements like tree or rock climbing or balancing.

More washrooms needed; better lighting for trails and parks

Badminton courts.

Outdoor gyms

Places to eat lunch outside downtown that are not restaurants i.e. Brown bag

Outdoor fitness equipment

Enforced dog-free parks & beaches. Dogs are everywhere, owners have no respect for signs keeping them 47 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Enforced dog-free parks & beaches. Dogs are everywhere, owners have no respect for signs keeping themPage 99 of 144 on leash or away from nature sanctuaries or beaches. Get more bylaw officers on the ground

Yes. Park facilities in the heart of downtown.

Let people connect to agriculture by placing green spaces.

I wish the womens washrooms on cook st did not face away from the road. Makes a lady nervous to go use it as someone could be lurking in the back and no one would know.

Secure off-leash dog parks

Off-road cycling areas. A more open-minded acceptance of autumn cyclocross events would be appreciated.

Court facility in topaz

Clay tennis courts

Victoria needs more small park space in the downtown core. More recreational facilities for seniors: eg. lawn bowling, pickle ball courts

More need to be accessible

No yes, there are. The city is ruthless in their desire to remove green space from Victoria's inventory.

Basketball hoop is gone from Carnarvon and the "paved" area in front of the tennis backboard is full of bumps, why not re-pave and out in a more silent cement backboard to appease the residents that could complain about early or late practice noise?

Yes. In James Bay dog off leash hours are missing in Fisherman's Wharf and MacDonald. other parks- Michigan & Menzies, etc to say nothing of Beacon Hill, though that is far away from us.

Lots. Let's get going, let's get SERIOUS about acquiring space. Unfortunately it will all be pocket parks now. But that is better than nothing.

Yes. The Galloping Gooseveers towards the Gorge after Kelvin Rd and as a cyclist heading from Saanich to Fernwood or Oak Bay, I really wish the bike path corridor continued instead of me having to bike through traffic. More Green bike and walkways that are car-free please linking the Goose to the NE of downtown.

The City of Victoria needs a skatepark. Many surrounding communities have one (Sidney, Gordon Head, Vic West and until recently, Colwood), but are not always accessible for children and youth.

No, but hopefully the tennis courts at Topaz can be repaired/prelaced if possible.

- need to address impact of park use on traffic and parking- most park areas are surrounded by residential parking only, does not work for sports team oriented park like MacDonald. Limited public parking around 48 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 100 of 144 Fisherman's Wharf. Have no marine park or floating gardens and pathways.

Common sense on behalf of the crews who cut the grass in certain parks is missing. It seems they stick to a schedule that's inappropriate to the grass' rate of growth. The grass in Hagert Park has been prown since mid May and yet every 2 weeks an apparently unskilled, overpaid, ignoramus comes by to increase the size of the dirt patches. Not impressed.

Police

i am concerned that city officials seem to view green space as a potential parking lot area (cridge park) the green space is one of the charms of victoria, for residents and visitors. maintain heritage green space.

bike polo court

more places to relax and enjoy the sunshine, and more places to ride skateboards. having skated in over 10 countries I was drawn to Victoria as I can ride year rount, however there needs to be more facilities.

11. How important to you are each of the following objectives for guiding the future of Victoria’s parks system?

49 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 101 of 144 Very Somewhat Not very Not at all Variable importantimportant importantimportant importantimportant importantimportant

Protecting and highlighting natural areas 521 140 18 2 Total: 681 and environmental 76.5% 20.6% 2.6% 0.3% stewardship

More organized events 125 299 189 59 Total: 672 and festivals in parks 18.6% 44.5% 28.1% 8.8%

313 299 55 6 Beautif ying the community Total: 673 46.5% 44.4% 8.2% 0.9%

Creating unique, 314 294 52 11 Total: 671 attractive places 46.8% 43.8% 7.7% 1.6%

Encouraging community 291 234 102 49 gardening and local food Total: 676 43.0% 34.6% 15.1% 7.2% production

