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Town of SIDNEy
official community plan
Bylaw No. 2240 - Adopted June 27, 2022
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Town of Sidney is located within the traditional territory of the W̱ SÁNEĆ people, represented today by
W̱ JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout), W̱ SIḴEM (Tseycum), BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin), and MÁLEXEȽ (Malahat)
First Nations. The W̱ SÁNEĆ people have been here since time immemorial and this is their home.
The Town is grateful to the hundreds of community members who participated in the OCP update process and
provided valuable ideas, insights, and contributions to this document. The Town would also like to express
its appreciation to the many community organizations that participated in interviews and workshops or who
provided invaluable input through emails and letters.
This Plan was developed by the Town of Sidney with the assistance of:
- Modus Planning Design & Engagement Inc.;
- Barefoot Planning;
- Origin Planning;
- Integral Group; and
- WATT Consulting Group.
NOTICE
The contents of this Bylaw are produced and consolidated for convenience only. Every effort has been made
to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the material, however, the Town cannot guarantee its legal
accuracy and does not accept responsibility for loss or inconvenience suffered by users as a result of
inaccuracies. Please be advised that this material is not admissible in a court of law in accordance with the
Evidence Act of British Columbia. For such purposes certified copies of Bylaws must be obtained from the
Corporate Administrator.
This version consolidated for Convenience September 8, 2025
List of Amending Bylaws:
Amendment 1 Bylaw 2297 - To add section 5.3.40 to allow for emergency shelter use in residential land use
designations.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART 1. INTRODUCTION
1
1
BACKGROUND.................................................................................................................. 4
2
VISION AND GOALS......................................................................................................... 8
3
COMMUNITY CONTEXT................................................................................................ 10
4
REGIONAL CONTEXT .....................................................................................................15
PART 2. OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
21
5
RESIDENTIAL LANDS.....................................................................................................24
6
DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL......................................................................................29
7
WEST SIDNEY MIXED USE VILLAGE..........................................................................35
8
NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMERCIAL........................................................................... 37
9
AIRPORT COMMERCIAL...............................................................................................39
10
WEST SIDE INDUSTRIAL................................................................................................41
11
HARBOUR ROAD MARINE...........................................................................................43
12
ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE ACTION..................................................................45
13
MARINE.............................................................................................................................58
14
PARKS, PUBLIC OPEN SPACE, AND LEISURE FACILITIES................................... 60
15
RECONCILIATION, CULTURE, AND HERITAGE.......................................................62
16
TRANSPORTATION.........................................................................................................66
17
INSTITUTIONS, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND SERVICES.............................................71
18
IMPLEMENTATION.........................................................................................................76
PART 3. DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREAS
79
19
CONTEXT����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������81
20 APPLICATION��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������81
21
EXEMPTIONS...................................................................................................................82
22
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS .................................................................83
23
PUBLIC REALM AND OPEN SPACE ............................................................................92
24
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY ........................................................................97
25
FORM AND CHARACTER............................................................................................104
PART 4. OFFENCES AND PENALTY
139
26
OFFENCES������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������141
27
PENALTY���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������141
PART 5. MAPS AND SCHEDULES
142
MAP 1: LAND USE PLAN........................................................................................................144
MAP 2: PARKS, TRAILS, AND OPEN SPACE...................................................................... 145
MAP 3: ROAD HIERARCHY...................................................................................................146
MAP 4: ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS............................................................147
SCHEDULE B: WEST SIDE LOCAL AREA PLAN................................................................148
APPENDIX A: SENĆOŦEN PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
150
APPENDIX B: GLOSSARY
154
PART 1. INTRODUCTION
Background
Vision and Goals
Community Context
Regional Context
INTRODUCTION
OBJECTIVES &
POLICIES
DEVELOPMENT
PERMIT AREAS
MAPS &
SCHEDULES
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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PART 1. introduction
The intent of Part 1 of the Official Community Plan is to provide the reader with a contextual
understanding of Sidney that lays the foundation for the Objectives, Policies, and Development Permit
Area Guidelines that follow. There are four Sections included under Part 1:
- Section 1 provides specific background information related to an OCP, including such things as
defining what an OCP is; outlining the process and establishment of a new OCP; and summarizing
the public consultation and OCP development process.
- Section 2 focuses on Sidney's vision for the future and key planning goals articulated by the
community during the OCP development process.
- Section 3 establishes the community context by outlining Sidney's geographical setting, historical
evolution and demographic information.
- Section 4 outlines the Regional Context Statement, linking the Town's OCP to the Regional Growth
Strategy (RGS) for the Capital Regional District.
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1 Background
1.1 What is an Official Community Plan?
In British Columbia, the Local Government Act allows municipalities to prepare and adopt an Official
Community Plan (OCP). An OCP is a local government bylaw that sets out the broad objectives and
policies that help guide decisions on planning, land use, and the provision of municipal services in the
community. An OCP provides a degree of certainty about the location and nature of community change
to residents, businesses, and landowners and provides a framework for guiding and managing future
development and growth. In doing so, it outlines the general framework for all of the key issues that
concern a municipality, including:
- The identification of lands for residential, commercial, recreation, public utility, and other land
uses;
- The establishment of objectives and policies to protect environmentally sensitive areas, and
promote environmentally responsible development;
- The development of policies promoting community economic development;
- The creation of policies to address public infrastructure (such as roads and parks);
- The identification of the community's social and cultural values; and
- The development of objectives, policies, and guidelines that ensure appropriate urban design and
physical development.
An OCP can only be adopted or amended after a process of public consultation considered to be
appropriate by Council, and a Public Hearing, held in accordance with the Local Government Act.
Sidney's OCP is also linked to the Capital Regional District Regional Growth Strategy, as a component of a
larger vision for the long-term future of the Capital Regional District (CRD).
1.2 Sidney 2040: A new vision for the community
Sidney 2040 builds upon Sidney's previous OCPs but also seeks to establish some new directions in how
land will be used and how the community will grow over the next two decades. The OCP's goals reflect
what residents and businesses value as a community, and the OCP objectives and policies describe how
we will work towards achieving them. The OCP helps to align priorities and guide other community plans
and strategies. It is the roadmap for our collective path forward, setting the foundation for us to respond
to the challenges of the future and create new opportunities for making our Town a better place.
Several objectives and policies have remained constant from the previous OCP and a number of key
changes from previous OCP have been made. These include:
- Continued emphasis on downtown Sidney as the commercial centre of the Saanich Peninsula;
- An increased emphasis on environmental protection of the Town's sensitive ecosystems;
- Emphasis on supporting liveable, resilient neighbourhoods;
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- Managing the impact of height and density in the downtown and providing additional details on
the form and scale of other neighbourhoods;
- Encouraging new forms of residential development to attract young families and address
affordability;
- Adding housing options around neighbourhood commercial locations to improve accessibility and
walkability;
- An increased emphasis on high quality building and landscape design;
- Integration of other plans and guidelines to create a more cohesive policy and design framework;
- Greater emphasis and specific policy to address climate change;
- Greater clarity about and support for active transportation; and
- Improvement to design guidelines to achieve high quality development without requiring a
particular style of development.
1.3 Change and Growth in Sidney
Since the last OCP was adopted in 2007, Sidney has undergone significant changes, including major
redevelopment in and around downtown. Other challenges that have become more prominent
include the need for environmental preservation, action on climate change and housing affordability,
and demand for new transportation options. The Provincial government has also outlined additional
legislative requirements around affordable housing and climate change, and the recognition of the
need for meaningful reconciliation with First Nations people has gained significant momentum. These
converging challenges and requirements highlighted the need for an updated OCP that would outline
a new community vision and intent to address these issues. In addition, many new long-range plans,
studies, and best practices around housing, neighbourhoods, environment, climate, and more have been
developed in Sidney in recent years to help guide an approach to these different aspects of Sidney. This
OCP takes these documents, studies, and previous plans and, together with thoughtful input from the
community, stakeholders and local First Nations, ties them together into a new vision for the future of
the Town of Sidney.
1.4 Legislative Authority
The legislative authority for the Town of Sidney to adopt an OCP comes from Part 14 of the Local
Government Act (LGA). Divisions 3 and 4 of the Act outline the required content of an Official
Community Plan and describe the procedures a municipality must follow in order to adopt an OCP. This
OCP has been prepared in compliance with the legislation.
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1.5 Official Community Plan Update and Engagement Process
Town of Sidney Council identified the review and update of the Town's OCP as a priority during their
strategic planning process in early 2019. Prior to undertaking the project, the Town completed its
first Housing Needs Report to identify gaps in the community's housing supply and identify strategies
to ensure adequate provision of all types of housing. The report, which is a requirement for local
governments to complete in advance of, and to be considered during, an update to an OCP, was
completed in the fall of 2019. In December of 2019, planning staff completed an approach report on
possible options for an OCP update for Council's consideration and in March 2020 a consultant was
selected and the project to update Sidney's OCP began in earnest. It is worth acknowledging that the
project took place during the global COVID-19 pandemic, which spurred new solutions for how to engage
with the community when the potential for gatherings was severely curtailed. The project team quickly
took advantage of newly popular technology options and completed a hybrid engagement process with
in-person and virtual meetings and workshops, as well as a variety of feedback options to suit individual
comfort levels. Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, the community showed strong
interest in the project and provided a substantial level of comment and feedback. Between March 2020
and the summer of 2022, the project unfolded as follows:
Phase 1: Project Initiation & Background Review (March 2020 - August 2020)
In Phase 1, the process began with stakeholder interviews, background research, and analysis to set the
foundation for engagement and dialogue on key directions.
Phase 2: Explore Options (September 2020 - August 2021)
Phase 2 explored specific topics and discussed key options and trade-offs. It started with the public
launch event. This phase included a multi-day design workshop, online survey, stakeholder workshops
and OCPizza Night Workbooks. The end of this phase culminated in the Key Directions Report.
Phase 3: Draft the Plan (September 2021 - May 2022)
In Phase 3, the Project Team wrote the first draft of the OCP. Through an open house and online survey,
the main elements of the draft OCP were shared and the feedback confirmed that the project was on the
right track.
Phase 4: Finalize the Plan (June 2022)
Phase 4 included some revisions to the draft OCP based on public feedback. The final version of the
document was then presented to the public and was approved by Council following a public hearing and
adoption of the bylaw.
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Engagement Activities and Community Input
The following lists the engagement activities during the development of this OCP and various ways the
community was able to provide their input over the course of Phases 1 and 2:
- Public Launch (virtual + in person) | 200 people engaged;
- Online Ideas Forum | 149 ideas collected;
- Stakeholder Interviews | 11 stakeholder groups interviewed;
- Sub-Regional Planning Session | Six organization collaborative
workshop;
- Community Design Charrette | 50 community members and
stakeholder groups;
- Feedback by Email | 79 email submissions;
- Community Design Survey | 735 people took the survey;
- OCPizza Night Workbooks | 162 workbooks submitted;
- Economic Development Workshop | 10 members of the
business community engaged, plus the Saanich Peninsula
Chamber of Commerce and Sidney Business Improvement
Area Society;
- Stakeholder Interviews | 11 stakeholder groups interviewed;
- Youth Workshop | 25 Parkland Secondary School students
engaged; and,
- W̱SÁNEĆ Community Forum | 29 people in attendance.
What We Heard Snapshot
Over the course of Phases 1 and 2, some of the most-often cited
or most strongly supported
themes of general community engagement included to:
- maintain the character of Sidney as a quaint, community-focused seaside town;
- preserve environmental assets and features and support outdoor recreation; and
- increase and improve opportunities for active transportation.
Conversations with stakeholders and special interest groups also revealed hopes for:
- Sidney to be a diverse, inclusive and demographically-balanced community;
- action to be taken to address climate change;
- meaningful engagement with the W̱ SÁNEĆ community and action taken toward Reconciliation; and
- the housing affordability crisis to be addressed.
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2 Vision and Goals
2.1 Vision Statement
The Town of Sidney - located in the area known as SET,TINES to the W̱ SÁNEĆ people - is a vibrant,
welcoming, and accessible seaside town that values its friendly, inclusive community, natural spaces, and
rich cultural history. Its neighbourhoods provide a range of housing choices and supportive amenities
that emphasize health, liveability, and prosperity for all, at all stages of life. Sidney's downtown is the
commercial and cultural heart of the community and its diverse and thriving local economy capitalizes
on its proximity to spectacular natural assets and transportation hubs. Partnerships across the Saanich
Peninsula work to improve the social, environmental, and economic connections that sustain the
community and its region.
Official Community Plan Goals
The objectives and policies in the Official Community Plan work toward six major goals inspired by
community input. The Town of Sidney will grow as a community while striving to achieve the following
goals:
Goal 1. A regionally connected, vibrant downtown.
As the social, cultural, and economic heart of the community and northern part of the Saanich Peninsula,
downtown plays a special role in what makes Sidney special. The Town will continue to support and
improve downtown as a commercial and cultural hub, as a place for people to work and congregate, and
as a burgeoning residential neighbourhood. As part of this goal, downtown needs to be well connected to
the community and region through a variety of transportation options.
Goal 2. A distinct seaside town reflecting local history, culture and context.
Sidney's small-town, seaside charm is a result of its geography and rich history of connection to the
ocean. Its location on the Saanich Peninsula, small size, and distinct character have allowed a strong
sense of local community to develop over the years. Through its own unique history as a community,
combined with its location on SET,TINES, the traditional territory of the W̱ SÁNEĆ people, Sidney the
municipality and community also seeks to forge a stronger relationship with the traditional stewards of
these lands through the truth and reconciliation process.
Goal 3. Connected, accessible and liveable neighbourhoods that meet the needs
of the whole community.
With the growth in popularity of Sidney as a place to live, work, and play, ensuring that Sidney provides
accessible and affordable housing for people of all ages and walks of life becomes increasingly important.
In addition to equitable access to housing for existing and future residents, housing that provides
connection and a sense of place to the immediate neighbourhood - and the community as a whole -
is fundamentally important. Sidney will build liveable neighbourhoods that strive to not only provide
housing, but also achieve complementary environmental, social, and cultural goals.
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Goal 4. A diverse and balanced community supporting a thriving local economy.
Sidney is home to a wide range of unique businesses and industries in a number of distinct commercial
and industrial areas. Keeping these areas economically strong and maintaining quality local employment
opportunities is a key factor in keeping Sidney as an attractive place to live and work.
Goal 5. Biodiverse, connected ecosystems informed by traditional, local and
scientific knowledge.
Preserving and enhancing the natural environment has seen sustained and increasing interest among
Sidney's residents in recent years. Sidney's biodiversity, such as the Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) or
remnant stands of Coastal Douglas fir and Arbutus trees, is located within and adjacent to a highly
urbanized environment and highlights not only the unique beauty and character of Sidney, but serves to
remind us of the challenge we face in ensuring these assets are preserved for future generations.
Goal 6. A healthy and resilient community that takes action to address climate
change.
Perhaps the defining challenge of our time, this plan seeks to encourage bold action on the climate
emergency in the areas of mitigation, adaption, and resilience. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions at
both the corporate and community levels, preparing for climate-related impacts such as rising sea levels,
and coordinating our actions with other organizations and levels of government are all included as areas
for action.
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3 Community Context
3.1 Geographical Setting
The Town of Sidney is located at the southern end of Vancouver Island, 26 km north of Victoria, the
capital city of British Columbia. With a geographic area of 5.04 square kilometers (1.9 square miles),
Sidney is among 13 municipalities and three electoral areas that together comprise the Capital Regional
District. Sidney is situated at the northern end of a peninsula, known as the Saanich Peninsula, which
extends north from central Victoria. The Town of Sidney's south, west and north boundaries are shared
with the District of North Saanich; to the east, Sidney overlooks the Haro Strait, and the archipelago of
the Canadian Southern Gulf Islands and American Northern San Juan Islands.
3.2 Historical Context
3.2.1
SET,TINES: The Traditional Territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ people
When considering the history and future of Sidney, it is important to listen and learn from the W̱ SÁNEĆ
people who have been here since time immemorial and continue to have a strong presence and
connection to the land and surrounding waters.
The Truth and Reconciliation Report of 2015 made 94 recommendations to heal the relationship
between Canada's indigenous and non-indigenous people. As part of the Town of Sidney's commitment
to this healing process, it is important to acknowledge the history of the area, including the devastating
impact government policies, such as the residential school system, have had on Indigenous communities
on the Saanich Peninsula and across Canada, and commit to working cooperatively in the future.
We are now in the early stages of a journey toward reconciliation with indigenous communities. The
development of this Official Community Plan included a dedicated engagement process involving the
W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council and W̱ SÁNEĆ Nations, the Town of Sidney, District of North Saanich, and
District of Central Saanich. Initiatives stemming from these discussions can be found within this plan,
particularly within the policies of Section 15 "Reconciliation, Culture, and Heritage". Moving forward, the
Town of Sidney will work to enact these policies and explore further opportunities for collaboration and
trust building with local First Nations.
Below is an account of W̱ SÁNEĆ history and ongoing presence on the Saanich Peninsula provided by the
W̱ SÁNEĆ Leadership Council. We are honoured to be able to share this knowledge and hope that it will
create a deeper understanding between all those who live on the Saanich Peninsula.
14,000 years ago, at the end of the last ice age, the glaciers that had covered south Vancouver Island
retreated and archaeological records show Indigenous people inhabiting the south coast from these
times.
In W̱ SÁNEĆ oral history, XÁLS (the Creator) signals a great flood which correlates with a flood event
known to Western geological history. The people heeded XÁLS' warnings and got in their boats with
food and supplies. As the water levels rose, they anchored their canoes to arbutus trees located atop a
mountain which was eventually fully submerged.
As the water levels eventually dropped, the top of Mount Newton emerged, and there they found
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refuge. Many survived the great flood due to this LÁU,WELNEW (place of refuge) and from then on they
called themselves the W̱ SÁNEĆ (the emerging people).
Few archaeological sites on the Saanich Peninsula have been documented or dated and many sites have
been obscured by changing sea levels or destroyed by urban development. Much of the fragile record of
this history has yet to be fully appreciated. However, the archaeological work completed to date provides
a glimpse of life of Indigenous people using and occupying the Saanich Peninsula intensively over at least
the past 14,000 years.
The W̱ SÁNEĆ are saltwater people. Their homes once existed all along the coast of the Saanich
Peninsula, throughout the San Juan and Gulf Islands, and as far as Point Roberts. The W̱ SÁNEĆ
relationship to the sea is made evident by the reef-netting technology they invented to catch salmon
in open waters and the clam gardens they conceived along the coast to increase shellfish productivity.
The Saanich Peninsula is where permanent winter homes were built, in the shape of cedar longhouses.
Here, the W̱ SÁNEĆ proudly speak SENĆOŦEN, a dialect of Coast Salish languages. It is a language that has
recently been revived due to efforts by the late Dave Elliott of the W̱ JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip) First Nation who
devised an alphabet which was later adopted by the Saanich Indian School Board in 1984.
One of the most sacred pieces of land on the Saanich Peninsula is T̸IX̱EṈ (pronounced tee-quan) also
known as the Cordova Spit. It has been used by the W̱ SÁNEĆ for as long as 10,000 years for gathering
seafood, collecting medicinal plants, spiritual reflection and even used as a burial site. Elders used to say,
"when the tide is out, the table is set." T̸IX̱EṈ is a place where generation after generation has come to
honour ancestors, gather with family and celebrate.
The site which the Town of Sidney now sits on is called "SET,TINES", which means "chest sticking out,"
in reference to the way the land juts out into the water. The site at Bazan Bay provided a gathering
site for camas as well as Xiwe (purple sea urchin) and Sqwiti (green sea urchin). This was a traditional
site for greeting and celebrating visits from neighbouring tribe. From this site, First Nations people
launched their canoes to travel to the various Gulf Island sites (i.e. Mandarte Island) to gather fresh sea
gull eggs. Sea gulls laid their eggs in fields where the camas grew. There are the two W̱ SÁNEĆ villages
(now reserves), as well as a third historic village called W̱ SI,I,KEM at Tsehum Harbour, along the border
of Sidney and North Saanich. This village was abandoned because of repeated attacks by Kwakwala-
speaking people from the north; the xwsá7i7k'em [W̱SI,I,KEM] people moved across the Peninsula to
Patricia Bay (formerly known as Union Bay) and transferred the village name over with them.
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3.2.2
European Contact & Colonial Settlement
In the 18th century, Spanish and British expeditions navigated along Vancouver Island's coast, looking to
expand their colonial possessions. In 1843, Fort Victoria was established by the Hudson's Bay Company
as a trading post and fort under James Douglas. In 1849, the British Government established the colony
of Vancouver Island. The Hudson's Bay Company was contracted to administer the colony and bring over
British citizens as colonists.
The Crown entered into treaty relationships with the W̱ SÁNEĆ in 1852 through the signing of the North
and South Saanich Douglas Treaties. While the written text of these treaties documents a transfer of land
as well as the preservation of W̱ SÁNEĆ village sites and enclosed fields, and the protection of W̱ SÁNEĆ
people's right to fish and hunt, the W̱ SÁNEĆ people's oral histories describe them differently.
Under W̱ SÁNEĆ oral history, the Douglas Treaties, often referred to as Douglas' Word, signified a "new
beginning" between the W̱ SÁNEĆ people and the European settlers, following a string of disputes,
including W̱ SÁNEĆ efforts to stop timber extraction by employees of James Douglas near the village of
ȾEL,IȽĆE (Cordova Bay), the shooting of a W̱ SÁNEĆ messenger boy by a settler near Mount Tolmie, and
threats W̱ SÁNEĆ people had made against James Douglas and Fort Victoria in response to the above.
The oral histories state that Douglas acknowledged the extent of the W̱ SÁNEĆ homelands, recognized
W̱ SÁNEĆ rights and responsibilities to the land, and the parties agreed that the W̱ SÁNEĆ and settlers
would live on these lands in a peaceful relationship with one another. Under W̱ SÁNEĆ oral history, the
W̱ SÁNEĆ People did not sell W̱ SÁNEĆ land.
From a colonial perspective, the land was surrendered to the Crown, meaning that the Crown could
make it available for pre-emption by British and Canadian newcomers who began arriving in the 1850's,
at first in small numbers, but in ever-larger numbers after the gold rush of 1858.
In a very short time, the W̱ SÁNEĆ people lost control over their land and resources. They were forced
to take up wage labour for non-W̱ SÁNEĆ people and faced discrimination and racism. In 1862, a major
smallpox epidemic, originating from a ship landing in Victoria, killed between 20,000 and 30,000
indigenous people in what is now BC, including completely wiping out villages. Paired with the later
Indian Act, the residential school system, and the ban on the potlatch, W̱ SÁNEĆ communities were
rendered devastated and depopulated.
The implications that have arisen as a result of the differing accounts of this historical event are still
emerging today.
However, as noted in the W̱ SÁNEĆ story of the flood, strength and resilience are no strangers to the
W̱ SÁNEĆ. Today, a growing population of W̱ SÁNEĆ people, and other residents, both on and off reserve,
are shaping the future of the peninsula. More and more children are learning SENĆOŦEN at school and
efforts to include Indigenous voices and incorporate traditional knowledge in ecological restoration
efforts and planning projects are increasingly common.
