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6. Tillicum Burnside Urban Village Community Roundtable

Tillicum Burnside Urban Village Community Roundtable

Smart Growth BC is a province wide non-governmental organization with a mission to create more liveable communities. It works to reduce sprawl by promoting compact communities, affordable housing, preservation of green space and agricultural land, sustainable transportation options and efficient use of infrastructure.

What are they doing?

The intersection of Tillicum Road and Burnside Road forms the centre of the Gorge/Tillicum neighbourhood in Victoria, BC. The opportunity for a true neighbourhood core is stifled by heavy traffic; a lack of facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and transit; and low-intensity land uses. This project aims to use public education sessions and a roundtable charette process to plan a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly intersection and neighbourhood with future potential for transit. The outcomes of the process will be incorporated into the local Action Plan prepared by the District of Sannich.

What did the project accomplish?

Notable results include:

• Advisory committee included representatives from these sectors: business, community association, District of Saanich planning and engineering departments, developers.
• The roundtable charrette team consisted of 20 dedicated people representing a variety of stakeholder groups, including District staff, residents, property owners, seniors, youth and developers. The team participated in the intensive charrette weekend.
• Over 60 people attended events associated with the project. The Saanich News, in which advertising and education pieces were placed, has a circulation of 32,900 households. Between February 2 and March 15, 2004, 735 people downloaded the final report from their website.
• Two public information sessions were held to generate public interest and gather input:
  • On September 22, 2003, Smart Growth BC hosted an interactive public workshop to discuss transportation and community design. A diverse group of 23 participants learned how smart transportation solutions could improve the quality of life in the Gorge/Tillicum/Burnside area.
  • An open house was held on October 19, 2003 to present the draft plans to the public. Over 40 residents, property owners, and other interested persons came to view the plans, ask questions, and provide feedback to the representatives who participated in the charrette.
• The charrette team recommended a variety of roadway changes, including:
  • A reduction in lane widths to 3 m
  • Use of planted medians in some locations
  • Introduction of bike lanes
  • Sidewalk improvements, with sidewalks relocated behind landscaped boulevards and pedestrian-controlled street crossings
  • Use of street parking to calm traffic
• With the help of professional architects and landscape architects, the team created a series of recommendations to increase the vibrancy of the Tillicum Road corridor, the Burnside Road corridor and the urban village at their intersection. Key recommendations included:
  • Improving the opportunities for walking, cycling, and transit, by slowing traffic and enhancing infrastructure such as sidewalks
  • Increasing the variety of housing choices available in the community, particularly through redevelopment along Tillicum Road and Burnside Road
  • Enhancing the village ambiance of the area by improvements to the appearance and function of several key sites
• The District of Saanich is currently working on the Action Plan. Although adoption of the plan is not likely until late 2004 or early 2005, staff has already indicated that the plan will incorporate the charrette results. Many of the members of the charrette team also serve on the Action Plan Advisory Committee, and they are likely to remain vocal advocates of the charrette recommendations.

Where can you find more information?

Smart Growth BC

Date modified:

2010-02-03

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