Highlighting the cultural 196 298 137 38 Total: 669 heritage of the community 29.3% 44.5% 20.5% 5.7%

Ensuring access to the 354 265 56 6 water and promote marine Total: 681 52.0% 38.9% 8.2% 0.9% recreation

380 180 69 41 Addressing climate change Total: 670 56.7% 26.9% 10.3% 6.1%

Providing informal spaces 344 278 41 12 Total: 675 for picnics and socializing 51.0% 41.2% 6.1% 1.8%

Providing dog off-leash 212 199 148 113 Total: 672 areas and trails 31.5% 29.6% 22.0% 16.8%

238 246 140 39 Improving safety Total: 663 35.9% 37.1% 21.1% 5.9%

Expanding the range of 247 252 127 42 amenities and potential Total: 668 37.0% 37.7% 19.0% 6.3% uses in parks

12. Do any of the following keep you from visiting the City’s parks more frequently?

50 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 102 of 144 Response Count

Parks difficult to access 103 16.5% or too far away

Poor maintenance or 87 13.9% conditions

Lack of time 127 20.4%

Lack of interest 23 3.7%

Excessive noise 39 6.3%

Lack of parking 115 18.4%

Too crowded 74 11.9%

Feeling unsafe 143 22.9%

No obstacles 166 26.6%

Other (please specify): 181 29.0%

Total: 624

Beacon Hill needs some police presence all the time

Yes I love Dallas Road, unfortunately Victoria's most scenic park is dedicated to dogs running off leash.

Off leash areas without fences

Homeless camping!! Should never be tolerated ever

I live on the border to Saanich so Cedar Hill GC is more of my park.

Not alot to do once you have been before.

Lack of amenities lack of child-friendly amenities (washrooms, play features)

Getting tickets at 7:30am for off leash dog when only off leash dogs and owners at in park

Drug use, homeless camping,

Washrooms! Cattle Point needs washrooms, especially. TENT CITY MUST GO!

51 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 103 of 144 Out of control dogs in the Dallas Road off-leash area (which make me feel unsafe), dog feces on the fields (making it unfit for certain human uses), the huge number of events along Dallas Road which limit access to the path lack of safe cycling routes to get there

Off-leash dogs. I have been attacked twice by these in parks and no longer go there. lots of debris left from homeless needles and human shit i have to clean up regularly at several parks i frequent

Lack of washrooms in smaller parks and very poorly maintained ones in bigger parks. Most are in disgusting condition by midday: out of supplies, soiled toilet seats, unsanitary floors and sinks

Off-leash dogs. poor condition of the off-leash areas - holes, dog droppings, unsafe conditions due to dogs lack of fully fenced off-leash dog park dogs off leash in off-leash and on-leash areas not the parks I visit with in Fairfield. please do not increase parking spaces.

Many parks are rendered unusable due to being overrun by the homeless, and the littering of used drug paraphernalia.

Very happy with my access to and use of Clover Point Park pathway wheelchair access cumbersome or unsafe (one has to wheel on road) at times

Campers in Beacon Hill Park.

Ccelia Ravine park at Burnside is unuseable due to overgrown grass in the Ravine and there is so much spear grass next to the Allotment gardens that no one in there right mind would consider sitting walking through it. there are parts of Beacon Hill Park that feel unsafe/also Dallas Rd Beach, especially where the 'shelter' is. no parks in Rockland. However we do have great areas, Ross Bay, Clover Point-Dallas Road for beach & dog walking.

I like the Dallas Road waterfront, but am annoyed with irresponsible dog owner who do not clean up after their pets or do not control their large, or aggressive dogs. too many dogs running free could use more park space in rockland

52 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 104 of 144 Homeless campers off leash dog areas aren't fenced so I can't enjoy the spaces too small to bother dogs off leash areas must be avoided. Also areas where transients camp.