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3.2.3
The Origins of the Town of Sidney
After the North and South Saanich Treaties of 1852, the British Crown surveyed the areas outside of the
treaty boundaries, which they named the North and South Saanich Districts. The first European settlers
to make residence in the North Saanich District were John and Mark Coles in 1857. In 1891, fifty acres of
land owned by the Brethour family was subdivided in lots and registered as the Township of Sidney. By
the close of 1892, there was a general store, a post office, a boat building shop, and a hotel. The name
"Sidney" is purported to have arisen when Julius Brethour, who became the first president of the Victoria
and Sidney Railway, was asked the question concerning a name for the site. "Brethour, looking across the
water from the rude settlement, saw Sidney Island (previously known as Sallas Island) directly opposite,
'It will be called Sidney', said Mr. Brethour." Sidney continued to grow as pioneer families moved into the
area and businesses flourished.
Transportation played a major role in Sidney's early evolution. The Victoria and Sidney Railway,
established in 1892, linked Sidney to Victoria and beyond, connecting to shipping routes to the gulf
islands and the mainland of both the US and Canada. Sidney also had its own thriving industrial
waterfront, with canning operations, a sawmill and a rubber roofing factory all occupying locations
around what is the downtown waterfront area. Sidney also saw a major boost in the 1930's and 1940's
with the establishment of the Patricia Bay Airport, which served the war effort in World War II and saw a
major increase in the population of the area. For much of the first half of the century, Sidney prospered
as its own small community, with festivals, dances, a movie theatre and shopping.
Sidney was incorporated as a village on September 30, 1952, and saw steady development in the post-
war period, with farmers' fields slowly being converted to subdivisions to feed the post-war housing
boom. The level of development increased in the 1960's and 1970's, with the spread of suburban style
single-family housing at the north and south ends of Sidney, together with improved vehicle access from
Victoria via a new Highway 17.
While initially built at what was the edge of town, Highway 17 eventually divided Sidney into east
and west, as the farmland and forests surrounding the airport on the south-west side of Sidney were
developed with suburban housing in the 1970's. Northwest Sidney became an industrial area (now
known as Sidney Business Park) thanks to its proximity to the airport, the highway and the ferry, and
remains an economic engine of Sidney today. In the 1980's and 1990's, Sidney began seeing a different
type of development, as apartment-style condominiums sprouted up to the north of Sidney's downtown,
driven by people attracted to Sidney's walkable streets and small-town feel. This infill housing
development has continued to the present day and more recently there have been several major
redevelopment projects in Sidney's downtown. Through all this, Beacon Avenue has remained Sidney's
primary downtown street and the centre of a thriving small town, supporting an active business area
that has remained the centre of the community for over a century.
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3.3 Sidney Today
3.3.1
Community Profile
As of 2021, the Town of Sidney was home to over 12,300 people. According to the 2021 Census, the
population has seen modest growth over the past few years, with a 5.5% increase since 2016 (1.1%
growth per year), less than the 8% increase in the Capital Regional District (CRD). Of the current
population, over 40% are 65 years of age and over and only around 20% of households in the community
are families with children.
These statistics indicate that Sidney is highly attractive for older households of retirement age and may
also indicate that housing for younger individuals and families may not be available or affordable, which
will impact the diversity and vibrancy of the community. Changes in average household sizes also reflect
these trends; from 2006 to 2016 the number of one- and two-person households increased slightly
(from 77 percent in 2006 to 80 percent in 2016), while the number of three-or-more person households
decreased slightly (from 22 percent in 2006 to 20 percent in 2016).
The 2015 median total income (before tax) in Sidney is $63,840 per year and has been rising since 2001.
There is a diversity of income earners in Sidney, ranging from under $10,000 per year to over $200,000.
Renter households have generally had much lower median household incomes than owner households
- $47,939 versus $69,489 in 2015, respectively. The difference in income levels based on tenure helps
to illuminate affordability differences for owners and renters, as well as barriers to homeownership.
Employment in Sidney spans a wide variety of industries, with a large proportion of the labour force in
health care (14.5%), retail (12.7%), accommodation (9.5%), and transportation (8.9%) industries.
With respect to the CRD overall, Sidney has seen slower growth, is home to an older population, and
maintains a lower median income and employment rate.
3.4 Sidney Tomorrow
3.4.1
Community Growth Projections
According to population forecasts prepared by the Capital Regional District, Sidney is projected to
continue growing to approximately 14,045 people in 2038. The number of dwelling units will increase
much faster - to 7,795 units in 2038, as household sizes are anticipated to decrease.
According to the 2019 Housing Needs Assessment, over the next four years, the fastest growing age
group is adults 75 to 84 (projected to increase by 530 individuals between 2019 and 2024), followed by:
adults 65 to 74 (projected to increase by 178 over the same period), and adults 35 to 44.
The number of children 0-14 is expected to remain consistent (0% growth), while the number of
individuals in the following age groups are projected to decrease: 15 to 24, 25 to 34, 45 to 54, and 55 to
64.
It is worth noting that these demographic projections are based on past trends. Sidney's demographic
profile will undoubtedly continue to change. This plan contains objectives and policies that may help to
guide that change to ensure a balanced demographic makeup in the future.
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4 Regional Context
The Regional Growth Strategy
As the closest urban centre to the Victoria International Airport and the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, Sidney
is a place well connected to the region and beyond. Bordered on all sides by rural- and agriculturally-
based North Saanich and with Central Saanich to the south, Sidney is highly connected to its neighbours
through the role that its downtown and employment areas play and the many communities it supports.
This is reflected in the Regional Growth Strategy's designation of Sidney as a 'sub-regional node' of the
Capital Regional District - a key contributing factor to the policy directions in this OCP. Indeed, that the
OCP aligns with the purpose and goals of the 2018 Regional Growth Strategy is a requirement mandated
by the Local Government Act. For Sidney this means:
- a significant reduction in community-based greenhouse gas emissions;
- accommodating much of the Saanich Peninsula's future growth in order to:
o keep urban settlement in the region compact;
o protect the integrity of North and Central Saanich rural communities; and,
o foster a resilient food and agricultural community in North and Central Saanich.
- protect, conserve and manage ecosystem health;
- strengthen Sidney as a safe and complete community;
- build more affordable housing;
- extend the active transportation network and transit system to increase transportation choice;
and,
- continue to strengthen the regional economy.
Regional Context Statement
The Regional Context Statement describes how the OCP's goals and objectives conform to the vision
and seven objectives and ten policies within the RGS and how the Town will manage a level of growth
consistent with the projections in Table 1 of the Strategy.
Sidney Business Improvement Area Society, 2021
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4.1 Managing and Balancing Growth
4.1.1
Keep Urban Settlement Compact
The RGS aims to accommodate 95% of all new dwelling units within the Urban Containment Policy Area
(UCPA) of the CRD. The Town of Sidney is well positioned to assist in meeting this target, being situated
entirely within the UCPA. As the Town is largely built out, growth will be mainly accommodated through
higher density redevelopment in close proximity to the downtown. Sidney's downtown core area is
designated as a Sub-Regional Node in the CRD RGS, as illustrated in Map 3b and as such will be a focus
for residential and commercial intensification.
The Town's Official Community Plan contains policies, such as Policy 5.3.9 and Policy 6.3.1, which
direct commercial and higher density residential development towards the downtown core, thereby
endeavouring to keep the urban settlement compact. The Town will promote multi-family residential
development in proximity to the downtown.
4.1.2
Protect the Integrity of Rural Communities
As per Policies 5.3.6 through 5.3.7, the Town will permit residential density to increase where feasible,
promoting secondary suites and creating a complete and livable community, thus allowing adjacent
municipalities to choose to maintain lower densities and a rural lifestyle and development pattern.
The Town will also promote industrial and commercial growth, and by permitting responsible residential
densification with high quality architecture, the Town will help ease the pressures of growth on rural
communities in the region. The Town does not have any lands within the renewable resource lands
policy area.
4.2 Environment and Infrastructure
4.2.1
Protect, Conserve and Manage Ecosystem Health
The Town will support the protection of the areas designated as Capital Green Lands Policy Area on
Map 3a of the RGS, and will maintain policies such as Policy 12.3.3 in the Official Community Plan
regarding their protection. The Town will actively work to reduce contaminants to fresh and marine
water bodies in cooperation with other organizations to support the regional targets.
The Town recognizes and will protect its own green and blue spaces, but will also encourage economic
development in the area designated as Harbour Road Marine on Map 1 and as per Policy 11.2.2 of
the Official Community Plan. While the Town recognizes this area as a working harbour, Policy 13.4.2
encourages environmental protection through reasonable mitigation efforts and best management
practices.
The Town will continue to preserve its environmentally significant and sensitive areas through identifying
these areas specifically as Development Permit Areas in the Official Community Plan (as per Policy 12.4.1
and Policy 12.4.2) and promote environmental preservation and enhancement in these areas. As per
Policy 12.4.20 and Policy 12.4.27, the Town will endeavour to protect natural ecosystems in Mermaid
Creek and Reay Creek so that the fish habitat areas are preserved and enhanced.
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4.2.2
Manage Regional Infrastructure Services Sustainably
Section 17 of Sidney's OCP supports the sustainable management of regional infrastructure through
policies that encourage a "best practices" approach to local infrastructure management and ensure that
local services deliver regional infrastructure capacity to residents in an efficient and cost-effective way. As
Sidney is located fully within the UCPA, water system services are available throughout the community
and no growth in serviced areas is anticipated.
Sidney's OCP also focuses on reducing the impact on regional infrastructure where possible through
policies such as 17.2.8, which seeks to reduce the Town's impact on the Hartland Landfill. In addition,
the Town's approach to growth management (i.e. protecting the integrity of rural communities through
a focus on permitting density to increase through infill development) means that regional infrastructure
capacity and efficiency can be optimized by concentrating regional infrastructure service delivery to
already built-up areas and avoiding the need to extend services to low density rural or hazard areas. This
will support the RGS target to develop capital plans that consider the conservation of land, water and
energy resources and the impacts of climate change and natural hazards.
4.3 Housing and Community
4.3.1
Create Safe and Complete Communities
A main goal of the Town's OCP is to ensure that all residents of Sidney live within a complete community,
aligning with the RGS target. Policy 5.3.10 is specifically dedicated to helping the Town to achieve
this and articulates specific principles to support this objective. Other objectives and policies, such as
Policy 5.3.38, to encourage a balanced population, and Policy 14.3.2, to provide a mix of amenities for
all residents, support this primary goal and are included in the Official Community Plan. In addition,
Policy 8.3.8 and various Design Guidelines promote thoughtful and deliberate design choices in new
developments to maximize safety and security for residents.
The Town will endeavour to continue to be a primary service centre for the Saanich Peninsula, as is
stated in Policy 6.3.2, providing commercial, industrial, professional, social, and leisure services. Sidney
will also strive to be a primary employment centre for the Saanich Peninsula, providing a balanced mix of
employment opportunities.
4.3.2
Improve Housing Affordability
The Town will pursue the development of a wide range of housing types across the housing continuum
for all income groups through a variety of approaches.
Policy 5.3.18 states that the Town will work with non-profit and government agencies to provide
non-market (social) housing and support services in the community. Policy 5.3.28 encourages the
development of secondary suites in new single-detached housing as a method of increasing the supply
of market rental housing, and Policy 5.3.25 supports the Town using zoning and other regulatory tools to
encourage the provision of affordable housing, including the provision of bonus density when affordable
housing is provided in a new development.
A variety of housing types and forms will also be encouraged, and in doing so, the Town will continue to
work with developers and with other groups and agencies to promote affordable housing and reduce the
number of people in core housing need in line with the targets in the RGS.
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4.4 Transportation
4.4.1
Improve Multi-Modal Connectivity and Mobility
Increasing the variety of transportation choices for Sidney residents is key to the establishment of a
complete community. Accordingly, the Town will continue to develop in a manner that allows people
to live in proximity to the downtown core, thereby facilitating increased transportation choices and less
reliance on personal vehicles. The Town will continue to promote pedestrian-oriented development as is
stated in Policy 6.3.3, in order to enhance walkability in proximity to the downtown core and throughout
the Town.
As per Policy 16.3.8, the Town will support the development of the CRD Regional Multi-Modal Network
by developing safe and convenient bicycle and pedestrian networks within the community that enhance
Sidney's connection with the Lochside Trail and the rest of the region. Finally, the Town will endeavour
to improve access to and egress from the regional highway system as the public transit corridor for the
Peninsula, with links to the airport, ferry and metropolitan core of the CRD. Together, these goals will
support the regional goal of a transportation system that sees 42% of all trips made by walking, cycling,
and transit in 2038.
4.5 Economic Development
4.5.1
Realize the Region's Economic Potential
Sidney recognizes the contributions and economic benefits of large and small industry and commerce
within the community. By accommodating industrial and commercial economic development, the
Town will continue to grow and progress as the major service and employment centre for the Saanich
Peninsula. The protection of the integral role of Sidney's industrial lands and working harbour in job
creation and product and service innovation will be maintained and protected as per Policies 10.2.1 and
11.2.1. Equally important is acknowledging the economic significance of small business (Policy 6.3.10),
including the accommodation of home-based occupations.
The Town will also continue to accommodate developments in its industrial areas, working harbours and
commercial areas in order to maintain and expand the Town's role as an economic centre and support
the regional target of an overall jobs/population ratio of 0.53 for the Saanich Peninsula.
4.6 Food Systems
4.6.1
Foster a Resilient Food and Agriculture System
Sidney is a geographically small, built-out community with no agricultural land. As stated in Section 4.1.2,
the role of the Town is to effectively manage its growth in order to permit other municipalities to retain
their rural lifestyles and agricultural focus. This approach will allow adjacent municipalities to focus on
developing resilient food systems and avoid the loss of important agricultural land to development.
Sidney will continue to play a role in promoting local food products and systems through such initiatives
as its Thursday night summer market.
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4.7 Climate Action
4.7.1
Significantly Reduce Community-Based Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Policy 12.5.4 of the OCP sets ambitious targets for the reduction of community-wide greenhouse gas
emissions in Sidney: 50% below the 2007 emission levels by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions
by 2050. These targets will be supported through a variety of policies that primarily focus on reducing
emissions from buildings and transportation modes. Through a focus on quality infill development (Policy
5.3.7), location-efficient smart growth (Policy 5.3.10), and encouraging environmentally responsible
housing design (Policy 5.3.15), the Town will endeavour to reduce building and building-related
greenhouse gas emissions.
Transportation emissions will be reduced through a focus on reducing single-occupant vehicle trips and
encouraging active transportation modes. Policy 16.4.17 commits the Town to working cooperatively
with BC Transit to improve the quality and provision of transit services in Sidney and on the Saanich
Peninsula. Cycling and walking will be supported through Policy 16.3.8, which supports the development
of quality cycling and pedestrian facilities that connect residents in Sidney with broader networks
throughout the region. Policy 16.4.1 further supports pedestrian facilities in the community through the
provision of sidewalks and walkway facilities linking local destinations.
The CRD has set targets to reduce community greenhouse gas emissions by 33% (from 2007 levels) by
2020, and by 61% by 2038. Sidney will work to support these targets by considering updates to its own
policies and targets through a review of the Town's OCP and Climate Action Plan.objectives and policies
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PART 2. objectives and
policies
Residential Lands
Downtown Commercial
West Sidney Mixed Use Village
Neighbourhood Commercial
Airport Commercial
West Side Industrial
Harbour Road Marine
Environment and Climate Action
Marine
Parks, Public Open Space and Leisure Facilities
Reconciliation, Culture, and Heritage
Transportation
Institutions, Infrastructure and Services
Implementation
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PART 2. Objectives and policies
Managing growth and development through land use planning is perhaps the most important role of an
Official Community Plan. How land uses are organized is fundamental to the sustainable management of
a community. The location and density of new development and different types of commercial activity
affects livability, walkability, environmental impact, viewscapes, and the capital and operating costs of
infrastructure.
The primary mechanism to achieve this in the Town of Sidney is by designating the location and type
of Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, and Parks and Open Space land uses on the Land
Use Plan (Map 1 of this document). The Land Use Plan is then used by staff, Council, and the Advisory
Planning Commission to evaluate proposals for re-zoning land for different types of development.
Objectives and policies in areas that complement this land use planning process, such as Parks,
Environment, Marine, Reconciliation, Culture and Heritage, Transportation, and Infrastructure and
Services are also included in this section.
The Local Government Act requires that an Official Community Plan include statements and map
designations regarding the approximate location, amount, type, and density of residential development
required to meet anticipated housing needs over a period of at least five years and the approximate
location, amount and type of commercial, industrial, institutional, agricultural, recreational, and public
utility land uses. The land use designations and supporting policies in this plan have been developed to
ensure these needs are met.
The land use designations used in this OCP are described in the policy sections for each land use
category and correspond to the land use designations on Map 1: Land Use Plan.
BEVAN AVE
OAKVILLE AVE
FIFTH ST
THIRD ST
FOURTH ST
CALVIN AVE
ARDWELL AVE
MELVILLE DR
AMELIA AVE
AMHERST AVE
OCEAN AVE
FIRST ST
SECOND ST
SIDNEY AVE
SEVENTH ST
THIRD ST
RESTHAVEN DR
BOWERBANK RD
SUMMERGATE BLVD
WEILER AVE
MCDONALD PARK RD
WAY
SEAWI
SANDPIPER
WHITE BIRCH RD
LN
ND
ALLBAY RD
MCDONALD PARK RD
JAMES WHITE BLVD W
JAHN PL
WILDFLOWER PL
PLEASANT ST
BOOTH PL
CLOSE
HORNBY
GODFREY PL
MAGNOLIA PL
COTONEASTER PL
SIMKIN PL
SEAPORT PL
EIGHTH ST
SEVENTH ST
SIXTH ST
FROST AVE
MARYLAND
DR
WEBSTER PL
SCHOONER CLOSE
MARYLAND DR
PL
GAIL
FROST AVE W
PATRICIA BAY HIGHWAY
GREENGLADE RD
ORCHARD AVE
FIRST ST
EASTVIEW DR
MT. BAKER AVE
DR
MILLS RD
BRADFORD AVE
PLEASANT ST
MALAVIEW AVE
FIFTH ST
ALMOND ST
GROVE CRES
LINDA PL
GABRIOLA PL
COURSER DR
MELVILLE DR
AIREDALE PL
SIDDALL RD
BRESSERDGE PL
SKYLARK LN
ADELA PL
IROQUOIS WAY
PATRICIA PL
ALLBAY RD
BOWDEN RD
BOWERBANK RD
CLEVELAND RD
AMHERST AVE
BEAUFORT RD
FOURTH ST
BEACON AVE
OCEAN AVE WEST
LAPWING
EPCO DR
BRETHOURPARK WAY
WEILER AVE WEST
NORTHBROOK DR
MURIEL PL
NORTHLAWN TERR
CHICORY PL
JUDSON PL
ASHBY CRT
RATHDOWN PL
FORSYTHIA
PL
PIERCY AVE
POLLARD PL
PL
COLINWOOD RD
ARBAY
DEVLIN PL
MENAGH PL
VALLIS PL
PIERCY AVE
WHIDBY LN
RESTHAVEN DR
WHITE
LOVELL AVE
GALARAN RD
HENRY AVE WEST
BEACON AVE WEST
MILLS RD WEST
MALAVIEW AVE W
HENRY AVE
BRETHOUR AVE
RESTHAVEN
JAMES
BLVD
HARBOUR RD
RESTHAVEN DR
MCDONALD PARK RD
JOCELYN RD
LYME RD
ROTHESAY AVE
SWIFTSURE PL
MELISSA ST
LOCHSIDE DR
PATRICIA BAY HIGHWAY
50
0
200
1:15000 (at 8.5"x11")
500m
Land Use Map (see Maps & Schedules section)
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5 Residential Lands
5.1 Community Context
Sidney is a developed, urban community with neighbourhoods that continue to evolve through infill
development. Sidney's existing neighbourhoods already provide a wide range of housing quality, choice,
and affordability, all of which are essential for a healthy, diverse, and prosperous community. However,
recent increases in housing prices - ownership and rental - present challenges in the availability of
attainable and affordable housing and ensuring that people of all ages and stages in life are able to find
appropriate housing and enjoy their neighbourhood to its fullest.
Sidney's history as small town on the outskirts of a larger city has been challenged in recent years with
the discovery of Sidney as a popular retirement destination. The housing market in Sidney has focused
on meeting the demand for retirement-friendly housing, which has resulted in the construction of
substantial townhouse and apartment-style housing stock. Although this trend has continued for many
years now, the challenge of ensuring that this new housing integrates suitably with the existing built
form of the community and provides the housing required for a balanced demographic makeup for the
community remains.
At the same time, issues affecting residential development such as environmental concerns around
habitat loss, impacts on natural areas and the ocean, and the need to address climate change have
arisen as additional significant considerations as the community grows. Balancing these multiple, often-
competing challenges, will need to be addressed as Sidney continues to evolve.
5.2 Objectives
5.2.1
To ensure housing densities and height are compatible with the context of the surrounding
neighbourhoods.
5.2.2
To allow a range of housing densities and forms to encourage a variety of housing choices.
5.2.3
To allow and encourage a variety of housing types and tenures that retain and attract young families and
individuals and to support community members with diverse needs and income levels.
5.2.4
To maintain the area surrounding downtown Sidney as the focus for medium to high density multi-unit
residential development.
5.2.5
To improve the visual image of residential areas visible from Highway 17 and Beacon Avenue West and
ensure that their future development provides an enhanced gateway into Sidney, including high-quality
landscaping.
5.2.6
To respect the scale and character of existing residential areas.
5.2.7
To encourage adaptable housing for persons with disabilities.
5.2.8
To encourage housing for all income groups.
5.2.9
To foster an increasingly diverse and balanced demographic make-up in Sidney.
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5.3 Policies
Neighbourhood Form and Scale
5.3.1
The Neighbourhood Residential designation
is intended to provide residential uses
predominantly consisting of single-detached
dwellings on a minimum lot size of 350
square metres and duplexes on a minimum
lot size of 700 square metres at a scale
between 1-2.5 storeys. This designation
will also provide rental housing options in
the form of secondary suites and detached
secondary dwellings.
5.3.2
The Intensive Neighbourhood Residential
designation is intended to provide residential
uses with a high standard of design in a
more compact building form, predominantly
consisting of single-detached dwellings on a
minimum lot size of 250 square metres and
duplexes on a minimum lot size of 400 square
metres at a scale between 1-2.5 storeys. This
designation will also provide rental housing
options in the form of secondary suites and
detached secondary dwellings.
5.3.3
The Neighbourhood Townhouse designation
is intended to provide residential uses in the
form of townhouses near to Neighbourhood
Commercial uses and larger transit corridors,
on a minimum lot size of 750 square metres
and at a scale between 1-2.5 storeys. This
designation may also provide rental housing
options in the form of secondary suites.
5.3.4
The Multi-Unit Residential designation is
intended to provide residential uses in the
form of multi-level apartment buildings,
townhouses, and residential care facilities,
on a minimum lot size of 750 square metres
and at a scale between 1-4 storeys. This
designation may also provide rental housing
options in the form of secondary suites.
Lands covered by the West Side Local Area
Plan are intended to provide residential uses
at a scale of between 1-6 storeys, as per
Table 1. Land Use in the Local Area Plan.
5.3.5
Lot areas specified in this section are
intended as a minimum baseline only.
Minimum lot areas in the Town's Zoning
Bylaw should also take into account the
neighbourhood context and environmental,
social, and other relevant policy objectives
of the Town.
5.3.6
Continue to encourage and support
residential infill development in areas
designated as Neighbourhood Residential,
Neighbourhood Townhouse, Intensive
Neighbourhood Residential, Multi-Unit
Residential, Neighbourhood Commercial,
Downtown Commercial, and West Sidney
Mixed Use Village.
5.3.7
Infill development in existing residential
neighbourhoods shall be compatible with
the scale and character of the surrounding
neighbourhood in terms of minimum lot
size, building massing, height, setbacks, and
building form and character.
5.3.8
On the Multi-Unit Residential properties
adjacent to the West Sidney Mixed Use
Village, consideration should be given to the
amount of workforce-oriented affordable/
attainable housing provided within the
proposed development.
5.3.9
Multi-Unit Residential dwellings, as part
of mixed-use development proposals, are
supported in Sidney's downtown to enhance
livability and vitality.
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5.3.10
Consideration shall be given to the following
planning principles when reviewing
and evaluating the appropriateness of
Neighbourhood Townhouse and Multi-
Unit Residential Development Permit,
Development Variance Permit, and Zoning
Amendment applications:
a.
The proximity of the proposed project
to amenities and services (i.e. walking
distance versus required vehicle travel);
b. The distance of the proposed project
from major collector routes in order to
reduce traffic impacts on local streets;
c.
The service capacity of existing
infrastructure;
d. The potential of the proposed project
to provide a range of housing types and
tenures that are suitable for families,
seniors, households with low and
moderate incomes, and persons with
disabilities;
e.
The transition and compatibility
between the proposed project and
surrounding lower-density housing
forms;
f.
The compatibility of the proposed
project with the range of densities
and housing forms in the surrounding
residential neighbourhood; and
g.
The architectural and design quality
of the proposed project (i.e. massing,
scale, building form, view and shadow
impacts, and greenspace).
5.3.11
When developing new zoning designations
for a transition from existing ground-
oriented residential uses to higher density
Neighbourhood Townhouse, Multi-Unit
Residential, or Commercial uses, the following
should be considered:
a.
Land assemblies should ensure a
sufficient land base to support higher
densities;
b. Redevelopment should avoid resulting
in an orphaned lot that could not
feasibly be redeveloped on its own;
c.
Higher density developments should
be sited in areas with optimal
access to amenities and a variety of
transportation options; and
d. Redevelopment should create a
sensitive transition to adjacent lower-
density, ground-oriented uses.
5.3.12
Allow density of mixed-use developments
to be increased subject to the provision
of amenities as per Bonus Density and
Community Amenity Contribution Policy No.
DV-013, the Zoning Bylaw, and Section 482 of
the Local Government Act.
5.3.13
When updating or developing new zoning
designations for residential areas, the Town's
most recent Housing Needs Assessment will
be considered in order to ensure that needed
housing types will be provided by future
development.
5.3.14
Consider the use of variances to the Zoning
Bylaw where they would achieve a more
appropriate development in terms of
streetscape, pedestrian environment, public
view protection, overall site design, protection
of natural features, and compatibility with
neighbourhood character and adjoining
properties.
5.3.15
The Town will encourage environmentally
responsible housing design by supporting
residential buildings that conserve energy,
water, materials and other resources.
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5.3.16
Despite any other policy, objective, or
provision contained in this bylaw, single-
detached and duplex uses may be permitted
by subsequent zoning bylaws in areas
designated in this Official Community Plan
as Neighbourhood Townhouse, Multi-Unit
Residential, and West Sidney Mixed Use
Village on lands where these uses existed on
May 1, 2022.
5.3.17
Where appropriate, the Town shall establish
and maintain existing Neighbourhood
Commercial uses within established
residential areas as a means to enhance a
sense of community through local amenities
and gathering spaces.
Attainable and Affordable Housing
5.3.18
Partner with senior levels of government,
W̱ SÁNEĆ Nations, the Capital Regional
Housing Corporation, non-profit housing
agencies, and faith-based groups to address
the housing gaps identified in the Housing
Needs Assessment and prioritize housing and
rental housing in the following categories:
deep affordability, non-market, near-market,
and purpose-built rental.
5.3.19
Convene conversations with local developers
and BC Housing about available affordable
housing programs to explore the potential for
implementing these programs in Sidney.
5.3.20
Complete a land audit to identify under-
utilized municipal, institutional, faith-based,
and other lands in Sidney that could be
potentially be used for housing. Use the
land audit as an engagement process with
institutional organizations and for the next
step in planning.
5.3.21
Consider opportunities for affordable and/
or attainable units in future municipal
building redevelopment projects (e.g. library
redevelopment).
5.3.22
Reduce development fees and charges,
and consider municipal tax exemptions for
developments that include deep affordability
and below-market housing.
5.3.23
Protect existing rental housing stock by
exploring the use of residential rental tenure
zoning and other complementary tools.
Continue to use housing agreements and
covenants to protect new purpose-built
rentals and below-market units.
5.3.24
Where redevelopment of affordable housing
(i.e. older housing stock) forms part of an
application for rezoning and subdivision,
the applicant will work with the Town in the
preparation of a plan to mitigate the loss of
existing affordable units, as well as a plan
to address potential compensation to (or
re-housing of) existing tenants in order to
minimize the loss of affordable housing stock
and the impact to tenants.
5.3.25
Consider inclusionary zoning that requires
a percentage of new units to be offered at
below market and/or near-market rates. This
may require developers to build a certain
number of affordable units based on the
percentage of overall units being built, or
it could require an equivalent cash-in-lieu
contribution towards the Town's Amenity
Reserve.
5.3.26
Take advantage of Amenity Reserve funding
to support below market housing initiatives
where the affordable housing component
is secured through a Housing Agreement or
similar instrument.
5.3.27
Encourage a mix of housing affordability
levels and unit types and tenures within
developments, including market ownership,
affordable homeownership, purpose-built
rental housing, below-market rental housing,
cooperative housing, co-housing and other
alternative housing forms that may provide
more affordable housing options.
5.3.28
Support the creation of new and the
retention of existing rental housing within the
community and discourage the conversion of
rental housing to strata ownership.
5.3.29
Regularly engage non-profit housing providers
in the region to better understand their needs
and support new projects in Sidney.
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Inclusive Housing
5.3.30
Encourage the development of a variety
of housing and home types and tenures,
particularly focusing on missing housing types,
as well as:
a.
co-living;
b.
strata and bare-land strata;
c.
seasonal;
d.
court/lane housing;
e.
live/work;
f.
rental; and
g.
flex housing.
5.3.31
Encourage the development of family-
oriented housing, including homes with three
bedrooms or more.
5.3.32
Prepare an annual report on the progress
towards Sidney's housing needs, as well
as potential policy and bylaw adjustments
required to support those needs.
5.3.33
Consider introducing a secondary suite/
detached secondary dwelling incentive
program for existing homes.
5.3.34
Conduct a review of the Town's Adaptable
Housing standards to ensure new
developments provide housing suitable for a
wide range of ages and abilities. As part of this
update, undertake a review of accessibility
standards and best practices, including
potential amendments to building bylaws and
land use regulations for Multi-Unit Residential
or mixed-use developments.
5.3.35
Consider marine-based housing (e.g.
liveaboards and float homes) through
the Zoning Bylaw. Where permitted,
ensure that the environmental, social, and
transportation-related impacts of the use can
be appropriately mitigated.
5.3.36
Continue to require covenants that prohibit a
strata bylaw from introducing age restrictions
as a condition of development approval.
5.3.37
Encourage existing seniors housing
developments to consider continuum of care
from independent living to residential care
and alter their facilities as appropriate to
meet the need. Encourage "campus of care"
facilities.
5.3.38
Encourage development proposals that
address identified housing gaps. In particular,
give favourable consideration to development
proposals that provide:
a.
Affordable, below market housing;
b.
Fully accessible housing;
c.
Housing for Indigenous people;
d.
Family oriented rental housing;
e.
Attainable housing that supports
individuals to enter into the housing
market;
f.
Work force housing, including farm
worker housing; and
g.
Housing diversity that allows residents
to remain in the community as they age
(i.e., compact, ground oriented, rental
housing for seniors, and various forms
of supportive housing and multi-level
care facilities).
5.3.39
Encourage the development, design and
distribution of housing for a variety of persons
and needs throughout the community (rather
than concentrated within a single area) such
as for:
a.
Persons with disabilities;
b.
Seniors' housing and alternative care
options; and
c.
Workforce housing, including for young
people working in service or entry level
jobs.
5.3.40
Consider allowing emergency shelters through
amendments to the Zoning Bylaw.
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6 Downtown Commercial
6.1 Community Context
Downtown Sidney is the heart of the community. Historically a place of industry and commerce, downtown
Sidney has evolved into a vibrant area combining its role as a regional commercial centre with a growing
residential neighbourhood and other community services. Anchored by Beacon Avenue as its main street,
its proximity to the picturesque oceanfront, its small-town feel, and its walkable street network create a
unique and strong sense of place.
A robust and comprehensive transportation network is essential to the downtown's ability to effectively
serve the population and function as a regional hub. To address this need, the Town will continue to
expand its transportation network in order to improve pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connectivity to key
destinations and also enhance the accessibility of the network to meet the needs of all ages and abilities.
The waterfront is also an integral part of downtown Sidney and brings with it a variety of recreational,
tourism, transportation, and ecological opportunities.
Downtown Sidney serves the community in many ways - and supports the widest range of uses - of any
part of Sidney. The variety of buildings and uses in the downtown has evolved over time, on a variety of
street patterns and lot sizes. This has created distinct downtown areas; these include Beacon Avenue,
Sidney's traditional "main street" for the community; the pedestrian-friendly storefronts and mixed-use
buildings of "Downtown East"; and the large blocks of "Downtown West" which developed largely in the
automobile-focused post-World War II years. The OCP seeks to strengthen and/or leverage these areas'
unique characteristics and identities to enhance downtown Sidney's role in the community and as the hub
of the Saanich Peninsula.
Not only does the downtown support Sidney residents, it also welcomes visitors from the rest of the
Saanich Peninsula, the region and beyond. It serves as the primary cultural, institutional, entertainment,
shopping, and social centre of the community and as such supports a broad range of commercial uses
including retail, office, financial, institutional, service, entertainment, food and beverage, and hotel
accommodation.
6.2 Objectives
6.2.1
To maintain and strengthen downtown Sidney's role as the commercial centre of the community and the
Saanich Peninsula.
6.2.2
To create comfortable, attractive, and walkable public spaces that support diverse and vibrant public life.
6.2.3
To provide more outdoor green spaces within, or conveniently accessed from, the downtown area.
6.2.4
To enhance active transportation connections within and between downtown Sidney and the rest of the
community and region.
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6.2.5
To encourage residential intensification in the downtown core, above commercial development with a mix
of residential unit types, prices and tenures that make living downtown accessible to people with a wide
range of incomes and at all stages of life.
6.2.6
To effectively manage demand for vehicle parking in the downtown area.
6.2.7
To maintain downtown Sidney's small-town character through the implementation of development
guidelines that result in high quality architecture.
6.2.8
To ensure Beacon Avenue and surrounding side streets are maintained with high-quality landscaping and
street furniture.
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6.3 General Policies
6.3.1
Sidney's downtown core is intended to
function as the focal point of the community.
Accordingly, it should contain the widest range
of permitted uses within the Town, including
a significant residential component, to bring
vibrancy, quality architecture, urban design,
and livability to the area.
6.3.2
In addition to Sidney's downtown continuing
to serve as the commercial centre for the
community, it will also function as the regional
service centre for the northern part of the
Saanich Peninsula.
6.3.3
All downtown development shall respond
to the principles of compact, vibrant and
pedestrian-friendly urban form. Developments
will be reviewed to ensure that existing block
patterns are respected, small-scale building
form is preserved, the pedestrian orientation
of commercial retail units along the street
frontage is maintained, and where feasible,
that all off-street parking is underground.
6.3.4
Limit building heights in downtown Sidney
as per the building height map in Figure 1:
Downtown Height Limits.
6.3.5
In the area designated A: Downtown West
in Figure 1, consider a fifth storey where
the building provides a significant portion
of units as deep affordable and/or below-
market affordable residential housing secured
through a housing agreement.
6.3.6
Encourage transit-oriented development
around Beacon Avenue, between Fifth Street
and Highway 17.
6.3.7
Locate large-format retailers west of
Fifth Street in a mixed-use format. New
development designed to accommodate these
retailers must adhere to commercial frontage
guidelines of the Downtown Commercial
Development Permit Area.
6.3.8
Continue to permit residential as a secondary
land use in the downtown, primarily through
accommodation of mixed-use development
with commercial or retail spaces on the
ground floor and residential units above.
Figure 1. Downtown Height Limits
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6.3.12
Continue to revitalize downtown streets
with a pedestrian-priority approach by
implementing the design directions in the
Downtown Streetscape and Urban Design
Standards, focusing on a detailed pedestrian-
oriented design approach that maximizes
space for people walking and rolling and
enhances the pedestrian experience with
more places to rest, socialize, eat, and shop.
At the time of redevelopment, require
developers to reconstruct portions of the
street that fronts their projects using these
standards. Allocate Town resources to ensure
progress in areas where redevelopment is not
expected in the short term.
6.3.13
Ensure that through-block pedestrian
connections remain accessible beyond
business hours through the use of covenants
or statutory rights-of-way.
6.3.9
At street level along Beacon Avenue:
a.
require only retail or other uses which
encourage window shopping and
create a strong pedestrian-focused
environment;
b. encourage smaller-scale and compact
commercial development;
c.
discourage big-box or large format
retail;
d. build to the sidewalk or have pedestrian
focused front yards; and
e.
keep parking to the rear and share
driveways and loading zones when
possible.
6.3.10
Retain and encourage small businesses
that lend an eclectic quality to the retail
experience.
6.3.11
Continue to prohibit, through the Zoning
Bylaw, residential and live-work development
at the ground floor level in downtown Sidney.
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6.3.14
Enhance the downtown area with
pedestrian-oriented streets and through-
block connections where feasible, using the
following strategies:
a.
appropriate adjacent land uses;
b. traffic calming measures and reduced
vehicle speeds;
c.
varied and attractive surface
treatments; and
d. strategically-located landscape
elements.
6.3.15
Actively promote "places for people" by
establishing public (or privately owned and
publicly accessible) open spaces such as
plazas, pedestrian mews, parklets, and view
areas.
6.3.16
Identify the location of and actively pursue
the establishment of a central public square/
plaza for downtown.
6.3.17
Make downtown Sidney a place for children
and families by encouraging and establishing:
a.
a mix of housing unit sizes, prices, and
tenures;
b. suitably sized child-care facilities; and
c.
public spaces designed for children or
to accommodate children, including
play areas and water features, such
as a "play trail" that includes play
equipment, learning installations, and
places to rest along the way.
6.3.18
Support the business community through
continuing to work with organizations such as
the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce,
the Sidney Business Improvement Area
Society (SBIA), and the South Island Prosperity
Partnership.
6.3.19
Notwithstanding the existing zoning, the
issuance of Temporary Use Permits may be
considered by Council only in areas designated
as Downtown Commercial and West Sidney
Mixed Use Village on Map 1 of the Official
Community Plan, subject to the conditions
contained in Section 492 to 497 of the Local
Government Act.
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6.4 Downtown Waterfront
6.4.1
Provide services to visitors by allowing
accessory commercial activities (e.g. bike or
kayak rentals) in convenient locations in the
downtown and downtown waterfront areas.
6.4.2
Further refine and implement concepts and
ideas from the Downtown Waterfront Vision
into Sidney's waterfront as opportunities
arise, such as the creation of a cultural hub
around the waterfront and provision of day
moorage.
6.4.3
Consider redevelopment options for the lands
at the end of Seaport Place that include a
maritime village concept, including marine-
oriented businesses, arts and cultural uses,
restaurants, cafes, shops, and services catering
to the needs of the public, tourists, and
the local and transient boating community.
Include public spaces that encourage
community events and establish the area as a
gateway between downtown Sidney and the
ocean.
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7 West Sidney Mixed Use Village
7.1 Community Context
The West Side Mixed Use Village represents an evolution of the existing residential area into a vibrant mixed-
use area with a network of greenways and green spaces. Redevelopment will focus on accommodating
light industrial or high tech uses on the ground floor and residential or live/work units in the upper storeys.
Commercial uses that support the West Side Industrial Area may also be considered, in order to preserve
limited industrial land in the adjacent area.
As the area evolves, there will be a focus on creating public spaces, streets that emphasize pedestrian
comfort and safety, and the integration of storm water management features. A network of greenways and
green spaces will provide increased pedestrian/cycling connectivity and needed open space for residents
and employees alike. More details can be found in the West Side Local Area Plan, which is a schedule to
the Official Community Plan.
7.2 Objectives
7.2.1
To provide a mix of residential, commercial, and light industrial uses that support industrial activity in the
West Side Industrial area. This may include office or high tech uses on the ground floor and workforce
residential or live/work units above.
7.2.2
To improve transportation connections within and between the Mixed Use Village and other areas of
Sidney and North Saanich.
7.2.3
To create attractive and usable public spaces for the residents and employees of the Mixed Use Village.
7.2.4
To encourage a mix of housing types and tenures that support workforce housing for the employees of the
West Side Industrial area and the Mixed Use Village.
7.2.5
To ensure that the redevelopment of the Mixed Use Village area is undertaken in a manner that minimizes
disruption to the existing residential area.
7.3 Policies
7.3.1
Continue to implement the vision, goals, principles and recommendations of the West Side Local Area
Plan, which forms part of this plan as Schedule B, specifically as it relates to the West Sidney Mixed Use
Village.
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7.3.2
West Sidney Mixed Use Village commercial
uses should not compete with those in
downtown Sidney. Allow select commercial
uses in the Village, but limit or restrict primary
uses that are already offered in downtown
(e.g. ground floor retail). Accommodate
accessory uses that support the local
residential and employment population and
establish social infrastructure for the growing
population.
7.3.3
Prioritize adding more multi-unit residential
uses to the West Sidney Mixed Use Village
and adjacent Multi-Unit Residential area
with a specific focus on affordable workforce
housing.
7.3.4
Consider rezonings and redevelopment on
properties in the residential neighbourhood
north of Beacon Avenue West and west of
Highway 17 beginning from Galaran Road,
Beacon Avenue West, or Henry Avenue West.
7.3.5
Consider consolidating lots to create larger
parcels for redevelopment.
7.3.6
All residential uses within the West Sidney
Mixed Use Village and adjacent Multi-Unit
Residential area will be subject to a restrictive
covenant expressing knowledge of the
proximity of industrial uses in the West Sidney
Industrial area and potential noise from
Victoria International Airport operations.
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8 Neighbourhood Commercial
8.1 Community Context
Neighbourhood commercial uses can play a key role in building and maintaining a complete community.
Local neighbourhood businesses add to the diversity of commercial services that are available to serve
residents in key locations throughout the community. Commercial uses such as the corner "mom and
pop" grocer or local restaurant, provide predominantly residential areas with convenient access to needed
services and reduce the need for longer trips. However, the provision of such services must ensure a
compatible fit with the surrounding neighbourhood. The following Objectives and Policies will provide a
guide for evaluating future proposals for the redevelopment of existing neighbourhood commercial sites,
or the development of new sites to serve the community.
Neighbourhood commercial is considered an essential element of any successful community as it provides
for the daily requirements of local residences, reduces automobile reliance, and provides a focal point and
identity for the neighbourhood it serves.
8.2 Objectives
8.2.1
To permit and maintain convenient neighbourhood commercial uses in residential areas that are
compatible with the surrounding residential neighbourhood.
8.2.2
To ensure that proposed neighbourhood commercial developments are compatible in form and scale with
the surrounding residential neighbourhood.
8.2.3
To reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions by providing commercial services close to
where people live.
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8.3 Policies
8.3.1
The Neighbourhood Commercial designation
is intended to provide Neighbourhood
Residential, Neighbourhood Townhouse,
and Multi-Unit Residential designated areas
with convenient access to some commercial
services, at a minimum lot size of 750 square
metres and at a general scale of 1-3 storeys.
8.3.2
Neighbourhood commercial is considered
an essential element of any successful
community as it provides for the daily
requirements of local residents, reduces
automobile reliance, and provides a focal
point and identity for the neighbourhood it
serves.
8.3.3
Residential uses in upper storeys of
neighbourhood commercial buildings are
encouraged.
8.3.4
Proposals for new development in
Neighbourhood Commercial areas should be
considered by Council through the Town's
established OCP and Zoning Amendment and
Development Permit processes.
8.3.5
The following criteria shall be taken
into consideration when evaluating the
appropriateness of proposals for new
neighbourhood commercial development
within a residential neighbourhood:
a.
Its location near key intersections or on
a major transportation route;
b. Its location near or adjacent to other
neighbourhood amenities such as
parks, schools, or existing commercial
uses;
c.
It has a maximum floor space of
200 m2 (2,150 square feet) per tenancy
or commercial retail unit, or a larger
tenancy which will provide a substantial
benefit specifically to the surrounding
neighbourhood; and
d.
Its site design and building form and
character complement the adjacent
residential neighbourhood.
8.3.6
In order to distinguish them from the
surrounding residential functions and to
accentuate their location, neighbourhood
commercial buildings should be designed to
emphasize its connection to the street with
small-scale commercial storefronts and semi-
public space such as patios or seating areas.
8.3.7
Residential dwellings located on upper
storeys of neighbourhood commercial uses
are encouraged at a density in accordance
with the Zoning Bylaw. This provides a more
diverse housing choice in neighbourhoods
and improved neighbourhood safety through
additional "eyes on the street".
8.3.8
Incorporate space for community gathering
and connections in public spaces near
neighbourhood commercial developments
and on popular street corners.
8.3.9
Provide seating and bicycle racks in public
space near neighbourhood commercial uses
to support walking and cycling throughout
neighbourhoods.
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9 Airport Commercial
9.1 Community Context
The Airport Commercial area, while within the Town's boundaries, is primarily located on Federal land
leased to the Victoria Airport Authority (VAA). Due to this complex jurisdictional structure, the Town and
the VAA signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2000 regarding these lands, which also includes a
large area within the West Side Industrial designation. The Memorandum of Understanding helps to guide
the land use decision-making process, allowing the Town's zoning and design guidelines to work together
with the VAA's land use plan and Transport Canada zoning to jointly determine land use decisions.
In developing this area, there are several challenges to ensuring appropriate commercial development.
Important issues to consider include access to the area, pedestrian linkages between commercial
establishments, and quality architecture and urban design.
9.2 Objectives
9.2.1
To maintain and enhance Sidney as the commercial centre for the northern part of the Saanich Peninsula.
9.2.2
To encourage improvements in the design and siting of buildings through the consideration of design
guidelines that focus on pedestrian-oriented development and high-quality architecture.
9.2.3
To improve the visual image of commercial areas visible from Highway 17 and Beacon Avenue West and
ensure that their future development provides an enhanced gateway into Sidney including high-quality
landscaping.
9.2.4
To increase the number of commercial services available to West Sidney residents, employees, and
visitors.