Too many dogs on the Dallas waterfront. I have been jumped on, tripped etc by off leash dogs so can no longer walk there. how about working with Gov House on getting at least a kids playground for Rockland. off leash dogs

I am 84, use crutches and walk about 5miles every day. the parks are accessoble to me and much used by me and my partner on a daily/twice daily basis. it is a mile to walk to off leash area. we definitely need more off leash areas in the western part of james bay.

Playgrounds that are not yet upgraded (eg. Pemberton park)

Our nearest park (hollywood) has no offleash area, our nearest beach is no dogs allowed in summer, the nearest off leash park Pemberton is often in use for sports, so dog can't run there either.

Off leash areas for dogs. Tired of being run in to, slobbered on and listening to people yell at their dogs.

Dogs not allowed. I feel if there was a way to differentiate agressive and non-aggressive dogs this wouldn't be such a problem. My dog for example is a sweetheart, and hardly ever leaves my side. I recognize of course that not all dogs are like that, which is why I think it's important we get some nuance when deciding about pets. Also, the deer are completely out of control, and we've had a buck in Hollywodd park following my sister to the point she no longer feels safe going out to Thrifty foods and travels two blocks around the park just to avoid it.

Lighting at night

Degradation of the few remaining bits of natural areas and the learning opportunities they provide parks where dogs are supposed to be on leash but are not. I have been bitten and it hurts; some dog owners do not care.

Need to learn where all the parks are

Too many dogs running around off leash. music festivals can be excessively noisy

Off lease dogs too much smoking in parks, and bycycles, skateboards bothering people walking on David Foster Way 53 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement too much smoking in parks, and bycycles, skateboards bothering people walking on David Foster WayPage 105 of 144 campers, needles, garbage left by campers, poor maintenance poor transit options to parks outside of city core

I would love to play at an ADULT playground :)

Lack of washroom facilities dogs, dogshit, dog owners

1. homeless camping & homeless loitering 2. Lack of amenties - we have to go to Saanich for outdoor tennis courts

Urban wildlife live here but we don't consider them. We need places that are wild and natural and free of people, for the wild urban animals.

Washrooms

So many needles found in topaz park area, I wouldn't let my kid run those bushes; I don't even want to walk in it myself. I trained my dog to avoid it as well.

Waiting for tennis courts sucks

James Bay tennis courts are in very rough shape. Safety issues...attention needed for sure.

Lack of disability access

Our parks are great

Not enough washrooms parks staff are less than thorough in their maintainence of parks - very quick to work with no thought to completeness nor quality of work

I appreciate very basic amenities (e.g., a single outhouse-type washroom) in our wilder, green spaces; keep parks a 'back to nature' experience rather than another festival venue

Dogs allowed to chase squirrels and other wildlife street people camping in topaz park off leash dogs

Off leash dog areas. Why do dogs get what people lack?

Too many dogs everywhere

Too many dogs 54 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 106 of 144

Lack of disc golf facilities washrooms stink none that appeal to me

Wheel chair accessibility.

Hobo's living in the parks making them unsafe and dirty. The drug needles laying in the parks and broken bottles in the sand at the beaches

Too many dogs. Makes it unsafe and unpleasant.

Mobility/Disability

None apply. dogs off-leash in swim areas. too many dogs in general. lack of fitness equipment drunks drug users

Lift restrictions on cars in Beacon Hill Park

Beacon Hill needs policing; Dallas Rd needs fence around loose dogs

No disc golf

I don't visit the parks in my neighbourhood (Burnside) often because they are too small for dog- walking/playing, or they feel unsafe and disconnected from the community (Arbutus Park, no signage and poor access/connectivity). I like the walkway along the Gorge but I tend to go to Vic West, Esquimalt or Dallas Road for recreating in those parks which are a lot bigger and more attractive. lack of central clearing house of events in parks

Getting to many parks with young children is difficult without a vehicle because it isn't safe/enjoyable to walk or ride bikes across/along busy city streets. Improving traffic calming measures, lowering speed limits city- wide and improving/adding pedestrian and AAA bicycle crossings/routes would help everyone access parks more often.