Sidney Business Improvement Area Society, 2021
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9.3 Policies
9.3.1
Development shall provide for safe,
convenient and barrier free pedestrian travel
within the site, between the site and adjacent
properties, and connecting to public walkways
and multi-use pathways.
9.3.2
Signage shall be carefully sited and in
keeping with good design and highway safety
practices. Signage shall be in accordance with
the Town's Sign Bylaw.
9.3.3
Permitted uses in the "Airport Commercial"
designation may be developed as individual
uses on separate lots or in the form of
multiple use buildings around a plaza.
9.3.4
Adequate off-street parking and loading
facilities shall be provided. Where possible,
parking areas shall be sited on property
such that large expanses of parking fronting
on public streets are avoided. The visual
appearance of the land surrounding parking
areas shall be enhanced through landscaping
and appropriate screening.
9.3.5
Continue to work with the VAA to promote
appropriate quality development on VAA
lands in West Sidney in accordance with the
Memorandum of Understanding on Land Use
and Development Guidelines between the
Town and VAA.
9.3.6
Airport Commercial lands should respond to
the needs of the local community as well as
airport-oriented land uses.
9.3.7
Periodically review and, if necessary, update
the Memorandum of Understanding on Land
Use and Development Guidelines between the
Town and VAA.
9.3.8
Development referrals from the VAA located
on Airport Commercial areas shown on Map
1 will be reviewed against Public Realm and
Open Space, Environmental Sustainability,
General Form and Character, General
Commercial, and Downtown Commercial
Development Permit Area Guidelines.
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10 West Side Industrial
10.1 Community Context
Sidney's West Side Industrial area is an essential part of Sidney's economic base, contributing to a healthy
and productive local economy. The Town aims to retain and support the growth of established businesses
while creating an attractive climate for the attraction of new business in this sector.
Sidney's West Side Industrial Area is a relatively small area that supports a wide variety of industrial uses.
The adoption of the West Side Local Area Plan (WSLAP) reconfirmed Sidney's commitment to investing in
infrastructure in this area. As the nature of industrial land uses and development in Sidney and the Capital
Region continue to evolve and change, the Town should continually ensure its approach to supporting
industry reflects policies that support existing businesses and accommodate emerging industrial needs.
Sidney's industrial areas are well located to take advantage of Sidney's strategic location on the Peninsula,
close to a variety of transportation hubs. Sidney should continue to support a spectrum of industrial
uses that expand, diversify, and compliment the established transportation, technology, manufacturing,
warehouse, and other related industrial businesses in this area.
Sidney's industrial area should be maintained and supported through a policy approach that ensures
long-term viability for industrial businesses and creates regulation, incentives, and mechanisms to permit
industry in Sidney to compete over the long term.
10.2 Objectives
10.2.1
To provide for a broad range of light- to medium- industrial and technology uses that are key to supporting
the Town's economy.
10.2.2
To make effective and efficient use of available industrial lands, seeking to attract and accommodate high
quality employment-intensive industries.
10.2.3
To encourage the continued operation and enhancement of existing industries that are viable and in
locations that are to remain designated for industrial use.
10.2.4
To support value-added industries and employment opportunities.
10.2.5
To encourage industrial development that achieves high standards of sustainability including energy
efficiency and the use of renewable energy, low carbon emissions, conservation of potable water, and
minimizing the use of materials and the generation of waste and pollution.
10.2.6
To improve the visual image of industrial areas visible from Highway 17 and Beacon Avenue West and
ensure that their future development provides an enhanced gateway into Sidney, including high quality
landscaping.
10.2.7
To minimize impacts on the natural environment from industrial uses.
10.2.8
To preserve land for industrial uses over the long term and prevent its conversion to other uses.
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10.3 Policies
10.3.9
Notwithstanding the existing zoning, the
issuance of Temporary Use Permits may
be considered by Council only in areas
designated as Industrial on Map 1 of the
Official Community Plan, subject to the
conditions contained in Section 492 to 497 of
the Local Government Act.
10.3.10
Development referrals from the VAA located
within the West Side Industrial area shown on
Map 1 will be reviewed against Public Realm
and Open Space, Environmental Sustainability,
General Form and Character, and General
Industrial Development Permit Guidelines.
10.3.11
Residential density in the West Side Industrial
area will be limited to no more than one
residential caretaker dwelling unit per lot.
10.3.1
Continue to implement the vision, goals,
principles, and recommendations of the West
Side Local Area Plan, which forms part of this
plan as Schedule B, as it relates to the West
Side Industrial area.
10.3.2
Support efforts to attract new industrial
businesses to the community to diversify the
industrial area and achieving overall economic
stability, resiliency, and job security for the
local employment base.
10.3.3
Ensure industrial activity does not adversely
affect proximate residential uses where they
already exist and locate new residential
development where it is compatible with
industrial and commercial uses.
10.3.4
Limit commercial and other non-industrial
uses in the West Side Industrial area unless
they are clearly ancillary to the industrial
use, do not dilute the industrial intent of the
area, nor detract from the functions of the
Downtown Commercial and West Sidney
Mixed Use Village areas.
10.3.5
Reserve the West Side Industrial area for
industrial uses by updating the Zoning Bylaw
to support the relocation or establishment
of commercial businesses that support the
industrial sector into the West Sidney Mixed
Use Village area.
10.3.6
Require industrial uses that may have a
greater impact on the environment and
surrounding area to undertake a mitigation
study to ensure that no negative outcomes
result.
10.3.7
Support opportunities to meet the needs of
local industry, while enhancing education,
training, and employment opportunities for
local youth to join skilled trades.
10.3.8
Allow and encourage technology industries
and light industrial uses in the West Side
Industrial areas.
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11 Harbour Road Marine
11.1 Community Context
Sidney's connection to the sea and its support for the marine industry cannot be understated.
Maintaining the Harbour Road Marine area as a "working harbour" is a priority, as it adds to Sidney's
overall economy, as well as provides a geographic base for the marine industry. Sidney recognizes that
the qualities inherent in a working harbour add vibrancy and interest to the area and the community
as a whole, but that these qualities must be balanced with the needs of surrounding residential
neighbourhoods. The continued presence of marine industry in the Harbour Road Marine area should be
encouraged in recognition of its important role in the Town's economy.
Marine-industrial development along Harbour Road has continued to represent an eclectic mix of the
marine sector, and has included a Federal Parks Canada office building, marine office space, marina, and
a range of marine industrial and service businesses. The area also continues to see interest in residential
development. Multi-Unit Residential development has principally occurred along the south side of
Harbour Road where it has integrated well with marine-commercial and neighbourhood commercial
uses and adjacent residential areas. However, residential development on the north (waterfront) side of
Harbour Road is more challenging given the conflicting marine-industrial uses and should be limited.
11.2 Objectives
11.2.1
To provide for a range of marine-related industrial and commercial services along Harbour Road, with a
limited residential component on upland properties.
11.2.2
To ensure that the Harbour Road Marine area continues as a working harbour by retaining and expanding
the mix of marine industrial and marine commercial uses.
11.2.3
To encourage residential development on the south side of Harbour Road where it is compatible with
marine industrial and marine commercial uses.
11.2.4
To ensure that uses on both the north and south sides of Harbour Road are compatible and that the uses
on the south side incorporate an appropriate transition that mitigates impacts to adjacent residential
areas.
11.2.5
To encourage the development of marine services by developing zoning that encourages and supports
marine industries to locate in the Harbour Road area.
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11.3 Policies
11.3.1
The Harbour Road Marine designation is
intended to provide land for predominantly
marine-industrial uses that support the
marine industry and adjacent marinas,
including some limited commercial and
residential development, at a general scale of
1-3 storeys.
11.3.2
Industrial and commercial uses in the Harbour
Road Marine area will be limited to those that
maintain or support the marine industrial
orientation of the area.
11.3.3
Residential density on waterfront lots in the
Harbour Road Marine area will be limited to
no more than one residential dwelling unit per
lot.
11.3.4
All residential uses within and adjacent to the
Harbour Road Marine area will be subject to a
restrictive covenant expressing knowledge of
the marine industrial and marine commercial
uses that are currently established or will be
established along Harbour Road.
11.3.5
Work collectively with Harbour Road
stakeholders to enhance economic
opportunities for the working harbour as part
of ongoing economic development for the
area.
11.3.6
Encourage property owners and businesses
to take advantage of eco-tourism and cultural
tourism opportunities that may arise in the
Harbour Road Marine area so long as they
are subordinate and supportive of the marine
industrial focus of the area.
11.3.7
New development, in particular along
the north side of Harbour Road, will be
encouraged to preserve and respect key views
to the harbour waterfront.
11.3.8
New development on the south side of
Harbour Road should be used to buffer
adjacent residential areas from the marine-
industrial uses on the north side of Harbour
Road.
11.3.9
Marine-industrial activities on the south side
of Harbour Road that create noises, smells, or
other adverse impacts to adjacent residential
properties shall be prohibited by the Zoning
Bylaw.
11.3.10
The Tsehum Harbour Authority should be
consulted on all discussions concerning the
Government Dock.
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12 Environment and Climate Action
12.1 Community Context
The OCP plays an important role in managing land use and development to maintain the long-term health
of the natural environment and community. Healthy, connected ecosystems promote biological diversity
and increase resilience in the face of an unpredictable and changing environment. Protection of the natural
environment is widely supported by the Sidney community and across the Saanich Peninsula. This section
seeks to recognize that the natural environment does not start or stop at property lines or municipal
boundaries, and its careful stewardship is a shared responsibility across the region. Accordingly, much
of the work being done to protect and enhance the natural environment and ecosystems is being done
collaboratively between W̱ SÁNEĆ Nations, Saanich Peninsula municipalities, the CRD, post-secondary
institutions, and volunteer organizations. The objectives and policies of this section seek to direct and
support this shared responsibility.
A changing climate has many implications for the community - affecting our health, infrastructure, private
property, ecosystems and species, and marine environment. Recognizing these risks, Sidney originally
adopted climate action targets and policies into its OCP in 2010 and developed its first Climate Action Plan
the following year. In March 2019, Sidney Council moved to declare a climate emergency. The objectives
and policies in this section build on Sidney's commitment to climate action with a strengthened policy
framework and renewed greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets that reflect the 'net zero
carbon by 2050' goal recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Transportation is Sidney's largest source of GHG emissions, accounting for 56% of the community's total
in 2018. The next largest source of emissions is from buildings within the community (34%), followed by
industrial uses (7%), and solid waste (5%). In addition to continuing to build upon its compact, walkable
land use framework, the following objectives and policies, along with others throughout the OCP, identify
areas where Sidney can make significant progress on climate action.
As many of the sectors that will require emissions reductions are outside the scope of an OCP and even
local government control, the Town also has a role to play in collaborating with regional partners and
continuing to advocate for senior government action on climate.
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12.2 Objectives
Natural Environment Objectives
12.2.1
To recognize the rich and interconnected ecology of the Saanich Peninsula and work in respectful
collaboration with the W̱ SÁNEĆ Nations, North Saanich, and Central Saanich to foster a healthy
environment for current and future generations.
12.2.2
To support collaboration on Peninsula-wide initiatives to restore and protect the natural environment,
particularly projects to improve ecological connectivity, improve biodiversity, and reduce habitat
fragmentation.
12.2.3
To support the role of parks and recreational areas in preserving, enhancing, and connecting areas of
habitat and ecological significance.
12.2.4
To maintain and restore shorelines, creeks, and streams in and to their natural state and ensure the
protection of coastline, beaches, and riparian areas.
12.2.5
To foster environmental stewardship and support public knowledge of the environment to preserve and
enhance ecological health and resilience.
12.2.6
To encourage development that reduces impacts on existing ecology including the shoreline and foreshore
areas.
12.2.7
To improve and maximize the economic and environmental sustainability of the Town's infrastructure
systems.
12.2.8
To recognize the role that natural systems play in supporting the Town's servicing needs and build their
capacity to do so as Sidney grows.
Climate Action Objectives
12.2.9
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the community as a whole.
12.2.10
To support the transition to 100% renewable energy use and sources.
12.2.11
To pursue local investment opportunities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
12.2.12
To sequester carbon through land use management and technology.
12.2.13
To increase the number of trips residents and visitors make by walking, cycling, transit, and other
sustainable means of getting around.
12.2.14
To work toward electrifying all modes of transportation.
12.2.15
To ensure Sidney is resilient to the impacts of climate change by responding to climate-related risks.
12.2.16
To promote a healthy community for residents and visitors.
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12.3 Natural Environment Policies
Habitat Protection and Connectivity
12.3.1
Incorporate ecological connectivity into land
use planning by prioritizing and building
upon opportunities such as enhanced natural
spaces, and trail and corridor development.
12.3.2
Support public and private environmental
stewardship programs and regional trail
network construction that contribute to
protecting green and blue spaces in Sidney
and the Capital Regional District.
12.3.3
Strategically utilize parkland acquisition and
development tools to enhance biodiversity
and connectivity, and facilitate the protection
and restoration of natural assets.
12.3.4
Consider opportunities in the active
transportation planning process for greenways
to enhance both natural connectivity and
urban connection.
12.3.5
Consideration of variances and more-flexible
zoning will be encouraged as a means of
promoting tree retention and the preservation
of significant environmental features and
assets along the shoreline.
12.3.6
In order to protect existing trees and promote
the growth of new trees, limit subdivision
potential on properties located within
designated Environmentally Sensitive Areas by
retaining larger lot sizes.
12.3.7
Trees containing the active nests of Great
Blue Herons and Bald Eagles must be
retained. Permits from the Provincial and/
or Federal governments may be required
under Provincial and/or Federal legislation.
An adequately-sized buffer to ensure the
continued viability of the nest site should
be provided during development during the
breeding season, as specified in the latest
Provincial guidelines. Where there are nest
trees, ensure that construction takes place
only during the timing windows specified for
nesting and rearing birds, as identified by the
Province.
Preservation and Restoration
12.3.8
Support traditional W̱ SÁNEĆ methods of
habitat and ecosystem protection and
restoration.
12.3.9
Enhance and conserve the Town's urban
forest and tree canopy, particularly Douglas fir
trees and Garry oak ecosystems. Continue to
preserve and protect significant tree stands,
particularly those on Beaufort Road and the
area surrounding Roberts Bay.
12.3.10
Implement the Urban Forest Strategy to
achieve a tree density target that equates to
18% tree canopy coverage.
12.3.11
Enforce the Tree Preservation Bylaw to
support the protection, preservation, and
conservation of trees on private property.
Prioritize the retention of existing healthy
trees instead of replacement.
12.3.12
Preserve and enhance existing natural
ecosystems, vegetation, and watercourses
in municipal parks such as Reay Creek Park,
Melville Park, Brethour Park, and Peter Grant
Park by strategically locating recreational
amenities and restoring natural systems.
12.3.13
Establishment of covenants on private
lands for the purpose of environmental
conservation is strongly encouraged.
12.3.14
Support the restoration and maintenance of
the Mermaid Creek estuary.
12.3.15
Utilize native and climate adaptive plants
to support local biodiversity and minimize
irrigation needs in new park design and
upgrades.
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12.3.16
Retain and plant trees along boulevards,
municipal properties, and parks to expand the
urban forest and act as a mitigation measure
to address climate change.
Partnerships and Collaboration
12.3.17
Work with W̱ SÁNEĆ Nations to increase
awareness of the traditional ecological
knowledge, values, and culture of the
W̱ SÁNEĆ people.
12.3.18
Collaborate with W̱ SÁNEĆ Nations, the District
of North Saanich, the District of Central
Saanich, the CRD, and local environmental
organizations to:
a.
Protect, manage, and steward natural
areas, local parks, and ecological
reserves;
b. Improve jurisdictional collaboration
through protocol agreements, support
for assessments or studies, sharing of
knowledge and resources, and aligning
policies on environmental protection as
much as possible;
c.
Establish a centralized database and
support a coordinated approach to the
collection and use of environmental
data, including information from
W̱ SÁNEĆ traditional knowledge;
d. Maximize collaboration on similar
projects; and
e.
Coordinate on public education and
promotional programs to increase
environmental awareness.
12.3.19
Support collaborative projects that would
strengthen ecosystem connectivity, protect
habitat, and improve biodiversity, such as:
a.
Partnerships among the public, private,
not-for-profit sectors, and First Nations
to coordinate efforts for environmental
conservation and stewardship;
b. Educational opportunities to increase
public awareness on the value of
protecting land and water resources of
ecological significance;
c.
Preventing the loss of urban tree
canopy by retaining existing healthy
trees and encouraging the planting
of new trees focusing on native and
climate adaptive species;
d. Monitoring and removal of invasive
species; and
e.
Mapping and assessing potential
opportunities for ecosystem
connectivity.
12.3.20
Work with local governments, W̱ SÁNEĆ
Nations, other agencies (e.g. Victoria Airport
Authority) and environmental stakeholders
to develop a State of the Environment Report
to inventory, protect, enhance, maintain, and
monitor areas of ecological significance and
connectivity across the Saanich Peninsula.
12.3.21
Continue to work with North Saanich and local
organizations to ensure responsible planning
and management of marine and shoreline
areas (e.g. Harbour Road) used for industrial
and recreational purposes while maintaining
and protecting the environmental integrity of
Tsehum Harbour and All Bay.
12.3.22
Continue to work with North Saanich,
Provincial and Federal agencies, and
local organizations to ensure responsible
stewardship of the Shoal Harbour Migratory
Bird Sanctuary.
12.3.23
Support education opportunities to improve
public awareness of rockfish and Rockfish
Conservation Areas.
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12.3.24
Work with senior levels of government,
W̱ SÁNEĆ Nations, and environmental
stakeholders to:
a.
Restore fragile marine ecosystems such
as eelgrass beds, dune ecosystems, and
beach sediments; and
b. Map and restore fragile riparian habitat
and monitor water quality and flows.
12.3.25
Work cooperatively with other local
governments, W̱ SÁNEĆ Nations, and the
Victoria Airport Authority to address the
impacts of storm water runoff on creeks,
beaches, and ocean water quality in the area.
12.3.26
Collaborate with Saanich Peninsula
municipalities and W̱ SÁNEĆ Nations to
implement recommendations and initiatives
put forward by the Saanich Peninsula
Wastewater Commission.
Municipal Processes
12.3.27
Continue to build staff capacity and
understanding of ecological planning
principles as part of development and
planning processes.
12.3.28
Incorporate ecosystems and biodiversity
protection and restoration into the planning
and development processes. Review and
update policies and bylaws for habitat
protection and enhancement opportunities.
12.3.29
Acknowledge and integrate ecological
values and considerations into the municipal
decision-making process by utilizing reports
and information from Qualified Environmental
Professionals and other authoritative sources.
12.3.30
In parks, public lands, and marine areas
designated as Environmentally Sensitive
Areas or where the Town plays a stewardship
role, follow best practices when installing,
modifying or removing any works or services.
12.3.31
Review and update the Town's Seawall Policy,
Zoning Bylaw, and other relevant regulations
to facilitate the restoration of the shoreline,
beach, and riparian areas as developments
occur.
Water Resources & Riparian Areas Regulation
12.3.32
Work cooperatively with government
agencies, local organizations, and community
groups to increase public awareness and
knowledge of the Riparian Areas Protection
Regulation and how it pertains to the Town.
12.3.33
Protect creeks, streams and coastal areas by:
a.
Identifying and prioritizing the
daylighting of covered historic streams;
b. Encouraging developments,
businesses, and landowners adjacent
to waterbodies to pursue relevant
environmental certification; and
c.
Working with Provincial and Federal
agencies to improve in-stream channels
and removing barriers to fish passage
where watercourses have been altered
by human activity.
12.3.34
Work with the Capital Regional District to
monitor water outflow quality and identify
and resolve issues if and when they arise.
12.3.35
Utilize proactive storm water management to
reduce the volume and rate of storm water
run-off in order to address an increased
frequency and intensity of weather events.
Consider nature-based approaches where
feasible and site conditions allow.
12.3.36
Highlight the natural processes and values
of rainwater management facilities in parks
and look for new opportunities to integrate
rainwater management in parks and trails
beyond the storm water management
facilities provided through development.
12.3.37
Work with the CRD, business owners, and
property owners to monitor storm water
flowing from Sidney's light industrial areas
(in the West Side and on Harbour Road) to
identify sources of pollution and reduce
impacts through changes in business
operations and site improvements.
12.3.38
Periodically review Provincial and Federal
regulations to protect riparian areas and
update Town policies to reflect current
requirements as needed.
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12.4 Environmentally Sensitive Area Policies
While the Town of Sidney is a primarily urban community, it does contain a variety of important natural
features including areas important to the W̱ SÁNEĆ people, an IBA Canada designated Important Bird Area
(IBA), habitats for Species at Risk, blue-listed ecological communities, and a salmon-bearing creek. Some of
these natural features have been identified in Figure 2 below; however these mapped features represent
only some of the important biota and habitats found within and around Sidney. More work needs to be
done to gather information, properly identify, and further map these natural features, which may vary in
their level of sensitivity and need for protection and restoration. Based on these and other known natural
features, the Town has identified eight land and water areas as ecologically significant Environmentally
Sensitive Areas (ESAs) to encourage and facilitate their protection for generations to come. These eight
ESAs are specifically identified in Map 4 and encompass both public and private property areas. Policies
and guidelines for the management and development of land and water within these ESAs can be found
below and in Section 22 of the Development Permit Area Guidelines.
General Policies
12.4.1
Environmentally Sensitive Areas within the
Town are those designated as Environmentally
Sensitive Areas on Map 4.
12.4.2
All properties within the Environmentally
Sensitive Areas identified as "Marine Coastal"
and "Riparian" on Map 4 are designated as
Development Permit Areas and are subject to
the objectives and guidelines of the section of
this Plan entitled "Environmentally Sensitive
Areas" in Section 22.
12.4.3
Periodically review Environmentally Sensitive
Areas to ensure that they reflect new
knowledge and best practices as well as
significant changes to current conditions.
12.4.4
The Town will continue to use a standard
review process to evaluate the environmental
impacts of development proposals and major
public works projects in Environmentally
Sensitive Areas.
12.4.5
On public lands within Environmentally
Sensitive Areas, the Town will follow best
management practices and the relevant
regulations of the Provincial and Federal
governments.
12.4.6
Acquire land that can be added as municipal
parkland in order to help preserve or enhance
Environmentally Sensitive Areas.
12.4.7
Residents of properties within or abutting
Environmentally Sensitive Areas should
be made aware of the environmentally
sensitive nature of the area and advised on
how they can contribute as stewards of the
land, such as environmentally conscious
methods of erosion control, landscaping,
and minimizing pollution.
12.4.8
Consider limitations on the subdivision
of parcels in designated Environmentally
Sensitive Areas to ensure the retention
of larger lot sizes in order to assist in the
protection of trees, green space, and other
natural assets in the area.
12.4.9
The Town will work with the District of
North Saanich and other local organizations
to ensure a coordinated approach to
managing Environmentally Sensitive Areas
and natural assets that cross municipal
boundaries.
12.4.10
Recognize and build awareness of the
Town's shoreline as an Important Bird Area
and encourage measures to protect local
bird populations, including encouraging
bird-friendly design for buildings and
development.
12.4.11
Encourage Green Shores/soft shores
approaches that utilize more natural
methods to protecting ocean shorelines.
12.4.12
The Town will work to mitigate negative
impacts of storm drain outflows on the
ecosystems and habitats of Environmentally
Sensitive Areas.
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12.4.13
Consider opportunities for dark sky compliant
lighting in appropriate locations, including
near sensitive wildlife habitat.
All Bay/Tsehum Harbour Environmentally Sensitive
Area
12.4.14
All Bay/Tsehum Harbour is designated as an
Environmentally Sensitive Area to protect and
enhance the area as an important habitat area
for migratory waterfowl, forage fish, and other
bird and aquatic life.
12.4.15
The Town will work cooperatively with
adjacent property owners, other levels
of government, and non-governmental
organizations to protect, conserve, and
restore the environment and ecosystems of
the area.
12.4.16
The Town will work with property owners
and industry stakeholders to minimize the
environmental impact of marinas, recreational
and commercial boating, and related uses on
the area.
Roberts Bay Environmentally Sensitive Area
12.4.17
Roberts Bay is designated as an
Environmentally Sensitive Area for the
protection and enhancement of the
interconnected marine, foreshore, and upland
ecosystems and the plant and wildlife living in
this area.
12.4.18
Zoning designations and development on the
shore land, inter-tidal and deep-water zones
of the Roberts Bay area will be monitored
to protect marine life and wildlife from
harassment and habitat loss, deterioration, or
contamination.
12.4.19
Regulatory frameworks and development
within the Roberts Bay area should be
reviewed periodically to ensure that they
protect and enhance the interconnections
between the ecosystems of upland properties
and the marine environment with particular
attention paid to bird habitat.
Mermaid Creek Environmentally Sensitive Area
12.4.20
Mermaid Creek is designated as an
Environmentally Sensitive Area for the
protection and conservation of its salt marsh,
estuarine habitat, and vestigial creek bed.
12.4.21
The Town will work cooperatively with the
community, other levels of government, and
non-governmental organizations to protect,
conserve, and restore the environment and
ecosystems of the area.
12.4.22
Work toward renaturalizing Mermaid Creek
through land acquisition, lot consolidation
and development opportunities, with a long-
term goal of daylighting piped sections of
the creek, increasing tree and native species
cover in creek setbacks, and enhancing public
amenities such as a creekside trail or park,
interpretive signage, and other community
education and stewardship opportunities.
12.4.23
For any proposed Multi-Unit Residential
redevelopment south of Mermaid Creek park
and within 50 metres of the open channel
creek or piped drainage course, buildings shall
be sited to:
a.
permit the eventual daylighting of
Mermaid Creek in this area; and
b. minimize the current and future
impacts on Mermaid Creek.
Beaufort Grove and Armstrong/Thumb Point
Environmentally Sensitive Areas
12.4.24
The Beaufort Grove and Armstrong/Thumb
Point Areas are designated as Environmentally
Sensitive Areas for the protection of the
significant stands of Douglas fir and Arbutus
trees as rare and fragile vegetation and as
an important wildlife habitat adjacent to the
Shoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary.
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12.4.25
The area surrounding Roberts Bay and
including the Beaufort Grove and Armstrong/
Thumb Point Environmentally Sensitive Areas
will be maintained for the identification,
protection, and preservation of trees which
are rare, fragile or important wildlife habitat
including Douglas fir and Arbutus trees.
12.4.26
Prohibit further subdivision of parcels in the
Beaufort Grove Environmentally Sensitive
Area to ensure the retention of larger lot sizes
order to assist in the protection of trees, green
space, and other natural assets in the area.
ḰELSET (Reay Creek) Environmentally Sensitive
Area
12.4.27
ḰELSET (Reay Creek) is designated as an
Environmentally Sensitive Area for the
protection and enhancement of the creek as
an important habitat for salmon, cutthroat
trout, and other aquatic life and wildlife.
12.4.28
The Town will work with the District of North
Saanich and the Victoria Airport Authority to
monitor and maintain a continual well-water
supply to Reay Creek, to ensure year-round
water flow adequate to maintain levels to
support fish.
12.4.29
The lands surrounding the up-stream and
down-stream sections of Reay Creek are
located within the District of North Saanich.
As these lands are recognized as an integral
and important part of the creek system, the
Town will work with the District of North
Saanich and the Victoria Airport Authority to
protect, conserve, and enhance those sections
of the creek.
Lochside Environmentally Sensitive Area
12.4.30
The shoreline area along Lochside Drive is
designated as an Environmentally Sensitive
Area to protect and enhance the area located
between the Town's boundary to the south
and Tulista Park to the north as an important
habitat for migratory waterfowl.
12.4.31
The Town will ensure that the Lochside
waterfront area will be maintained as a
greenway corridor and that use will have a low
environmental impact.
Shoreacres Environmentally Sensitive Area
12.4.32
The waterfront properties located between
Surfside Place and Mt. Baker Avenue are
designated as an Environmentally Sensitive
Area to protect and enhance the area as an
important habitat for migratory waterfowl,
forage fish, and other aquatic life.
12.4.33
As opportunities arise, the Town will seek
to protect and restore ecological functions,
water flows, trees, and other environmentally
significant features of properties in this area.
12.4.34
The Town will work with stakeholders to
minimize the environmental impact of
marinas, recreational boating, and related
uses on the area.
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Figure 2. Town of Sidney Natural Features Map
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12.5 Climate Action Policies
Leadership in Climate Action
12.5.1
Update and implement the Climate Action
Plan using a low carbon resilience approach.
12.5.2
Implement a climate lens to the Town's
corporate decision making for municipal
programs, projects, and services in order to
integrate greenhouse gas reduction efforts
and adaptation considerations.
12.5.3
Continue to work with the Capital Regional
District and other municipalities to coordinate
and implement local and regional climate
change mitigation and adaptation planning
initiatives.
12.5.4
Meet the following targets to reduce
community greenhouse gas emissions: 50%
below the 2007 emission levels by 2030 and
achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
12.5.5
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the
Town of Sidney's corporate operations in
line with the Climate Action Plan in order
to demonstrate community leadership on
climate action.
12.5.6
Review greenhouse gas reduction targets
periodically to align with best available
science and updated targets at higher levels of
government.
12.5.7
Consider the impacts of climate change on
municipal infrastructure in order to better
plan for resilient infrastructure systems.
Natural Environment
12.5.8
Preserve and restore ecosystems as an integral
component of climate change mitigation and
adaptation strategies.
12.5.9
Protect and restore watercourses and marine
ecosystems to enhance biological diversity
and resilience.
12.5.10
Enhance the adaptive capacity of ecosystems
and the urban forest to withstand climate
change impacts. Support local biodiversity
through increasing the use and diversity of
native and climate adaptive species on both
public and private lands.
Built Environment
12.5.11
Implement the BC Energy Step Code, including
consideration for the inclusion of low carbon
energy systems, in advance of Provincially
mandated adoption timelines.
12.5.12
Work with partners to implement a
comprehensive, actionable, and equitable
home energy and emissions retrofit program
for existing buildings, with a goal of achieving
meaningful greenhouse gas emissions
reductions.
Transportation
12.5.13
Promote the reduction of community
greenhouse gas emissions related to mobility
by:
a.
Continuing to implement Sidney's
compact land use framework to further
support livable, walkable, and complete
centres and neighbourhoods;
b. Supporting transit-oriented
development; and
c.
Developing active transportation
infrastructure.
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12.5.14
Continue to evaluate the Off-Street Parking
and Loading Bylaw to better support low- and
zero-emission mobility options and encourage
active transportation including the following
actions:
a.
Expand the number of uses that are
required to provide Class I and Class II
bicycle parking in new developments;
b. Add requirements for bicycle end-of-
trip facilities (e.g. lockers, showers,
change rooms) for commercial and
institutional uses to encourage and
support cycling;
c.
Add e-bike parking requirements and
design guidelines; and,
d. Implement the recommendations of
the Capital Region Local Government
Electric Vehicle + Electric Bike
Infrastructure Planning Guide to
improve low-carbon transportation
options by updating requirements for
electric vehicle and e-bike charging in
new developments.
12.5.15
Monitor emerging micro-mobility options
(i.e., electric bikes, electric kick scooters) to
ensure these modes can be accommodated
in the overall transportation network where
appropriate.
12.5.16
Actively promote opportunities to reduce
usage of, and reliance on, fossil fuel vehicles
by connecting community members to local,
regional, and senior government incentive
programs.
12.5.17
Continue to support the use of electric
vehicles in the community and at the
corporate level, including by:
a.
Instituting charging requirements for
new construction;
b. Converting the corporate vehicle fleet
conversion, where practical; and
c.
Investing in public electric vehicle
charging infrastructure.
Waste Reduction
12.5.18
Periodically review the Town's waste collection
systems in order to ensure optimal efficiency,
frequency, and value for the community.
12.5.19
Support the regional Solid Waste
Management Plan and Provincial government
goals and initiatives for waste reduction,
reuse, and recycling.
12.5.20
Support and participate in programs that
decrease the amount of landfill waste from
residential, commercial, and industrial uses,
including from construction activity.
12.5.21
Educate residents on the benefits and best
practices of backyard composting in order
to divert organics from waste streams,
encourage local food production, and reduce
pests.
Sea Level Rise
12.5.22
In areas with marine shoreline and where
properties may be subject to marine-related
impacts of climate change, develop and
implement sea level rise adaptation strategies
based on Provincial guidelines.
12.5.23
Develop a Flood Construction Level Bylaw to
determine appropriate flood construction
levels, considering factors such as sea level
rise, coastal inundation, and wave run-up
during storm events.
12.5.24
Ensure that new construction in sea level rise
risk areas reflects the character and design
approach of the surrounding neighbourhood.
12.5.25
Collaborate with the Capital Regional
District and other municipalities in the
region on projects that address sea level
rise such as mapping and coastal adaptation
opportunities.
12.5.26
Utilize regional studies when considering and
addressing the impacts of sea level rise to
coastal foreshore and flood hazard areas on
private and public lands.
12.5.27
Review opportunities to manage sea level rise
risk through foreshore adaptation actions.
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12.5.28
As public infrastructure undergoes
maintenance and/or renewal processes,
review potential sea level rise risk and
opportunities to reduce that risk. Evaluate
adaptation options to maximize resilience to
sea level rise long-term.
12.5.29
Investigate the potential to implement hard
and soft infrastructure such as dikes or coastal
ecosystem rehabilitation (i.e. using a Green
Shores approach).
12.5.30
Review and update the Town's Seawall Policy
to ensure it addresses best practices related
to sea level rise.
12.6 Healthy Community and
Environment Policies
Healthy Community
12.6.1
Collaborate with Island Health and other
organizations to increase community
awareness of how land use, neighbourhood
design, transportation networks, natural
areas, local food systems, and housing affect
and influence community connectedness,
mental and physical health, and chronic
disease outcomes.
12.6.2
Consider the above health linkages when
reviewing development proposals and when
planning improvements or changes to public
spaces, transportation routes, and land uses.
12.6.3
Prioritize places for people and various
opportunities for community connection
(i.e. different forms of seating, play areas,
recreation, gathering, etc.) when planning
improvements to parks and public places.
12.6.4
Provide opportunities for public enjoyment
of natural areas and support low-impact,
sustainable recreation where appropriate and
without adversely affecting environmentally
sensitive areas.
12.6.5
Incorporate trees and sufficient space for
their growth into public spaces, boulevard
improvements, and onto private properties
being redeveloped.
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12.6.6
Continue to protect air quality through:
a.
Building practices, such as replacing
non-EPA certified woodstoves and
promoting heating alternatives;
b. Reduction of transportation emissions,
including support for compact
development, active and alternative
transportation options, expanded
local/regional transportation options,
transition to electric vehicles, and the
CRD anti-idling bylaw;
c.
Support for Provincial initiatives to
reduce exposure to second hand
smoke;
d. Participation in regional discussions on
air quality issues; and,
e.
Promotion of strategies to improve air
quality impacts from the industrial and
marine sectors.
Community Outreach and Stewardship
12.6.7
Work with the Capital Regional District,
School District 63, W̱ SÁNEĆ Nations, and local
conservation and community stewardship
groups to promote environmental education
and awareness, including:
a.
Public environmental education
around coastal ecosystems, freshwater
conservation, native fauna and flora and
the importance of water conservation;
b. Use of W̱ SÁNEĆ place names and
traditional knowledge to characterize
the original landscape of the Saanich
Peninsula; and
c.
Promotion of actions and funding for
ecological enhancement.
12.6.8
Support the stewardship of private land to
protect and restore the natural environment
by:
a.
Developing a voluntary and/or incentive
program;
b. Promoting Naturescape practices
and creating ecologically sustainable
landscaping;
c.
Encouraging the use of conservation
covenants to protect ecologically
significant areas; and
d. Supporting restoration projects and the
removal of invasive species.
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13 Marine
13.1 Community Context
The importance of the ocean to Sidney was a recurring theme throughout the OCP public engagement
process, where residents highlighted the physical, social, and cultural elements that contribute to the
community and its seaside character.
Sidney's physical connection with the sea is extensive; there are 10 kilometres of shoreline in the Town
of Sidney, representing 67% of the Town's overall boundary. But the sea's social, cultural, and historical
connections to Sidney, or SET,TINES, is also significant. The W̱SÁNEĆ people who occupied this land long
before the arrival of settlers refer to themselves as "saltwater people" showing the importance of the sea
to their way of life. Following the establishment of the Sidney townsite by settlers, the new community
depended on the sea for transportation, food and many of its economic activities.
Geographically, Sidney's Marine designation is defined as the water area between the foreshore and a
distance extending 300 metres out into the sea. The natural environment and marine ecosystems are a
fundamental feature of this designation that require protection and enhancement.
This water area also serves a diverse and important set of functions ranging from recreational activities,
commercial and water transportation uses. Open water surrounding the shoreline providing a range of
marine-related uses such as boating, recreation, and fishing.
13.2 Objectives
13.2.1
To encourage the use of the sea in a manner which promotes compatibility between the natural
environment, cultural practices, commercial uses, navigation, and marine recreation.
13.2.2
To provide safe, secure, full-service and publicly accessible marine facilities to boaters and pedestrians.
13.2.3
To encourage tourist-oriented marine uses along Sidney's waterfront.
13.2.4
To encourage enhanced marine transportation oriented uses in the area of Beacon Wharf and the Sidney
Ferry Terminal.
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13.3 General Marine Policies
13.3.1
Continue to assess and update zoning
designations within the Marine area to
achieve compatibility between the natural
environment, cultural practices, commercial
uses, navigation, and marine recreation.
13.3.2
Work collaboratively with local marinas and
the boating sector to highlight Sidney's role as
a major marine hub in the Pacific Northwest
for recreational boating.
13.3.3
Zoning designations and changes to the
foreshore, inter-tidal, and deep-water zones
of designated Environmentally Sensitive Areas
will be monitored to protect marine life and
wildlife from harassment and habitat loss,
deterioration, or contamination.
13.3.4
Encourage Green Shores/soft shores
approaches that utilize more natural methods
to protecting ocean shorelines.
13.3.5
Support and collaborate on projects to update
mapping of marine ecosystems for the Saanich
Peninsula, such as forage fish habitat/eel grass
beds. Assess shoreline types and conditions to
determine their overall ecological health and
to monitor changes in level of disturbance.
13.3.6
Provide uninterrupted beach access along
the foreshore and prohibit private residential
moorage or docks. Instead, consider
community or commercial moorage or docks
in easy to access locations for public use.
13.3.7
Work with stakeholders to enhance the Sidney
Ferry Terminal as a marine transportation
centre by continuing to upgrade and enhance
terminal facilities and access and wayfinding
to and from the terminal.
13.3.8
Monitor the condition of Sidney's waterfront
infrastructure to ensure safe operations. Set
aside sufficient resources for maintenance,
replacement, or removal costs as required.
13.3.9
Encourage and support the use of the
downtown waterfront area for recreational
use of the beach and marine-oriented facilities
and services (e.g. through provision of tap to
rinse off, outdoor showers, changing rooms,
equipment rental and sales, etc.).
13.4 Pollution and Impact
Mitigation Policies
13.4.1
Continue to work with Federal, Provincial, and
Regional agencies in enforcing environmental
pollution regulations.
13.4.2
Minimize storm sewer contamination of
shoreline areas through monitoring outfall
sites and cooperating with other levels of
government to achieve a high standard of
water quality.
13.4.3
Review public development affecting the
marine environment in consultation with the
Provincial and Federal governments, W̱ SÁNEĆ
Nations, and other affected parties.
13.4.4
Work with senior levels of government
and other partners to monitor and reduce
marine pollution related to marinas, boating
activity, discharge of municipal sewage system
effluent, derelict boats, and other potential
pollutants.
13.4.5
Support the Saanich Peninsula Harbours
and Waterways Initiative and consider the
following aspects of marine-based uses
in order to reduce derelict vessels, illegal
moorage, and other negative impacts on the
marine environment:
a.
Further developing policies and
regulations on marine-based housing,
(e.g. liveaboards, float homes);
b. Regulation of the placement of private
mooring buoys;
c.
Restriction on the placement of private
docks or other structures in proximity
to sensitive marine ecosystems such as
eel grass beds, coastal areas exposed to
high energy wave systems such as Haro
Strait, or areas particularly vulnerable
to marine related impacts of climate
change; and
d. Preparation of a coordinated education
and enforcement approach for marine
waters that include the relevant
Provincial and Federal agencies,
W̱ SÁNEĆ Nations, CRD, local police
services and municipalities on the
Saanich Peninsula.
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14 Parks, Public Open Space, and Leisure Facilities
14.1 Community Context
Parks, trails and walkways, public gathering places, and leisure facilities all play a role in providing a range
of recreational opportunities for Sidney's diverse population. The majority of the Town 's commercial
and residential areas are developed. As urban infill and commercial revitalization bring more residents,
businesses and tourists to the Town, public space and facilities become even more necessary to maintain
a balanced community.
In recent years the Town has begun a process to revitalize its existing parks with new landscaping, walkways
and playground facilities to make better use of existing space and to better meet the needs of surrounding
residents. This revitalization of park space will continue, as Sidney recognizes the fundamental importance
of park space and recreation within a community. However, the Town also recognizes that as the community
grows, new parks and public open space will be required to meet the needs of the community.
Due to Sidney's seaside location, public access to the waterfront is important to residents and visitors
alike. The public waterfront walkway system, waterfront parks, and numerous beach accesses ensure that
public access is available in almost all parts of the Town. Sidney will work towards expanding waterfront
access as new developments occur along the waterfront.
14.2 Objectives
14.2.1
To provide for a range of active and passive parks, recreational facilities, trails, and public beach accesses,
and to protect the natural environment and habitat areas.
14.2.2
To maintain and develop cultural facilities and activities to meet the needs of residents of all ages and
socio-economic backgrounds.
14.2.3
To promote Sidney as a destination for a diverse range of cultural events, activities, and artistic
endeavours that support and promote community spirit and identity.
14.2.4
To maintain and expand a public waterfront open space network that offers safe and convenient public
access to the beach and marine amenities.
14.2.5
To ensure Sidney's parks and green spaces, institutions, services, and cultural centres are accessible to
people who live and work in or near Town.
14.2.6
To develop a high quality parks and open space network that meets the needs of residents of all ages and
abilities.
14.2.7
To preserve and improve parks' ecosystem values and contribution to the Town's ecological diversity.
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14.3 Policies
14.3.1
Implement and update the Town of Sidney
Parks Master Plan.
14.3.2
Acquire, design, develop, and maintain parks,
public spaces, and recreation facilities to fit
the needs of residents of all age and abilities,
including improving their social connections
and well-being.
14.3.3
Develop a funding plan to address the
acquisition of additional parks space in
underserved areas within the community.
14.3.4
Cooperate with the Peninsula Recreation
Commission, other governments, and local
community service organizations to identify
community needs and provide and enhance
recreational services and facilities for
residents.
14.3.5
Support the continued development of
the Mary Winspear Centre, Greenglade
Community Centre, and other locations as
community/cultural facilities and events
venues, with consideration given to providing
additional space for recreation opportunities
that are unavailable locally.
14.3.6
Encourage community gardens on public lands
in Sidney through operating agreements with
not-for-profit organizations.
14.3.7
Encourage food production on private
property in Sidney where there is sufficient
and appropriate available space.
14.3.8
Support local food sales through farmers'
markets and local retail outlets.
14.3.9
Work with farm operators and other local
governments to support initiatives that will
connect residents and visitors to farms on
the Saanich Peninsula, including educational
programs that raise awareness of local food
security, sustainable farm practices, and
farmland preservation initiatives.
14.3.10
Work with and support Tourism Victoria with
promoting regional cycling tours along the
Saanich Peninsula and downtown Sidney.
14.3.11
Maintain and, where possible, expand an
accessible public waterfront open space
network, including expanding the waterfront
walkway. Explore places where additional (or
improved) beach access may be appropriate
through land acquisition or securing statutory
rights-of-way.
14.3.12
Multi-Unit Residential developments adjacent
to the waterfront should provide a 4.5 metre
wide strip of land abutting the landward side
of the natural boundary, which will remain
free of development with provision for public
access through registration of a statutory
right-of-way or other legal means. Provision
will be made for access around any structure
or development that extends below the
natural boundary.
14.3.13
Establish uses and activities that reflect and
enhance the unique pedestrian-oriented
character and scale of the waterfront and
foster the community's relationship with the
shoreline.
14.3.14
Ensure waterfront access is designed to be
safe, generous in width, well maintained, well
signed and include bicycle parking. Where
feasible, incorporate accessibility standards
when creating new beach access points or
improving existing ones. Include signage, on
a case-by-case basis, to identify areas that
should be avoided (e.g. First Nation harvesting
areas, culturally or environmentally sensitive
areas).
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15 Reconciliation, Culture, and Heritage
15.1 Community Context
The Town of Sidney gratefully acknowledges that the ancestral land on which we are located is within
the traditional territory of the W̱ SÁNEĆ people. The W̱ SÁNEĆ people have a rich cultural and spiritual
connection to the lands extending over thousands of years. Sidney seeks to recognize and honour not
only its own heritage and culture as a community, but its shared history with the W̱ SÁNEĆ people in
order to celebrate Sidney's/SET,TINES' many histories, stories and cultures in the context of Truth and
Reconciliation as the community looks toward a shared future.
Sidney's history and settlement pattern as a small seaside village is evident in its small-town-style, main
street commercial area and in many of the residential areas surrounding the downtown. Archeological
sites including First Nation's middens have been found along the Lochside waterfront and may also be in
other locations along the Town's shoreline. The preservation of these archeologically significant sites is
important to the history of Sidney and to the region as a whole. Heritage recognition and preservation, of
both Sidney's and First Nations' histories, are important in creating an inclusive community. Opportunities
for heritage preservation and recognition come in many forms, from public displays and landmarks to
community organized initiatives and events.
Sidney is home to a range of cultural facilities and organizations where cultural events involving local
residents, businesses, and visitors are held throughout the year. Cultural opportunities and events are
key elements in enhancing a shared community spirit and enriching the lifestyle of a town's residents and
also in attracting visitors to an area. As population and tourism grows in Sidney, the need to enhance local
cultural and recreational opportunities, events, and facilities becomes even greater.