All city parks are beautiful, well maintained and safe. not enough handicap parking spaces

The forested area down by Dallas Road is where some pretty nasty stuff happens day and night and should be dealt with. entitled dog owners impact my enjoyment 55 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement entitled dog owners impact my enjoyment Page 107 of 144

As long as there are issues with people using drugs or excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages in the parks then there is always the fear that something tragic will happen. There are laws to prohibit these actions and it would be great if the Police could get out of their cars and do some foot patrols in public areas. This was happening but over hte past 5 months or so, I have not seen a Police officer in the local park. Their presence makes the community know they are being watched and protected and it makes the drinkers and drug users know their behavior is not acceptable. dogs too many dogs along the waterfront walkway

Time constraints for dog off leash use lack of shade, poor transit connection the off leash areas are not safe for other users dogs are unperdictable & not under controll, there is very little enforcement very 'too little, too late'

Homeless people overstaying, off-leash dogs in on-leash areas.

Dogs off leash at a park that his clearly stated as an on-leash park. no comment space fro question 11. That question assumes that people cannot entertain themselves - we can - less programming and more of the $ spent on public spaces, not staff.

Overnight campers - particularly in morning before 9am too many off leash dogs lack of washrooms and legal restrictions on consuming a responsible amount of alcohol in public (i.e.: wine with picnic items)

Bicycles in Beacon Hill dog off-leash area - happens more and more often. more off leash dog areas are needed

Obviously no longer want to go to Beacon Hill Park at night.

Nowhere my dog can romp safely (full fenced areas... would be so easy too. Many just need one more side added.) people camping in them- smoking- drinking- drugs-REFUSE to take my grand daughter to many parks and playgrounds as they smell like urine, there is loud offensive language---etc

Feeling unsafe in the off leash area. I had a hip replacement recently and the last thing i need is a big dog running into me. I have personal knowledge of someone who had a knee operation and 3 months of rehab after a dog knocked her down. 56 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 108 of 144

Animals, such a dogs (afraid or rest of pú) uncontrolled dogs on Dallas Road path

Dogs - esp Dallas Rd depending on the parks, some are avoided due to campers and their left overs. to many big open grass fields some have no areas for my dog

Too many dogs off leash with owners that do not control them properly.

Lack of protection for walkers in unleashed pet areas, keeps me from not walking there.

Law court park is no long available to the general public. People do not distinguish between provincial and city park land.

Too many dogs and too many dogs off leash.

Campers, needles, creepy people hanging around

Camping, needles and creepy people just hanging around

As a member of Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling Club it is difficult to find parking down town close to the green disabled accessible pathways and bathroom facilities

Overnight campers allowed in public parks, often there even after 9 AM, obvious drug use and mental health issues, making the park unsafe.

Tea/wine/snack house on top of Beacon Hill Park would attract me.

Homeless camping despite good city efforts continues to make Beacon Hil Park unpleasant but not unsafe. I just don't enjoy going there as I used to. Hill Park

I love visiting the city parks and do so regularly

Too much barren grass

Times of the year when dogs are not allowed on local beaches means we don't go to those spots as well always do during the rest of the year! cost of praking and short parking duration restrictions, public transportation would like more parking in some often used parks

Too many dogs, especially unleased ones. 57 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 109 of 144 Too many dogs, especially unleased ones. potential of removal of green space

Campers

Off-leash times in most off-leash are too restrictive and most of the off-leash parks are not accessible for those with mobility challenges

Off leash dog area at Dallas Rd.

Dogs running around 'off leash' when it is an 'on leash' area.