The following objectives and policies aim to support an ongoing process and conversation with Sidney
community members and the W̱ SÁNEĆ people toward celebrating a rich history, diverse cultural
backgrounds, and a shared future.
15.2 Objectives
15.2.1
To build a future with a strong community spirit, values, and identity through the recognition and sharing
of physical, spiritual, and cultural traditions.
15.2.2
To strengthen relationships with and respect for W̱ SÁNEĆ people and culture.
15.2.3
To preserve and enhance heritage - including Indigenous cultural heritage - resources in the Town's built,
cultural, and natural environment.
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15.3 Policies
Reconciliation with First Nations people
15.3.1
Support opportunities to enhance awareness
of local W̱ SÁNEĆ Nations values, history, and
culture.
15.3.2
Build and maintain relationships with W̱ SÁNEĆ
communities, individuals, and organizations
through regular communication.
15.3.3
Establish a municipal training program that
assists staff to learn about W̱ SÁNEĆ values,
history, and culture.
15.3.4
In collaboration with neighbouring
municipalities and W̱ SÁNEĆ Nations, develop
a Reconciliation Strategy that charts a path
towards greater cultural understanding of
W̱ SÁNEĆ heritage, values, and worldviews,
and supports stronger government-to-
government relationships.
15.3.5
Establish Memorandums of Understanding
(MOUs) with W̱ SÁNEĆ Nations to proceed
towards common goals, and promote
collaboration, cooperation, and dialogue.
15.3.6
Explore partnership opportunities with
W̱ SÁNEĆ Nations in economic development,
housing, environmental stewardship, arts &
culture, and wherever plans include shared
priorities and goals.
15.3.7
Partner with the W̱ SÁNEĆ Nations to identify
areas where clam gardens can be restored
within Sidney and to support clam garden
restoration projects on the Saanich Peninsula.
Include interpretive signs of any new or
existing marine and sea gardens to educate
the public on these important cultural
features.
15.3.8
Explore the creation of traditional and
medicinal gardens in municipal parks in
collaboration with W̱ SÁNEĆ Nations.
15.3.9
Where a traditional place or feature is
referenced, support the revival of the
SENĆOŦEN language by working with a
W̱ SÁNEĆ Language Group to:
a.
Use SENĆOŦEN place names on maps,
signage, and wayfinding features in
public spaces; and
b. Incorporate SENĆOŦEN in municipal
documents, websites, and
communication materials.
15.3.10
With W̱ SÁNEĆ Nations and other Saanich
Peninsula municipalities, identify lands that
may be suitable for economic development
projects that meet the needs of Indigenous
communities on the Saanich Peninsula.
15.3.11
Partner with W̱ SÁNEĆ Nations and other
Saanich Peninsula municipalities to identify
joint economic development initiatives that
benefit all parties.
15.3.12
Advocate for culturally inclusive programming
and teachings that honour and respect
W̱ SÁNEĆ heritage and knowledge of the
Saanich Peninsula.
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Culture and Heritage
15.3.13
Work with local businesses and community
organizations to develop and promote Sidney
as a cultural, recreational and eco-tourism
destination that residents and visitors enjoy
by:
a.
Developing and expanding local events
and facilities, including those held at
the Mary Winspear Centre
b. Promoting the use of municipal parks
for cultural events;
c.
Developing projects and programs
that highlight the Town's natural
environment and its culture and history,
including support for the Shaw Centre
for the Salish Sea and the Sidney
Museum;
d. Supporting Sidney's marinas and
marine service industry with efficient
access and servicing infrastructure;
e.
Promoting marine recreation, including
boating, sailing, kayaking, scuba diving,
and whale watching from Sidney's
marinas; and
f.
Maintaining access to the boat launch
facility.
15.3.14
In collaboration with W̱ SÁNEĆ Nations and
Saanich Peninsula municipalities, develop
a Saanich Peninsula Heritage Strategy that
recognizes the shared history of the Saanich
Peninsula and works to protect significant
cultural sites.
15.3.15
Support efforts within the community to
maintain, fund, and develop the historical
collection of the Sidney Museum and Archives
to enhance the community's awareness
and knowledge of local histories. Explore
potential options for an expanded Sidney
Museum facility and funding possibilities, as
opportunities arise, suited to its long-term
goals.
15.3.16
Consider potential means and incentives
to encourage the preservation of heritage
landmarks and resources as stipulated in the
Community Charter and Local Government
Act. These may include:
a.
Cultural sites;
b. View corridors;
c.
Buildings with historically significant
architecture; and
d. Public spaces and public art.
15.3.17
Support local efforts to enhance community
understanding of heritage values and assets
and heritage resource preservation.
15.3.18
Support efforts to obtain assistance, including
funding, from sources such as the BC
Heritage Trust, towards the preservation and
enhancement of heritage resources.
15.3.19
Work with W̱ SÁNEĆ Nations communities,
local and regional cultural organizations,
businesses, and community service
organizations to:
a.
Promote cultural activities and facilities;
b. Include W̱ SÁNEĆ Nations
representation in official Town
ceremonial activities; and
c.
Acquire and develop community
cultural facilities that will meet the
needs of local residents and cultural
organizations.
15.3.20
Educate and inform property owners about
their role and responsibilities in relation
to protected sites under the BC Heritage
Conservation Act and the significance of
W̱ SÁNEĆ traditional sites in the area.
15.3.21
Ensure that development applications on or
adjacent to archaeological sites are referred to
the Provincial Archaeology Branch.
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Interpretive Signage and Public Art
15.3.22
Provide and support a variety of educational
features, such as interpretive signage, in areas
of environmental and cultural significance.
15.3.23
Review the Sign Bylaw to ensure it continues
to reflect the community's vision of a
pedestrian-oriented town and keeps visual
clutter to a minimum.
15.3.24
Pursue opportunities to establish new
public art pieces, displays, and events in
collaboration with and featuring local artists.
15.3.25
Review and expand the Public Art Policy to
ensure it adequately reflects and encourages
the diversity and talents of both traditional
and contemporary artists in the community,
with a focus on incorporating W̱ SÁNEĆ
artwork into public art initiatives and
architecture.
15.3.26
Follow W̱ SÁNEĆ protocols in the
commissioning of W̱ SÁNEĆ artists. In the
process of delivering Indigenous public art,
ensure that Indigenous heritage is considered
from the first stage of public art conception
through to delivery.
TOO STOCK
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16 Transportation
16.1 Community Context
A well-connected transportation network is key to resident, visitor, and goods movement throughout
the community and is an important element of the community's overall livability. A well-connected
transportation network means that whether people choose to walk, bike, or drive, they are able to get to
their destination safely and efficiently.
Sidney has relatively good connectivity between its streets and neighbourhoods. However, as the
community grows, a comprehensive planning approach is important to manage increasing pressure on
the existing transportation network. Safe, convenient, and attractive walking and biking infrastructure,
for example, is an important factor in making the choice not to drive more often. This infrastructure
supports reducing traffic congestion and GHG emissions and promotes an active lifestyle by providing
beneficial alternatives to driving, and reducing the demand for on-street parking.
Even though Sidney is a generally walkable community with a third of all trips taken by foot within
the Town, there are gaps in the sidewalk network and other areas for improvement that could make
walking more comfortable and convenient for residents and visitors. Sidney's cycling network is currently
underdeveloped, which may result in a lower number of cycling trips overall. With more cycling facilities
that meet the needs of all ages and abilities, cycling has the potential to grow in the Town given its flat
topography and compact size. Given Sidney's unique demographic, it is important to recognize and
address issues and challenges related to mobility for seniors and people with disabilities.
As Sidney's neighbourhoods evolve, it will be valuable to explore emerging alternative modes of
transportation and assess how they can improve the mobility for those with varying mobility needs.
Providing diverse transportation options contributes to a complete and liveable community that meets
daily needs and improves accessibility for visitors, local businesses, and residents alike.
16.2 Objectives
16.2.1
To provide a diversity of transportation choices for all residents and visitors in Sidney.
16.2.2
To increase the number of trips residents and visitors, make by walking, cycling, transit, and other
sustainable means of getting around.
16.2.3
To design and implement cycling facilities that encourage users of all ages and abilities.
16.2.4
To ensure that Sidney's streets serve the needs of everyone who uses them, including residents, visitors
and businesses.
16.2.5
To move goods and people efficiently, conveniently, and safely around Sidney.
16.2.6
To minimize the impact of traffic on local residential areas.
16.2.7
To reduce the negative impacts of vehicle use and parking in the downtown.
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16.3 General Transportation Policies
Complete Streets
16.3.1
Ensure all transportation infrastructure is
designed to accommodate users of all ages and
abilities.
16.3.2
Develop and maintain streets in Sidney in
accordance with road categories shown on
Map 3: Road Hierarchy. Ensure appropriate
design standards and regulations that provide
for a "complete streets" approach to future
street design projects in order to better
balance the allocation of space within the
roadway between travel modes.
16.3.3
Design and implement active transportation
infrastructure that better integrates with public
transit, including the provision of short- and
long-term bicycle parking at key transit stops.
16.3.4
As part of enhancing Sidney's cycling network,
ensure that all routes connecting with the
Lochside Regional Trail have cycling facilities
that are consistent with the standards in the
BC Active Transportation Design Guide or
equivalent.
16.3.5
Build and upgrade sidewalks, cycling facilities,
and other active transportation infrastructure
to account for motor vehicle speeds and road
categories (e.g. arterial, local) that build upon
the standards in the BC Active Transportation
Design Guide (e.g. level of sidewalk
separation).
16.3.6
Prioritize accessible, sustainable and active
modes of transportation (e.g. walking, rolling,
cycling, and transit) in decision-making,
when designing streets and funding new
transportation infrastructure. Integrate
recommendations from the BC Active
Transportation Plan when undertaking road
upgrades.
16.3.7
Identify strategic investments in walking and
cycling infrastructure and allocate investment
to prioritize completion of those projects.
16.3.8
Work with the Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure to provide a "green" entrance to
Sidney through tree plantings and landscaping
displays within the highway right-of-way.
Partnerships
16.3.9
Work with other organizations and partners to
improve the safety, connectivity and quality of
multi-modal transportation options between
Sidney and the region, including collaboration
with:
a.
Other municipalities in the region;
b. First Nations;
c.
The Capital Regional District;
d. BC Transit;
e.
The Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure; and,
f.
Car and bike share service
organizations.
16.3.10
Work with ICBC, the Capital Regional District,
and other municipal partners to explore
strategies, initiatives, and information
campaigns that:
a.
Address conflicts between road users;
b. Create awareness of road safety for all
users; and
c.
Expand use of active transportation and
transit.
16.3.11
Work with the School District, ICBC,
residents and other stakeholders to prioritize
improvements to pedestrian infrastructure
and the public realm in key areas, including:
a.
Routes to schools;
b. Locations connecting with transit stops;
c.
Locations with high motor vehicle
traffic; and
d. Locations with high pedestrian volumes.
16.3.12
Continue working with the Capital Regional
District on the Active School Travel Planning
initiative to help students and their families
walk and roll to and from school.
16.3.13
Consider opportunities to implement
bike share programs in partnership with
public or private providers, other Peninsula
communities, and the region.
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16.3.14
Work with the Capital Regional District to
improve wayfinding and signage to guide
recreational and commuter cyclists from
downtown Sidney to and from the Lochside
Regional Trail.
Emerging Technologies
16.3.15
Review transportation policies as new mobility
technologies emerge.
16.3.16
Support car and bike sharing programs and
services by working in partnership with other
jurisdictions, public organizations, businesses,
and community partners to sustain such
services.
16.3.17
Evaluate the need for public electric vehicle
charging stations and collaborate with the
Capital Regional District, BC Hydro, and other
levels of government to install stations when
opportunities arise.
16.4 Multi-Modal and Active
Transportation Policies
Connectivity
16.4.1
Link and align active transportation and transit
routes (transit stops, bike lanes, walking paths
and sidewalks) with places where people
shop or visit on a daily or regular basis (e.g.
downtown, employment centres, residential
areas, schools, neighbourhood commercial,
parks, recreational facilities, and other
amenities and services).
16.4.2
Establish and improve pedestrian linkages
between parks and public spaces.
16.4.3
Work with the Ministry of Transportation
and Infrastructure to improve multi-modal
access to, from and across Highway 17 at
Beacon Avenue, including the development
of conceptual plans and detailed social,
environmental, and technical impact
assessments.
16.4.4
Improve multi-modal access between
downtown Sidney and destinations on the
Saanich Peninsula and beyond.
16.4.5
Strengthen existing and create new regional
and active transportation connections
from Sidney to destinations on the Saanich
Peninsula and elsewhere in the region. This
could include strengthening connections to
and from the Lochside Trail, local farms, and
other preferred or potential touring routes.
Safety, Accessibility, and Convenience
16.4.6
Address locations of traffic safety or speeding
concern, particularly where they impact
Sidney residents' willingness to walk or
bicycle.
16.4.7
Develop and implement new traffic calming
policies and measures in locations that will
encourage active transportation and reduce
existing impacts of vehicle traffic.
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16.4.8
Assess the Town's wayfinding and signage
system along active transportation routes
to improve overall navigation as per the BC
Active Transportation Design Guide.
16.4.9
Design the pedestrian network to ensure it
is continuous, accessible, safe, comfortable,
and enjoyable for all ages and abilities starting
with identifying and addressing gaps in:
a.
Existing pedestrian facilities including
sidewalks; and
b. Crossings and/or transition between
pedestrian facilities including crosswalks
and curb ramps.
16.4.10
Update the Off-Street Parking & Loading
Bylaw to include requirements for pedestrian
connections in off-street parking areas in
order to improve access from the parking stall
to a sidewalk or path that leads to building
entrances.
16.4.11
Design and implement a continuous, safe,
and convenient cycling network throughout
Sidney that appeals to a range of people of
all ages and abilities and is consistent with
the standards in the BC Active Transportation
Design Guide.
16.4.12
Where new municipal facilities are expected
to generate high or consistent traffic volumes,
consider providing:
a.
Short-term bicycle parking in the form
of racks, bicycle corrals, or covered/
sheltered parking; and
b. Long-term bicycle parking in the form
of bicycle lockers, bike cages, and bike
rooms, where appropriate.
16.4.13
Work with the downtown business
community to improve, retrofit, and expand
existing short-term bicycle parking in the form
of racks, bicycle corrals, or covered/sheltered
parking. Consider options for long-term
bicycle parking, where demand exists.
16.4.14
Work with the local business community,
tourism sector, and other stakeholders to
position Sidney as an Accessible Tourism
destination.
Transit
16.4.15
Identify strategic investments in bus stops to
improve accessibility, amenity provision, and
overall user experience.
16.4.16
Work with BC Transit to implement the
recommendations of BC Transit's Peninsula
Local Area Transit Plan.
16.4.17
Work with BC Transit and the Victoria Regional
Transit Commission to improve the quality of
transit services, including:
a.
Service frequency and operating hours;
b. Local and regional connections; and
c.
Alignment with school, post-secondary,
and work commuter schedules.
16.4.18
Work with BC Transit to establish a multi-
modal transportation hub in downtown
Sidney near Highway 17 and Beacon Avenue
that:
a.
Connects different transit service layers
(RapidBus, Frequent, and Local Transit);
b. Features a facility supportive of
sustainable transportation modes
including secure bicycle parking and
designated parking for carsharing;
c.
Offers charging stations for electric
vehicles and electric bikes; and
d. Includes appropriate wayfinding
signage.
16.4.19
Support the development of the future
Peninsula RapidBus line between Swartz Bay
and Victoria.
16.4.20
Periodically reassess the feasibility of
establishing a fuel-efficient micro-transit
system to service Sidney's downtown,
waterfront, and West Side.
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16.5 Managing Motor Vehicles
Through Municipal Processes
16.5.1
Identify and implement long-term strategies
that support an increase in non-automobile
transportation options to decrease reliance on
private vehicles.
16.5.2
In residential areas surrounding the
downtown, address the issue of long-term
on-street parking through the use of parking
restrictions, enforcement and by providing
information about alternate modes of
transportation other than personal vehicles.
16.5.3
Complete a parking study of the downtown
core every five years that examines parking
capacity and needs in order to determine
appropriate changes to existing supply
and requirements including assessing the
feasibility of a structured parking facility in the
downtown core.
16.5.4
Work with the Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure to improve access to and egress
from Highway 17.
16.5.5
Improve wayfinding in the downtown area
to direct drivers to under-utilized parking
stalls in the commercial core, as well as to
provide information on where public parking
is available.
16.5.6
Continue to review demand for parking on-
street and in off-street public lots and utilize
management strategies such as priced parking
and time restrictions to ensure demand does
not exceed available supply.
16.5.7
Facilitate efficient goods movement and the
safe operation of commercial trucks and traffic
within Sidney and to/from the West Side
Industrial area, Harbour Road Marine area,
and downtown Sidney.
Through Development Processes
16.5.8
Encourage and support Transportation
Demand Management (TDM) measures to
increase non-automobile transportation
and decrease reliance on private vehicles,
including considering reduced parking
requirements for new development proposals
which support active transportation and
transit through the provision of pedestrian
and bicycle facilities, transit pass programs,
car-share programs, electric bike and vehicle
charging, and other appropriate TDM
strategies.
16.5.9
When developments request a variance
to parking requirements, require a
Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
study for new development proposals that
outlines:
a.
How transportation needs could
be met through a combination of
transportation options, such as car
share vehicles and parking stalls, more
secure long-term bicycle parking,
electric bike parking, and transit passes;
and
b. The volume of traffic to be generated,
the needs and/or standards for
entrances, turning lanes, vehicle
stacking, signalization, on-site
directional movements, and parking.
16.5.10
Encourage underground parking in Multi-Unit
Residential and Mixed-Use developments of
three or more storeys to enhance the overall
site design and landscaping opportunities
and minimize the impact of vehicle-oriented
spaces on the design of the building.
16.5.11
Periodically conduct post-occupancy parking
studies to assess appropriate parking
requirements for developments in the Off-
Street Parking and Loading Bylaw, while
considering other relevant policy objectives.
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17 Institutions, Infrastructure, and Services
17.1 Community Context
Institutional facilities such as schools, libraries, churches and government offices are found in many of
Sidney's neighbourhoods and in the downtown commercial area. In order to provide the highest quality
services to the residents of Sidney, it is necessary that facilities are maintained and upgraded to ensure
they remain operational and keep pace with the needs of the population and the changing dynamics of
the Town. New facilities are also considered when the need arises.
Infrastructure refers to both above ground and underground utility infrastructure, including sanitary
sewer, storm drain, and water supply systems that are operated and maintained by the Town. The Town's
potable water supply is provided and treated by the Capital Regional District (CRD). The storm drain
system collects rainwater throughout the Town and discharges it into the ocean at several different
outfall locations. The Town's wastewater is collected by the Town's sanitary sewer system and transferred
to the CRD-operated Saanich Peninsula Wastewater Treatment Plant, which has been in operation
since 2000 (and replaced older treatment plants from the early 1970's.) The facility provides secondary
treatment for wastewater from the Town of Sidney as well as from Central Saanich, North Saanich,
W̱ SÁNEĆ Nations lands, and the Victoria International Airport.
Other services can be provided by the Town, or alternately by a private contractor, as is the case with
residential garbage collection, which is provided through a municipal contract with a private contractor.
Third party utility services such as gas, hydro, telecommunications, and internet are installed, operated
and maintained by other providers.
17.2 Objectives
17.2.1
To provide for a range of government or non-profit services to the community such as schools, places of
worship, medical facilities, or municipal services.
17.2.2
To encourage the physical upgrading of institutional facilities within the Town of Sidney.
17.2.3
To ensure that institutional and infrastructure development occurs in a manner which is sensitive to the
character of the surrounding neighbourhood.
17.2.4
To ensure sufficient system capacity exists to meet current and future servicing demands.
17.2.5
To maximize the economic lifecycle of the Town's capital infrastructure systems and avoid the need for
premature replacement.
17.2.6
To deliver infrastructure services in a cost effective and sustainable manner.
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17.2.7
To ensure that municipal infrastructure and services constructed or provided by other agencies or parties,
are undertaken and completed in accordance with the appropriate standards and in a manner that
provides maximum benefit to the Town.
17.2.8
To achieve a reduction in the Town's solid waste disposal at the Hartland Landfill through the exploration
of zero waste initiatives.
17.2.9
To work toward a zero-waste economy.
17.2.10
To ensure that the water system always provides adequate fire protection for the Town.
17.2.11
To strengthen local emergency response capacity through emergency preparedness initiatives that build
community resiliency.
17.2.12
To promote individual, business, and community preparedness for response and recovery from
emergencies and disasters.
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17.3 Policies
Institutional
17.3.1
Designate land for a range of public and
private institutional uses, including: schools;
libraries; fire, police, and ambulance stations;
museums; places of worship; adult and child
care facilities; government offices; and public
works facilities.
17.3.2
Discourage the conversion of institutional
lands to other uses.
17.3.3
Through careful site planning, and building,
and landscape design, ensure that new
institutional facilities, uses, and activities
are compatible with and integrated into the
surrounding area.
17.3.4
Develop programs to support housing and
invest in assets and infrastructure that
support a balanced demographic in Sidney,
with a focus on children, youth, and elder-
friendly features.
17.3.5
Upgrade and/or replace Town-owned
buildings (e.g. the Town Hall) and facilities to
ensure the future needs of the community
are met, such as adequate service provision,
accessibility, etc.
17.3.6
Whether integrated with other cultural and
civic uses or built as a standalone structure,
ensure that the Town Hall is a clearly
identifiable building and its civic character
articulated in the architecture, site design, and
landscaping.
17.3.7
Upgrade and improve Town-owned
institutional facilities where resources permit.
17.3.8
Require that government/institutional
services and facilities constructed or provided
by other agencies or parties are undertaken
and completed in accordance with the
appropriate standards and in a manner which
provides maximum benefit to the community.
17.3.9
Provide public facilities in open spaces and
publicly accessible areas and locate them to
be easily found (whether visually or through
wayfinding), including:
a.
Restrooms,
b. Charging stations,
c.
Drinking fountains,
d. Bicycle parking,
e.
Structures for posting public notices
and advertisements, and
f.
Waste receptacles.
Municipal Services
17.3.10
Monitor the delivery of contracted municipal
services (i.e., organic and solid waste
collection and disposal) to ensure appropriate
standards of service and value are maintained.
17.3.11
Encourage and promote initiatives to reduce
the production of waste in the community.
17.3.12
Periodically review the Town's waste collection
systems in order to ensure optimal efficiency,
frequency, and value for the community.
17.3.13
Support the regional Solid Waste
Management Plan and Provincial government
goals and initiatives for waste reduction,
reuse, and recycling.
17.3.14
Support and participate in programs that
decrease the amount of landfill waste from
residential, commercial, and industrial uses,
including from construction activity.
17.3.15
Educate residents on the benefits and best
practices of backyard composting in order
to divert organics from waste streams,
encourage local food production, and reduce
pests.
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17.3.16
Explore options to support the creation of
new childcare facilities including:
a.
Commitments of space within private
and public redevelopment proposals;
b. Nominal rents for non-profit childcare
facilities in Town-owned space;
c.
Working with School District 63 to
expand childcare spaces in their
facilities or on their lands;
d. Working with the Capital Regional
District Housing department and
BC Housing to incorporate childcare
spaces into family social housing
developments;
e.
Working with faith groups to
incorporate childcare spaces into their
facilities; and
f.
Supporting the creation of early
learning programs.
Emergency Preparedness
17.3.17
Improve community capacity and resilience
in advance of and following weather events
by increasing public awareness of climate
change, its expected impacts, and how the
community can prepare.
17.3.18
Continue to support initiatives that strengthen
community emergency planning and Town of
Sidney business continuity planning.
17.3.19
Ensure emergency planning documents are
updated to current standards and regional
coordination continues where feasible
(i.e., partnering with Peninsula Emergency
Measures Organization).
17.3.20
Consider developing a community evacuation
plan that includes support for vulnerable
members of the population during
emergencies, and ensure public awareness of
an evacuation plan or strategy.
17.3.21
Improve fire risk awareness in the community
by promoting Fire Smart principles and
practices and continue to enhance fire flow
infrastructure.
17.3.22
Plan for continuous service provision of public
infrastructure and utilities during emergency
events.
Infrastructure
17.3.23
Maintain the municipal sewer, storm drain
and water systems, reducing rainwater
inflow and infiltration into the sewer system
and improving the capacity, resilience, and
efficiency of these systems. Expansion of
these systems should focus on increasing the
capacity of the existing system, rather than
extending it to unserviced areas
17.3.24
Review development proposals with
consideration for Capital Infrastructure Plans.
Require proponents to cover the cost, in part
or in whole, of any unanticipated upgrading or
revisions to the Town's infrastructure required
to accommodate the development.
17.3.25
When assessing infrastructure systems:
a.
Evaluate their ability to meet current
and future demand;
b. Design to avoid premature
replacement; and
c.
Evaluate their resiliency to climate
change and natural disasters such as
seismic and extreme weather events.
17.3.26
Develop and maintain an asset management
plan to optimize the life cycle of Town
infrastructure and corresponding budgets.
17.3.27
When replacing infrastructure, consider the
potential for:
a.
Using a natural asset management
approach or nature-based solutions;
and
b. Serving multiple purposes (e.g.
employing low-impact and integrated
design practices).
17.3.28
Continue to monitor the infrastructure needs
of the Town's industrial areas and industries,
ensuring a complete understanding of the
needs for utility demands and the flow of
goods to and from industrial facilities both
in the present and what is projected for the
future. Maintain ongoing communication
with the business community to ensure an
adequate understanding of their needs.
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Natural Assets
17.3.33
Adopt an approach that acknowledges the
role, extent, dynamics, and connectivity of
natural assets on the Peninsula, including their
benefits for municipalities.
17.3.34
Recognize the role that natural assets and
ecosystems play in the provision of municipal
infrastructure services and work to protect
and enhance those assets to ensure long-term
sustainability.
17.3.35
Explore a Peninsula-wide approach to
identifying, protecting, and enhancing
natural assets, in consultation with other
municipalities and W̱ SÁNEĆ Nations.
17.3.36
Work with regional partners to collect
data on local natural assets. Establish and
support programs for long-term, ongoing,
and comprehensive data collection and
dissemination.
17.3.37
Consideration should be given to restoring
the natural environment on both public
and private land. For example, barriers to
fish movement should be removed (e.g.
poorly designed or installed culverts), trees
and natural vegetation protected, and
watercourses daylighted.
17.3.29
Work with communication infrastructure
providers to upgrade technologies and
improve the speed and reliability of internet
and phone connections.
17.3.30
Carefully consider the appropriate location
of telecommunication towers and other
infrastructure. Where warranted, encourage
(or when appropriate require) owners of taller
buildings to provide space for communications
infrastructure.
17.3.31
Review data regarding legacy infrastructure
(such as wells) and formalize the status and
any associated action for such infrastructure
including maintenance or improvements.
17.3.32
Where a property or development provides
or proposes to provide public infrastructure
such as sidewalks, water, drainage, or sewage
systems under, on, or through private
lands, the property owner shall provide the
municipality with a right-of-way permitting
the installation and repair of such services, in
accordance with the Municipality's standard
right-of-way agreement.
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18 Implementation
18.1 Community Context
Sidney 2040, Sidney's OCP establishes goals, objectives and policies related to managing land-use and
development and maintaining a healthy, livable, prosperous community. Implementation (i.e. achieving
the goals and objectives) of this OCP will require making decisions about land-use, building and site
design, as well as public investments in programs, parks, infrastructure, and the public realm that are
consistent with this Plan. In some cases, it will also require the development or revisions of other plans,
strategies and bylaws and in other cases implementation will be best achieved through partnerships and
cooperation. Perhaps most importantly, the OCP will require the ongoing interest and support of the
community as they participate in the Town's civic discourse.
Specifically, implementation of Sidney's OCP is expected to occur through a variety of mechanisms,
including:
- Updates to the Zoning Bylaw and zoning bylaw amendment (re-zoning) decisions;
- Decisions regarding subdivision, development and servicing;
- Review of development permit applications referencing the applicable development permit area
guidelines;
- The development and implementation of Local Area Plans including the West Side Local Area Plan;
- The support, development and funding of various programs related to social well-being, health,
culture, recreation and the arts;
- Investment in municipal infrastructure, streets, buildings, parks, and open spaces; and
- Other plans and strategies.
The concepts, policies and operational measures in these bylaws, programs, plans and decisions
should be consistent with the objectives, land use designations, and policies within the OCP. However,
it is important to note that the Town is not obligated or compelled to carry out any of the projects
and actions listed within the OCP. Those will be brought forward by staff over time and considered
independently by Council.
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18.2 Implementation Policies
18.2.1
Projects and policies in this plan will be
prioritized and implemented through
the Town's annual strategic planning
and budgeting processes and individual
department work plans.
18.2.2
Prioritize clear and timely engagement with
community members during the development
of plans, strategies, and policies that involve
the community. The intent of community
engagement is to:
a.
Keep community members informed
about any major initiatives;
b. Enable community members to provide
input that can meaningfully impact
decisions;
c.
Ensure a high degree of transparency
about how and why decisions are
made;
d. Foster relationships and build trust with
community members; and
e.
Result in well-supported and well-
understood plans, strategies, and
policies.
18.2.3
Continue to establish advisory committees or
task forces for major projects and initiatives.
18.2.4
Continue to update and explore ways to
inform residents about municipal operations
and decisions, such as website, newsletters,
signage, and brochures.
18.2.5
Encourage developers to hold public
information meetings to consult with
residents and stakeholders that would be
affected by a development proposal before
submitting a development application.
18.2.6
In order to effectively and efficiently address
challenges and capitalize on opportunities
that are more suited to sub-regional or
regional collaboration (e.g. addressing climate
change, regional transportation, emergency
planning) continue to strengthen relationships
with the Capital Regional District (CRD),
regional municipalities, and W̱ SÁNEĆ Nations.
18.2.7
Make existing and proposed research easily
accessible so that councillors, municipal
staff, and the public may stay informed and
advocate for policy changes.
18.2.8
Encourage and support the development
of the local economy through the
implementation of the Economic
Development Strategy in partnership with
business and other community organizations.
18.2.9
Undertake periodic reviews of infrastructure
servicing areas to ensure adequate capacity
for planned development levels.
18.2.10
Consider the policies and guidelines in
the West Side Local Area Plan related to
the phasing in of new development when
considering redevelopment applications in the
West Sidney Mixed Use Village area.
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PART 3. DEVELOPMENT
PERMIT AREAS
Context
Application
Exemptions
Environmentally Sensitive Areas
General
Marine Coastal
Riparian
Public Realm and Open Space
Environmental Sustainability
Form and Character
General Form and Character
General Residential
Intensive Neighbourhood Residential
Neighbourhood Townhouse and Multi-Unit Residential
General Commercial
Downtown Commercial
Neighbourhood Commercial
West Sidney Mixed Use Village
General Industrial
Harbour Road Marine
INTRODUCTION
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PART 3. development permit areas
19 Context
Section 488(1) of the Local Government Act provides the legislative authority for Official Community
Plans to designate Development Permit Areas for one or more of the following purposes:
a) protection of the natural environment, its ecosystems and biological diversity;
b) protection of development from hazardous conditions;
c) protection of farming;
d) revitalization of an area in which a commercial use is permitted;
e) establishment of objectives for the form and character of intensive residential development;
f) establishment of objectives for the form and character of commercial, industrial or multi-family
residential development;
g) in relation to an area in a resort region, establishment of objectives for the form and character of
development in the resort region;
h) establishment of objectives to promote energy conservation;
i)
establishment of objectives to promote water conservation; and
j)
establishment of objectives to promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Upon designating key Development Permit Areas, an Official Community Plan must then describe the
special conditions or objectives that justify the designation. Following that is the provision of specific
guidelines respecting the manner by which the special conditions or objectives will be addressed.
Planning staff, the Advisory Planning Commission, and Council will utilize the Development Permit
Guidelines when reviewing and assessing development proposals within the Town of Sidney.
20 Application
No development shall take place in a Development Permit Area unless the Town, in accordance with the
objectives and guidelines outlined in this section, has issued a Development Permit.
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21 Exemptions
Pursuant to Part 14, Section 488(4) of the Local Government Act, issuance of a Development Permit is
not required for the following:
21.1 Repair and maintenance of existing legal or legal non-conforming buildings, structures or
utilities provided there is no alteration of land or vegetation.
21.2 Gardening and yard maintenance activities within an existing landscaped area, such as lawn
mowing, tree and shrub pruning, vegetation planting, and minor soil disturbance that do
not alter the general contours of the land. Tree pruning must meet the requirements of the
Town's Tree Preservation Bylaw.
21.3 Development on lots used for single- and two-family dwellings that are greater than 400
square metres in area, including secondary dwellings, except where the lot is within a
designated Environmentally Sensitive Area.
21.4 New signs or alterations to existing signs.
21.5 Minor alterations to approved Development Permits, which do not change the intent of the
guidelines, may be permitted without an amendment to the Development Permit, subject to
the approval of Town staff in accordance with policy approved by Council.
21.6 Internal renovations that do not affect the external appearance of a building or increase the
floor area. (Note: a Building Permit may still be required.)
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22 Environmentally Sensitive Areas
22.1 Designation
All properties identified under the Marine Coastal or Riparian categories on Map 4 are designated as
Development Permit Areas pursuant to Section 488(1)(a) of the Local Government Act and are subject to
the Objectives and General Guidelines under this section.
All properties identified under the Marine Coastal categories on Map 4 are designated as Development
Permit Areas pursuant to Section 488(1)(a) and (b) of the Local Government Act and are subject to the
Marine Coastal guidelines under this section.
All properties identified under the Riparian categories on Map 4 are designated as Riparian Development
Permit Areas pursuant to Section 488(1)(a) of the Local Government Act and are subject to the Riparian
Area guidelines under this section.
22.2 Justification
Section 488(1) of the Local Government Act authorizes local governments to designate development
permits where desired and justified for:
a) protection of the natural environment, its ecosystems and biological diversity;
b) protection of development from hazardous conditions;
The following is justification for the designation of Environmentally Sensitive and Hazardous Conditions
Development Permit Areas within the Town of Sidney:
Marine Coastal
Sidney is a community that is intrinsically linked with its marine environment. It is located on a peninsula
and over half of its municipal boundary borders the sea. The Town's shoreline areas have high ecological
values - particularly Roberts Bay and the Beaufort Peninsula. Development, and associated shoreline
improvements or protection measures, can threaten the ecological and physical integrity of the marine
environment, foreshore and upland areas. Sea level rise and storm surges associated with climate
change must also be considered when planning new development along the foreshore.
Requiring a development permit will help to balance development opportunities with ecological
restoration of the marine foreshore, while also considering potential hazards from the marine
environment.
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Riparian
Aquatic ecosystems and their riparian habitat areas are significant and limited features in the Town
of Sidney. Aquatic ecosystems include all watercourses that are defined and protected by the Water
Sustainability Act or Riparian Areas Protection Regulation including creeks and ditches. Some of these
aquatic ecosystems may be ephemeral, and are only wet during the winter months, drying up in
the summer. The geography and vegetation that surrounds, protects and interacts with the aquatic
environment is called the riparian area. Together, the watercourse and the riparian area form an aquatic
ecosystem.
The riparian habitats associated with these watercourses and aquatic ecosystems support high levels
of biodiversity and can provide important travel corridors between core habitat areas. Many rare and
endangered species rely on aquatic ecosystems and associated riparian areas.
Aquatic ecosystems and riparian areas contribute to the livability of Sidney. These areas are found
primarily in ḰELSET (Reay Creek) and Mermaid Creek and provide important ecosystem services including
natural water purification and filtration. They have the capacity to slow storm water runoff, maintain
water quality by reducing the levels of sediment, nutrients and toxic chemicals and prevent erosion.
The functional hydrology of a watershed is highly interconnected and fragile. A change in one part of a
stream or wetland can have downstream consequences that can impact wildlife, people, and property.
Unnecessarily disturbing these sensitive and important aquatic environments may harm their vitality and
the ecological services they provide.
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22.3 Objectives
The objectives of the guidelines are to:
22.3.1
Ensure that any future development being proposed within an area designated as an Environmentally
Sensitive Area does not negatively impact the environmental significance and ecological integrity of that
area;
22.3.2
Maintain safe, public access to the shoreline in a manner that does not compromise the ecological
integrity of the shoreline;
22.3.3
Guard against erosion of and damage to foreshore properties including that resulting from sea level rise
and storm surges;
22.3.4
Preserve and protect fish habitat and sensitive aquatic ecosystems while allowing for sensitive
development of adjacent lands;
22.3.5
Allow for safe, public access to riparian areas in a manner that does not compromise the ecological
integrity of the riparian areas; and
22.3.6
Meet or exceed the protection requirements of the Riparian Areas Protection Regulation.
22.5.1
Preserve the areas within the natural
boundary setback and the intertidal zone
in their natural state.
22.5.5
When flooding and erosion protection
is required, apply the 'softest' possible
shore protection measures (i.e. natural
plantings, beach nourishment).
22.5.8
Storm water outflows shall have water
quality and water quantity/erosion
control features installed that avoid
impacts to slope stability and aquatic
habitat integrity.
22.6.1
Developers and landowners must meet
and are encouraged to exceed the
minimum protection standards defined by
the Riparian Area Protection Regulation.
22.6.3
Introduce "source control" storm water
management initiatives to emulate the
pre-development natural watershed.
22.6.5
Existing trees and shrubs to be retained
should be clearly marked prior to
development, and temporary fencing
installed at a distance prescribed by an
ISA Certified Consulting Arborist or QEP to
protect them during clearing, grading and
other development activities.
22.6.1
22.6.3
22.6.5
22.5.1
22.5.5
22.5.8
22.5.8
22.6.3
22.6.5
22.6.1
22.5.1
22.5.5
GUIDELINES EXCERPT: ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
marine coastal
riparian
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22.4.8
The planting or introduction of invasive
species must be avoided.
22.4.9
Soil removal or deposit within or adjacent
to a sensitive ecosystems or habitat must be
avoided.
22.4.10
Alteration of natural drainage systems in ways
that increase or decrease the amount of water
available to a sensitive ecosystem should be
avoided.
22.4.11
Driveways and other accesses should be
limited to the number required for safe
access, with shared driveway access where
feasible. Driveway lengths and widths should
be limited to the minimum necessary. The
use of impervious surfaces is discouraged.
22.4.12
Existing native trees and vegetation should
be retained wherever possible to minimize
disruption to habitat and to protect against
erosion and slope failure.
22.4.13
Vegetation species used in replanting,
restoration or enhancement should be native
to the area and be selected to suit the soil,
light and groundwater conditions of the site.
They should also be selected for erosion
control and/or fish and wildlife habitat values
as needed.
22.4.14
Integrate smaller natural sites, neighbourhood
tree canopies, and Naturescape practices into
new development to complement existing
green spaces (e.g. green roofs, green walls,
and bioswales).
22.4 General Guidelines
22.4.1
A detailed plan indicating the location and
condition of existing trees and vegetation
on a site should be produced by a qualified
professional and provided to the Town as part
of the development application.
22.4.2
For all new development, a tree retention plan
should be submitted to ensure that trees will
be retained and that any trees that must be
removed will be replaced.
22.4.3
Design landscapes to support native
pollinators (i.e. native flowering plants,
composted mulch/incorporate logs) and
migratory song birds (i.e. include coniferous
trees for refuge); and, design plant areas so
that they have multiple layers of foliage (e.g.
ground cover, shrub layer and trees).
22.4.4
Landscape and planting plans should include
trees and plant species that are resilient to the
changing climate.
22.4.5
Active bird nests, as well as the nests of some
species, including bald eagles, peregrine
falcons, osprey, and heron, whether occupied
or not, are protected under the Provincial
Wildlife Act. A Qualified Environmental
Professional (QEP) should identify and assess
these nests and submit a report identifying
their locations and recommended buffer
distances that meet the recommended
Provincial standards of protection.
22.4.6
Any land clearing activities should be planned
outside of the breeding windows for species
at risk in the region (such as herons, eagles,
and osprey), as specified by Provincial and
Federal regulations. Any clearing activities that
are planned in this period should be preceded
by preclearing nest surveys. Active nest sites
must be identified and flagged so that the
nest and the appropriate adjacent area can
be left undisturbed until the young birds have
fledged and left the nest.
22.4.7
A report prepared by a QEP is required
where the Town considers that a proposed
development or alteration of the land
may cause adverse impacts to significant
environment features or assets.
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22.5 Marine Coastal Guidelines
22.5.1
Preserve the areas within the natural
boundary setback and the intertidal zone in
their natural state, except in accordance with:
a.
The conditions of an approved
Development Permit; and
b. Any Provincial or Federal requirements,
if applicable.
22.5.2
Maintain ecological processes on and adjacent
to the shoreline that are important to the
long-term health of the intertidal zone,
including drainage and hydrology and natural
sediment or detritus movement (accretion
and erosion).
22.5.3
Avoid adding fill to the area on and adjacent
to the shoreline and intertidal zone.
22.5.4
Protect against flooding, erosion and sea
level rise in ways that minimize loss of
environmental value, for example by applying
soft-shores approaches or designing hard-
shore approaches that minimize influence
on sediment transport and create additional
habitat (e.g. using rip rap rather than concrete
walls).
22.5.5
When flooding and erosion protection is
required:
a.
Apply the 'softest' possible shore
protection measures (i.e. natural
plantings, beach nourishment); and
b. Limit the size and impacts of shoreline
protection measures.
22.5.6
Retain or restore (with appropriate shoreline
vegetation) an average 15 metre (with a 5
metre minimum) wide shoreline zone above
the natural boundary over a minimum
50% of shoreline length, with recognition
that the type and extent of vegetation may
vary depending on the type of foreshore
ecosystem.
22.5.7
New roads or driveways should not be located
within 20 metres of the natural boundary.
If such a location cannot be avoided, its
encroachment should be minimized, and
the design and construction of the road or
driveway be supervised by a QEP that is
experienced working in shoreline ecosystems.
22.5.8
Storm water outflows shall have water quality
and water quantity/erosion control features
installed that avoid impacts to slope stability
and aquatic habitat integrity.
22.5.9
All development must be undertaken and
completed in such a manner as to prevent
the release of sediments or pollutants onto
the marine foreshore or to any watercourse
or storm sewer that flows to the marine
shoreline.
22.5.10
Materials used for shoreline stabilization
should consist of inert materials. Stabilization
materials must not consist of debris or
contaminated material that could result in
pollution of tidal waters.
22.5.11
Harder shoreline protection measures such
as revetments (rip rap slopes) and bulkheads
(retaining walls) should only be constructed if
no other alternative exists.
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22.5.12
While natural solutions to shoreline erosion
are preferred (e.g. softshores, etc.), where
bulkheads, seawalls or retaining walls are
proposed:
a.
The owner must provide a report
prepared by a qualified professional as
required by the Town's Seawall Policy
certifying that the construction of the
wall is required to control erosion of
the owner's land and that "soft-shores"
approaches are not viable in this
location. In addition, the retaining wall
must be designed so as to minimize
both the removal of natural vegetation
and negative impact on the marine and
wildlife habitat;
b. They must not be located where
geo-hydraulic processes are critical to
shoreline conservation. Construction in
areas on or near feeder bluffs, eelgrass
beds, spits or hooks must be avoided;
c.
They should be located parallel to and
landward of the natural boundary of
the ocean and as close to any natural
bank as possible;
d. They should allow the passage of
surface or groundwater without causing
ponding or saturation; and
e.
They should be constructed of stable,
non-erodible materials that preserve
natural shoreline characteristics.
Adequate toe protection including
proper footings and retention mesh
should be included. Beach materials
should not be used for fill behind
bulkheads.
Shore Protection Measures include a range
of modification measures to the shoreline,
or adjacent seaward or landward areas,
for the purpose of protection against
erosion. Structural protection methods
are often referred to as "hard" and "soft"
(See at right). "Hard" measures refer to
those with solid, hard surfaces, such as
concrete bulkheads and seawalls, while
"soft" structural measures rely on less rigid
materials, such as biotechnical vegetation
measures or beach enhancement. There is a
range of measures varying from soft to hard
that include:
- Vegetation enhancement
- Upland drainage control
- Biotechnical measures
- Beach enhancement
- Anchor trees
- Gravel placement
- Rock (rip rap) revetments
- Gabions
- Concrete groins
- Retaining walls or bulkheads
- Seawalls
In general, the harder the construction
measure, the greater the impact on shoreline
processes, including sediment transport,
geomorphology, and biological functions.
SOFT
HARD
Figure 3. Shoreline protection diagram
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22.5.13
Shoreline protection measures should not
restrict appropriate public access along
the shoreline (beach/foreshore walks)
except where such access is determined
to be infeasible because of incompatible
uses, safety, security, or harm to ecological
functions.
22.5.14
Incorporate ecological restoration and access
improvements into public projects.
22.5.15
The construction of public road or pathways
should not result in a net loss of shoreline
ecological functions.
22.5.16
Development of new public accesses through
sensitive ecosystem areas should be restricted
or carefully designed to minimize impact.
22.5.17
Fill should not be placed at or below the
natural boundary of the ocean for the
purposes of providing a trail or walkway.
22.5.18
Parking areas should be placed away from
the shore, buffered or landscaped, and
constructed to minimize erosion and water
pollution by controlling storm water runoff.
Structural measures such as catch basins,
oil separators, filtration trenches or swales,
unpaved or permeable all weather surfaces
should be considered for this purpose.
22.5.19
Development on properties abutting marine
areas should occur in such a way that any
potential negative impact on the existing
habitat is minimized.
22.5.20
Any hard surfacing including walkways or
patios (excluding foreshore protection), should
not affect more than 10% of the property area
that is located between the natural boundary
and a line running parallel 10 metres inland
from the natural boundary or to the face of an
existing building, whichever is less.
22.5.21
Permeable surface materials and/or
appropriate drainage and surface water
retention solutions should be used to
minimize rapid water runoff onto the
foreshore.
22.5.22
Landscaping for new development should
retain natural vegetation where possible, and
new landscaping should include native plant
species. Xeriscaping, which is landscaping
using various methods and drought-resistant
plant species to minimize the need for
irrigation, is encouraged.