Very small especially vic west skatepark

I honestly don't have a problem visiting any parks, I ride my bicycle there all the time. Sometimes the safety of locking my bike worries me a lot due to the amount of stolen bikes our city has. unleashed , not under control dogs, especially along Dallas Road and general picnic areas - older users and joggers are visibly frightened sometimes lack of washrooms

The vic west skateboard park is usually to busy at the times of day we can make it over

Not enough skateparks

Cost for parking (Thetis Lake) off leash dogs along Dallas Road walkway lack of 7-9 am off leash areas

No morning off leash hours lack of bike racks

Dog owners not complying with leash bylaws

Off leash dogs (I am a dog owner but do not like off leash on paths) campers, drug users, needles on the ground, shady characters, lack of evening cultural programming

Have often found parks in poor condition (garbage etc).

I haven't felt unsafe to date but the homeless in the park is an issue and does make me avoid certain areas.

I wish my child didn't have to wear shoes for fear of needles. There should be sharps boxes in all parks that people use intravenous drugs in. Many parks are poorly lit at night and filled with unstable people on drugs 58 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement people use intravenous drugs in. Many parks are poorly lit at night and filled with unstable people on drugsPage 110 of 144 who are aggressive and confrontational.

the north entrance to the park where Quadra street enters should be scooter access please

Our parks are generally good, I jusy want more connectivity between them with trails and corridors.

Too many dogs off leash.

Homeless people

Accessibilty for wheelchairs or strollers, cleanliness of bathrooms

Lack of off-leash dog areas

Better access for people on bikes and more bike parking needed

Too many paved surfaces not good for running or jogging

Disrespectful dog owners that don't control dogs especially around kids

Unruly dogs/owners/dog crap

Dogs and their asshole owners

Too many homeless people hanging around.

Policing boats anchored in the Gorge is a ridiculous waste of taxpayer money.

Lack of secure dog parks

Lack of dog areas

When homeless and transients had taken over our parks I seldom used them.

Lack of bathrooms

Crossing Dallas and Cook to get to park

skareparks, and or skatable obstacles placed along paths or in plaza areas

feeling unsafe due to needles and those who live in parks leaving feces and detritus where kids and dogs get into them.

campers, drug addicts.

park next to law court and the pioneer cemetary

13. How effective are the current City of Victoria methods of communicating around parks and open

59 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 111 of 144 spaces amenities and issues?

Response Count

Very effective 53 7.8%

Somewhat effective 383 56.7%

Not very effective 193 28.6%

Not at all effective 47 7.0%

Total: 676

Which of these situations best describes your family situation at present?

Response Count

Person living alone 132 19.5%

Person living with 15 2.2% parent(s)

Person living with 24 3.5% f riends

Living with spouse or partner, no children at 316 46.7% home

Living with spouse or partner with children at 172 25.4% home

Single parent 18 2.7%

Total: 677

Please check all that apply. Are you

60 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 112 of 144 Response Count

Employed full-time 334 49.6%

Employed part-time 99 14.7%

Unemployed and looking 13 1.9% f or work

Homemaker and not employed outside the 22 3.3% home

Retired 221 32.8%

Student full-time 25 3.7%

Student part-time 15 2.2%

Total: 674

Do you own or rent your home?

Response Count

Own 492 73.0%

Rent 182 27.0%

Total: 674

How many years have you lived in the City of Victoria?

Response Count

666 responses

16

3

16

16

8 61 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 113 of 144 8

16

5

30+

40

26

8

20

26

16

6

8

2

7

22

9

26 years

28

5

12 years

15

17

9

0

14

6

62 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 114 of 144 17years

40

7

7

9 years all my life

15

15

15

33

5

30 years

36

20

7

1

16

36 years

30

12

6

8

35

23

52

24 63 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 115 of 144

36

10

40 yrs

2

13

10

26

12 years

52

17

4

15 years

16

15

2

20

10

15

63

22 then 10 with a break between

23

44 years

44

1

16

S6 64 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement S6 Page 116 of 144

15

23

26

5

19

18

30

5 years

Eleven

5

9

25

15 years

43

44

16

10

32 years

27

One

14 off and on several different times for almost 50 years

13

13

3

65 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 117 of 144 3

36

5

10

Six

13

56 YEARS

15 years

3

5

8

1

11

Life

2

1

2009

13 about 40 years

47

15

14

31

9

30

47 years

66 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 118 of 144 17

50+

11

18

42 years

41 years

9

3

20

6

4

22

Almost my whole life

60

30

32 years

48yrs

18 years

3

35

5

4

5

14

Three

30 67 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement 30 Page 119 of 144

48

43

None

3 months

1 year

4

10

10 off and on since 1960, permanently since 2009

50

10

22

15 years

7 years

3

28

6

37 years

35

10

12

12

10

Less than one year.

2

3 68 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 120 of 144 3

37 years

4.5

Over 20

12

0 - I live in Saanich!

27

9 months

26

10

29

7

8

10

31 seven

13

14

2

Three

17

46

47

15

2

59 years...I was lucky to be born in Victoria

69 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 121 of 144 7

Live in Brentwood, raised in Victoria

45

30

2

20

8

20

11

62

58 all my life

35

39

12

2 1/2 years

7

34

58

30

59

42 years

17 years

36

Most recently 8 yrs full time; overall 34 yrs part time

16 70 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 122 of 144

3

5

23

35

25

18

50

18 years

31

34

12 years

34

38yrs

6

17 years

10

30 years

22

4 years

5

27

43

50

35

35

14 71 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement 14 Page 123 of 144

50

13

16

14

2

19

26

3

3

16

10

20

16 years

9

8

8

10

16

6

30

7

34

5

26

10

72 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 124 of 144 over 20

9

1

23

On and off for 20 years

9

15

12

15

32

34

8 years

2

9

22years

35

7

12

12

10

Four

12

12

3 two years

Nine

73 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 125 of 144 fifty

2

28

15

68 since birth

20 years

16

36

10

40

3

16

40

Born here in 1959

4

7

3

30 years

9

25

4

59

60+

7

22 74 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement 22 Page 126 of 144

36

57

17

24

30 years

25+ years

10

31 years in Victoria proper; in CRD area 49 years

Born and raised in Victoria (over 60 years ago

4

25 years

42

12

3

57

44 years

15 years

8

10

40

28

Forty one years

16 years

2

10

18 75 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 127 of 144 18

40

17

10

28

12

9 years six

15

3

16 years

12

13

12

3

22

36

31 over my lifetime

10

1 year in Victoria, 7 years in Saanich

38

13

30

20

10

26

76 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 128 of 144 6

9

20yrs

5

35

13

43

40

16

27

6

10

31

30

5

43

55

42

30

6

25

48+

114

15

53 yrs total ,not cocnsecutive yrs.

10 77 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 129 of 144

9

10 years

46 years

33

10

9

13

11

10

45

61

40

43

6

12

15

7

63

0

Fuve

42 years

15

9 year

5

Six

Six years 78 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Six years Page 130 of 144

3

10 years

One

26

Six years

38

23

26

Why?

16 three years

35

10

12 years in City of Victoria; 31 years in Saanich

8

60

21 years

15 years.

Fifteen years

13

13

60

Nine

Seven

6

79 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 131 of 144 23 years

72

8 years

38

6

30 two

2

23

2 years

3

11 years

3 years

22

20

27 years

25

9

12

53

76years

65 years

10

37

20 two

80 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 132 of 144 20

2

70+

Grew up here

23

5

Two

9 years

55 years

8

4

24

7

25 years

6 years

25 years

42 years

42 years

7

20

25

23

10

13

58

6 81 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement 6 Page 133 of 144

8

1 1/2 years

22

4

24

20

9

7

24

5

25

6

Born and raised.

2

10

6

25

5

15

27 years

21

17

31

25

23

5 82 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 134 of 144 5

3

8

33

25

6

7

30

10

10

4

30

15

3

20+

4

10 years

Three

23

70 years

45

30

14

9

19

10

83 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 135 of 144 25

33 years

3

One year

Fifty-eight

68

19

49

5

22

8

25

25

47

8

1

3

30 years

15

15

1

24

8

7

18

20 84 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 136 of 144

30

36

1

2

22 years

25 years

1

15

18

9

2

8

46

29

10

25

10

3

33

4

20

39

50+

27 years +

1

5 85 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement 5 Page 137 of 144

40

20

36 years

Three

2

30

20

12

16

12

1

Eight

11 years

33

28

27

7

15

20

6 years and counting!

2

13

1

30 years

12

86 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 138 of 144 54

8

16

1

15

16

10+

25

44

12

10

41

17

7

1

1

23

10+

5

Do you have any physical mobility limitations?

Response Count

Yes 42 6.2%

No 631 93.8%

Total: 673

87 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 139 of 144 3. Do you identify as

Response Count

Male 306 45.3%

Female 351 51.9%

Other/Prefer not to say 19 2.8%

Total: 676

2. What is your age?

Response Count

18 - 24 26 3.9%

25 - 39 173 25.6%

40 - 59 224 33.2%

60 - 79 244 36.1%

80 and over 8 1.2%

Total: 675

Which neighbourhood do you live in?

88 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 140 of 144 Response Count

Victoria West 78 11.5%

Burnside Gorge 22 3.3%

Hillside Quadra 54 8.0%

Oaklands 26 3.8%

Fernwood 47 7.0%

North and South Jubilee 23 3.4%

North Park 8 1.2%

Rockland 51 7.5%

Gonzales 21 3.1%

Fairf ield 140 20.7%

James Bay 66 9.8%

Harris Green 9 1.3%

Downtown 30 4.4%

Outside of the City of 101 14.9% Victoria. Where?

Total: 676

Saanich

Just moved from Oaklands to Veiw Royal

View Royal

Oak Bay

Uplands

Millstream area

Saanich saanich 89 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 141 of 144

Please keep the natural beauty as is in Clover Point Park.

Keep clover point park as is metchosin

Saanich

Esquimalt (near Vic West border)

Saanich - 1 block from Victoria border. V8P4J7

Colwood

Colwood

Saanich

Saanich

Gordon Head

Saanich - Mt. Tolmie

Oak Bay

Saanich

Lakehill bear mountain

Saanich

Brentwood Bay

Brentwood

High Quadra

Saanich - but use Kings Road tennis courts all the time

Reynolds Rd.

Saanich saanich

Cordova bay

Saanich 90 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Saanich Page 142 of 144

Saanich (Gordon Head)

Gordon head

Saanich

Saanich

Esquimalt saanich oak bay

Saanich-tillicum esquimalt

Saanich, work in Victoria saanich

Saanich

Oak Bay

West Shore

Quadra / McKenzie

Saanich

Use many park facilities downtown and all over the city alone and with groups

Langford

Municipality of Saanich saanich

Saanich

Saanich

Vancouver

Saanich

Beach Drive

91 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 143 of 144 Esquimalt

Saanich

North Saanich

Colwood

Saanich

Esquimalt

Ladysmith

Oak Bay

Saanich

Royal oak

Sydney

View Royal

Saanichton

Oak Bay

Central Saanich

Sidney

Saanich

Oak Bay

Langford but I work downtown

Saanich

Esquimalt - so why is my official address Victoria, then?

Esquimalt

Saanich, next to Burnside

Langford

West Bay

Saanich

92 of 93 2017-04-27 - Appendix B Round One Public Engagement Page 144 of 144 Maplewood

Saanich

Saanich

Gordon head - but lived in Burnside for 12 years; Rockland for 4 years; Gonzales for a year; hillside Quadra for 2 years

Langford

Esquimalt. Gorge and tillicum.

Saanich - UVic area

Uptown

Saanich

Esquimalt oak Bay oak bay

Saanich

Saanich

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