22.5.23
Excavation during construction should impact
the smallest possible area of the property
and a construction management plan may
be required where there are significant
environmental features or assets on the
property that require protection. The plan
should identify areas to be fenced off during
construction, best practices for minimizing
silt runoff onto the foreshore (e.g. silt fencing
or covering excavated material) and other
strategies to preserve natural environmental
features or reduce construction impacts.
22.5.24
Any storm drains that drain to the sea shall be
designed to reduce or eliminate erosion of the
marine foreshore and not significantly impact
natural habitat in the area.
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22.6 Riparian Guidelines
22.6.1
Developers and landowners must meet and
are encouraged to exceed the minimum
protection standards defined by the Riparian
Area Protection Regulation (RAPR).
22.6.2
For any proposed development within
the Development Permit Area, a Qualified
Environmental Professional (QEP) should be
retained at the expense of the applicant for
the purpose of preparing a report pursuant to
Division 2 Section 144(2) of the RAPR and the
RAPR Assessment Methodology Guidebook.
The report should be electronically submitted
to the appropriate Provincial and Federal
authorities' Riparian Areas Protection
Regulation Notification System and a hard
copy must be provided to the Town.
22.6.3
Existing trees and shrubs to be retained
should be clearly marked prior to
development, and temporary fencing installed
at a distance prescribed by an ISA Certified
Consulting Arborist or QEP to protect
them during clearing, grading, and other
development activities.
22.6.4
All new developments on properties abutting
creeks should be located and designed to
minimize any negative impact on the riparian
and aquatic habitat.
22.6.5
Introduce "source control" storm water
management initiatives to emulate the pre-
development natural watershed by reducing
and controlling storm water quantity, and
improving the storm water quality discharge
from individual properties. Where ground
conditions permit, preference should be given
to promote the natural infiltration of storm
water into the ground and the use of green
infrastructure as natural storm water features.
22.6.6
Utilize proactive forms of storm water
management to address an increased
frequency and intensity of weather events
expected as a result of climate change by
restoring and enhancing natural hydrologic
pathways and reducing the volume of
storm water run-off based on the following
strategies:
a.
Minimize storm water run-off and
increase on-site infiltration into the
ground or reuse it at the site level
through vegetated bioswales, rain
gardens, rainwater harvesting, or other
green infrastructure practice;
b. Where a green infrastructure
approach is insufficient to achieve
pre-development levels of run-off,
an engineered storage and detention
system may be considered;
c.
Support a design approach of using
absorbent landscaping (including 12"
to 18" of topsoil) for storm water
management; and
d. Consider integrated drainage and
watercourse improvement projects that
demonstrate multiple environmental
benefits.
22.6.3
distance from
high water mark
per RAPR
22.6.1
22.6.5
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22.6.7
The Streamside Protection and Enhancement
Area (SPEA) for the protection of the
aquatic ecosystem, as determined by a QEP
on each parcel for which a development
permit application applies, should remain
undisturbed. The intention is that the SPEA
should be untouched by development and
left in its natural condition, or, if damaged
by previous use or construction, should
be restored or enhanced at the time of
development.
22.6.8
Where possible, SPEAs and open spaces
should be linked to develop a continuous
network of natural ecosystems.
22.6.9
Networks of SPEAs, open spaces and
foreshore may provide public access where it
is designed in a way that is not detrimental to
the integrity of the natural environment.
22.6.10
All SPEAs should be identified and protected
along their perimeter during all phases of
construction through the placement of
temporary construction fencing in order to
prevent any accidental disturbance to the
SPEAs.
22.6.11
Where the SPEA has been impacted by
construction, provisions should be in place to
restore it immediately following construction
using native species.
22.6.12
Maintain or, where feasible re-establish
natural hydrologic regimes and processes
including flooding, seasonal drawdown, and
groundwater recharge. Changes to surface
and ground water flow can negatively
impact aquatic, riparian, wetland and forest
ecosystems. Trails, roads, construction and
development should be designed to maintain
the hydrology of these ecosystems.
22.6.13
Riparian vegetation should be maintained
where intact, or restored where disturbed or
where invasive plants have established.
22.6.14
Development design should reflect the
objectives and guidelines of current best
practices.
22.6.15
Vegetation species used in replanting,
restoration or enhancement should be native
to the area and be selected to suit the soil,
light and groundwater conditions of the site.
They should also be selected for erosion
control and/or fish and wildlife habitat values
as needed.
22.6.16
Replanting requirements prepared by a QEP
should be set out in plans developed as part
of the development permit application and
should form part of the development permit.
22.6.17
All replanting and restoration requirements
should be maintained by the property owner
for a minimum of two years from the date of
completion of the planting. This may require
removal of invasive, non-native weeds and
irrigation. Unhealthy, dying or dead stock
must be replaced at the owner's expense
within that time.
22.6.18
To minimize rapid water run-off, the use of
permeable surface materials is encouraged
on properties with a property line abutting
ḰELSET Creek or Mermaid Creek.
22.6.19
On properties abutting ḰELSET (Reay Creek)
or Mermaid Creek, between the property
line adjacent to the creek and a line running
parallel 7.5 metres inland (away from the
creek):
a.
No building or structure shall be
permitted; and
b. Walkways should be designed so as to
have minimal or no impact on the creek
and its riparian habitat.
22.6.20
Where a QEP determines that a development
results in the harmful alteration, disruption
or destruction (HADD) of fish habitat, a
development permit shall not be issued unless
and until approval by the Minister of Fisheries
and Oceans is granted.
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23 Public Realm and Open Space
23.1 Designation
All properties identified as:
- Intensive Neighbourhood Residential
- Neighbourhood Townhouse
- Multi-Unit Residential
- Neighbourhood Commercial
- Downtown Commercial
- West Sidney Mixed Use Village
- West Side Industrial, and
- Harbour Road Marine
on Map 1 are designated as General Development Permit Areas pursuant to Sections 488(1)(e) and (f) of
the Local Government Act and are subject to the Public Realm and Open Space objectives and guidelines
under this section.
23.2 Justification
Section 488(1) of the Local Government Act authorizes local governments to designate development
permits where desired and justified for:
e) establishment of objectives for the form and character of intensive residential development;
f) establishment of objectives for the form and character of commercial, industrial or multi-family
residential development;
Public realm and open spaces are complex in their jurisdictions and uses, through their combinations of
public and private ownership and use. Putting specific emphasis fostering places for people, the public
realm and open space guidelines ensure a cohesive, high-quality network of public and private open
spaces that contributes to a unique sense of place and identity and enhances pedestrian activity, safety
and comfort.
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23.3 Objectives
23.3.1
To ensure high quality design of all streets and open spaces in Sidney.
23.3.2
To create visual interest, comfort, and safety for pedestrians.
23.3.3
To offer flexible, accessible open space programmed to relate to its users.
23.3.4
To positively contributes to urban ecology and storm water management.
23.3.5
To ensure that pedestrian environments and streets are safe for all user groups.
23.3.6
To increase connectivity to the surrounding area for everyone and the various ways chosen to get around;
to ensure functional vehicle movement (servicing, access and parking).
23.4.22
23.4.9
23.4.17
23.4.16
23.4.1
23.4.1
All streetscape and public realm
improvements shall be barrier-free
to accommodate individuals of all
abilities, including the elderly and
those using mobility aids.
23.4.9
Provide bench pads that are 1.0 metre
longer than the proposed bench to
accommodate strollers, wheelchairs,
scooters and other mobility aids.
25.6.5
Enhancement of streetscapes
throughout the Town is encouraged
through tree preservation and tree
planting on public open spaces and
boulevards, where possible.
25.6.9
Incorporate easy-to-maintain traffic
calming features,
25.6.20 Design plazas and urban parks to
be: sunny, furnished, have weather
protection and be animated with
landscaping /building edges
23.4.9
23.4.17
23.4.16
23.4.22
23.4.1
GUIDELINES EXCERPT | PUBLIC REALM AND OPEN SPACE
23.4.6
23.4.1
23.4.12
23.4.13
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23.4 Guidelines
The following guidelines apply to all public spaces
(including streets, parks and plazas) as well as
publicly accessible private spaces in Sidney:
Accessibility
23.4.1
All streetscape and public realm
improvements shall be barrier-free to
accommodate individuals of all abilities,
including the elderly and those using mobility
aids.
23.4.2
Include audible tones and pedestrian
countdown signals at signalized crossings and
consider fully accessible pedestrian signals
including options such as braille, vibrating
plate and audible location identifier.
23.4.3
Tactile warning surfaces shall be used
at all street corners, midblock crossings,
and sidewalk driveway crossings, to alert
pedestrians of the potential danger of
entering a vehicle through-zone.
23.4.4
Avoid changes of grade or gaps in paved
surfaces greater than 6 mm.
23.4.5
Avoid pavement slopes greater than 5% in
direction of travel and 2% cross slope.
23.4.6
Provide smooth walking surfaces with
adequate width to accommodate multiple
users, mobility devices, and assist the visually
and mobility impaired.
23.4.7
Prioritize the use of sawcut joints over tooled
joints.
23.4.8
Ensure that transit stops utilize the Universally
Accessible Bus Stop (UABS) Design Guidelines.
23.4.9
Provide bench pads that are 1.0 metres longer
than the proposed bench to accommodate
strollers, wheelchairs, scooters and other
mobility aids.
Sidewalks + Pedestrian Facilities
23.4.10
Build pedestrian facilities that reflect and
respond to Sidney's varying character, such
as residential neighbourhoods, major road
corridors, recreational and natural areas.
23.4.11
On a public sidewalk, where a single surface
material already exists, that material should
be continued for the remainder of the block,
with the exception of Beacon Avenue which
must be surfaced with interlocking brick.
23.4.12
Select tree species that will establish a
substantial canopy over public sidewalks while
minimizing root damage to sidewalks and
other infrastructure.
23.4.13
Ensure sidewalks are wide enough to
maximize space for pedestrian activities
and movement while still accommodating
landscaping and activities.
23.4.14
Provide sidewalks and pathways connecting
multiple buildings on a site with each other
and the street.
23.4.15 West Side/West Sidney Mixed Use Village
greenways are to be designed in accordance
with the direction outlined in the West Side
Local Area Plan (see Section D4 - Street
Typologies).
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Streets + Streetscapes
23.4.16
Enhancement of streetscapes throughout the
Town is encouraged through tree preservation
and tree planting on public open spaces and
boulevards, where possible.
23.4.17
Incorporate easy-to-maintain traffic calming
features, such as on-street parking bays and
curb extensions, textured materials, and
crosswalks.
23.4.18
Locate and design publicly accessible open
space to:
a.
Be directly accessible from the fronting
public sidewalk;
b. Maximize access to sunlight and
encourage year-round use through the
provision of landscaping, seating, and
weather protection;
c.
Where possible, complement and
connect with publicly accessible open
space on neighbouring properties; and
d. Maximize safety, comfort, amenity, and
accessibility.
23.4.19
Where there is an on-street bus stop within
one block of new development, improvements
shall be made to the pedestrian route leading
to the stop. This includes:
a.
A continuous, barrier-free pathway;
b. Curb-cuts and ramps;
c.
Adequate lighting; and
d. Seating in a sheltered waiting area.
23.4.20 West Side / West Sidney streets must be
designed in accordance with the direction
outlined in the West Side Local Area
Plan (see Sections - D4 Street Typologies
and D6 Transportation Design Direction
Gallery) to enhance streetscapes and
accommodate sidewalks, crosswalks,
greening, beautification, and stormwater
management.
Gateways
23.4.21
Strengthen the West Side Industrial and
West Sidney Mixed Use Village precincts by
establishing or improving gateways at:
a.
Galaran Road and Beacon Avenue,
including signage, lighting, landscaping,
and pedestrian amenities; and
b. To the north, in partnership with North
Saanich.
Parks, Plazas, and Patios
23.4.22
Design plazas and urban parks to be:
a.
Defined and animated on three sides
by active building edges or landscaping
at-grade;
b. Located in sunny, south facing areas;
c.
Designed with weather protection
where possible; and
d. Furnished to encourage a range of
seating and gathering opportunities.
23.4.23
Design public spaces to allow for easy visibility
into, around, and through the space.
23.4.24
Situate water features together with
landscaping and seating in publicly accessible
places to provide natural gathering places.
23.4.25
The planting of indigenous plant species is
encouraged in all parks and landscaping in
public open spaces.
23.4.26
Open space designs within the West Sidney
Mixed Use Village must reference the
direction outlined in the West Side Local Area
Plan (see Section E7 Design Direction Gallery:
Mixed-Use Village).
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Publicly Accessible Private Open Space
23.4.27
Include publicly accessible open space in
private developments, such as hard or soft
landscaped setbacks, plazas, courtyards, and
mid/through-block pedestrian connections
wherever possible.
23.4.28
Design mid-block connections to include
active frontages, seating, and landscaping.
Lighting
23.4.29
All pedestrian and street lighting shall be
shielded and downcast, following Dark Sky
principles. Pedestrian lighting shall be installed
no more than 4 metres above grade, and
street lighting shall be installed between 6 and
8 metres above grade but shall be shielded in
order to not cast light onto adjacent buildings.
Outdoor Furniture
23.4.30
Place public waste receptacles in convenient
locations, especially in areas with high
volumes of pedestrians. Ensure a uniform
design to aid in recognition and complement
other street furniture.
23.4.31
Permanent street furniture, including seating,
lampposts, bicycle racks, waste receptacles,
bollards, and signage shall be constructed
of robust materials (e.g. wood or steel)
and exhibit corrosion-resistance either in
materiality or finish.
23.4.32
All new permanent street furnishings shall
exhibit simple, modern style in the interest of
creating a calm, neutral streetscape palette.
23.4.33
Temporary street furniture, including
moveable tables and chairs, shall be
constructed of robust materials. Colours will
be bright, as a punctuating element on the
neutral streetscape palette.
Wayfinding
23.4.34
Pedestrian signage shall be located
in proximity to street corners, with
wayfinding and maps presented in an easily
understandable and consistent format.
Public Art
23.4.35
Locate public art at key pedestrian spaces
such as courtyards, mid-block connections,
lanes, and plazas.
23.4.36
Where applicable, integrate public art with
private development to generate interest and
activity and consider reflecting the unique
natural, Indigenous, or human history of the
area.
23.4.37
Consider building setbacks and public space
to accommodate the pedestrian view and
experience of public art installations.
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24 Environmental Sustainability
24.1 Designation
All properties identified as:
- Intensive Neighbourhood Residential
- Neighbourhood Townhouse
- Multi-Unit Residential
- Neighbourhood Commercial
- Downtown Commercial
- West Sidney Mixed Use Village
- West Side Industrial, and
- Harbour Road Marine
on Map 1 are designated as General Development Permit Areas pursuant to Sections 488(1)(h), (i)
and (j) of the Local Government Act and are subject to the Environmental Sustainability objectives and
guidelines under this section.
24.2 Justification
Section 488(1) of the Local Government Act authorizes local governments to designate development
permits where desired and justified for:
h) establishment of objectives to promote energy conservation;
i) establishment of objectives to promote water conservation; and
j) establishment of objectives to promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
In support of Sidney's commitment to being a complete, compact and energy efficient community, the
sustainability guidelines provide direction for the design of low emitting, climate adapted, and resilient
development. These give guidance particularly in the absence of adherence to established sustainability
standards such as Step Code or LEED.
The efficient design and construction of buildings and landscaping within the built environment can
play a significant role in the reduction in the use of energy, water, and greenhouse gas emissions. The
following objectives and policies are intended to ensure that developers and residents in Sidney use
energy and water resources wisely and reduce the community's impact on the natural environment and
climate.
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24.3 Objectives
24.3.1
To ensure buildings are designed to reduce energy demand and maximize occupant health and comfort,
while ensuring visual interest.
24.3.2
To conserve water resources through efficient building design and fixtures, and landscaping that
minimizes water use.
24.3.3
To design and build comfortable and energy efficient buildings and outdoor spaces that are resilient to
climate change.
24.3.4
To reduce community greenhouse gas emissions and build community resilience to a changing climate.
GUIDELINES EXCERPTS | ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
24.4.4
Ensure site planning and design
achieves favourable microclimate
outcomes through strategies such
as: Locating outdoor spaces where
they will receive ample sunlight,
planting trees to provide a balance
of shading in the summer and solar
access in the winter, and using
building mass, trees, and planting to
buffer wind.
24.4.9
Use appropriately designed exterior
shading devices (such as fixed
awnings or retractable canopies, roofs
projections, overhangs, and fixed fins)
to block unwanted solar gains.
23.4.9
The use of green technologies is
encouraged, including incorporating
green roofs where appropriate to
help absorb storm water, reduce heat
gain and provide outdoor amenity
space for residents.
24.4.5
24.4.9
24.4.13
24.4.9
23.4.5
24.4.13 - a
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24.4 Guidelines
Site Design
24.4.1
Prior to the design of the project, a detailed
survey indicating the location and condition of
existing trees and vegetation on a site should
be conducted and provided to the Town as
part of the development process.
24.4.2
Recognizing the environmental impact
of removing existing buildings, where a
development site contains existing dwellings
or structures that have not reached the end of
their life expectancy, consider:
a.
Retaining them on site;
b. Relocating them off-site; or
c.
Salvaging and repurposing their
materials.
24.4.3
Consider passive solar design strategies in the
siting of buildings and outdoor living spaces to
optimize penetration of sunlight in winter and
shading of afternoon sun in summer.
24.4.4
Orient larger buildings with double loaded
corridors north-south so that all units receive
direct sunlight at some point during the day
throughout the seasons.
24.4.5
Ensure site planning and design achieves
favourable microclimate outcomes through
strategies such as:
a.
Locating outdoor spaces where they
will receive ample sunlight throughout
the year;
b. Using materials and colours that
minimize heat absorption;
c.
Planting both evergreen and deciduous
trees to provide a balance of shading
in the summer and solar access in the
winter; and
d. Using building mass, trees, and planting
to buffer wind.
24.4.6
Provide bicycle parking that follows the BC
Active Transportation Design Guidelines to
maximize usability, specifically:
a.
Locate bicycle parking where it is easily
accessible to the street to maximize
convenience;
b. Locate public bicycle parking in well-
lit and highly visible locations to
encourage passive surveillance;
c.
Design bicycle parking to be functional
for a wide range of bicycle types (i.e.
e-bikes, bikes with child carriers, bikes
with accessories);
d. Design bicycle parking so that people
of all ages and abilities can safely and
easily park a bicycle without having to
lift the bicycle onto a rack; and
e.
Consider providing secure bike parking
options such as bike lockers.
24.4.7
Design and orient buildings to maximize solar
access to adjacent streets and public spaces,
while also considering optimizing for solar
orientation to improve energy performance
and occupant comfort.
24.4.3
24.4.7
24.4.8
24.4.10
courtyard designs create dual aspect
units and amenity spaces for residents
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ACHIEVING HIGH PERFORMANCE WITH FORM
AND CHARACTER IN MIND
The BC Energy Step Code establishes measurable
energy efficiency requirements for new
construction, up to net-zero energy ready
performance by the year 2032. Over time, and
supported by ongoing industry engagement, the
Town will support increased energy performance for
new buildings to the highest levels of the Step Code.
The Step Code is performance-based, which allows
designers flexibility on how to balance project
conditions and constraints (e.g. building code,
urban design guidelines, site characteristics) in
order to meet energy performance targets. The
guidelines in this section are meant to provide
guidance and flexibility so that designers are able
to achieve high performance design alongside
urban design best practices.
Building Design: Passive Energy Strategies
24.4.8
Utilize passive heating, lighting, and cooling
approaches to building design. Window sizing
and orientation should be optimized to take
advantage of and adapt to seasonal weather
and light conditions. For example, windows
on south and west facing elevations should be
recessed slightly or shielded to reduce heat gain.
24.4.9
Use appropriately designed exterior shading
devices (such as fixed awnings or retractable
canopies, roofs projections, overhangs, and
fixed fins) to block unwanted solar gains
in warmer months while maximizing solar
gains from lower winter sunlight. Additional
considerations include:
a.
Their use should be prioritized on
southern elevations;
b. Shading is not necessary on north-
facing façades; and
c.
Vertical fins are a good strategy to use
for blocking incoming summer sun on
western elevations.
Generally, overhangs and fins should be
approximately 0.6 m to allow for winter sun
penetration while blocking summer mid-
afternoon sun.
corner and
through units
facilitate
natural
ventilation and
daylight access
24.4.8
24.4.8
24.4.8
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24.4.10
Buildings and units should have access to
exterior ventilation (operable windows) on at
least two sides to encourage passive cooling
through cross ventilation and access to
daylight. For larger Multi-Unit buildings, this
may be achieved through:
a.
Design of narrow building forms and
floor plans that maximize corner and
through units (dwellings with exterior
access on two sides) with a central
courtyard or mews; and
b. Greater floor to ceiling heights to
increase the amount of interior space
that can be day-lit from windows, and
to allow for vertical air ventilation,
particularly for units with exterior walls
on only one side.
24.4.11
Use glazing technologies that allow daylight
penetration into buildings while reducing heat
gain.
24.4.12
Incorporate durable, thermally efficient roofs
that reduce heating and cooling and enhance
thermal comfort. For example, high albedo
or Energy Star-rated roofing materials that
will reflect solar radiation and reduce heat
transfer to the interior.
24.4.13
The use of green technologies is encouraged,
including:
a.
Incorporating green roofs where
appropriate to help absorb storm water,
reduce heat gain and provide outdoor
amenity space for residents; and
b. Incorporating roof top solar panels (i.e.
solar thermal and solar-voltaic modules)
into building design. When this is not
possible, construct new buildings as
Solar Ready for the future installation
of solar energy systems. For instance,
orient roofs to optimize solar energy
collection when using solar thermal and
photo voltaic (PV) modules.
Simplified Building Massing
24.4.14
Consider the impact of massing and
articulation on energy performance, including
consideration for strategies such as:
a.
Designing buildings with a simplified
massing and fewer complex junctions to
minimize building envelope heat loss;
and
b. Using articulation strategies for the
building façade that are able to be
done outside of the building thermal
envelope.
Building Articulation
24.4.15
Use simple shifts in massing and changes in
exterior colours and textures to articulate
façades.
24.4.16
For larger buildings, consider targeting an
overall window-to-wall ratio (WWR) of 40% to
reduce heat gain and loss through the building
envelope by increasing the area of insulated
wall. Additional considerations include:
a.
Higher WWR ratios can be
accommodated at grade to promote
at-grade transparency; and
b. Lower WWR ratios can be used on
north facing façades to account
for lower solar gain potential while
accommodating the 40% WWR in the
building overall.
24.4.13 - b
24.4.14
24.4.15
24.4.13
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High Performance Building Envelope
24.4.17
Use insulating materials and/or thermally
broken building products to reduce building
heat loss from thermal bridges such as
concrete balconies and beams that run from
the building's interior to exterior.
24.4.18
Maximize overall building performance
and interior thermal comfort through a
combination of passive design strategies.
24.4.19
Select and locate windows to increase
opportunities for natural ventilation and
reduce reliance on mechanical HVAC systems.
Building Design: Encouraging Sustainable Practices
and Benchmarking
24.4.20
Work to exceed the minimum requirements
of the BC Building Code with respect to
energy efficiency. Certification through third
party environmental performance standards
is encouraged, such as Passive House, Built
Green, or LEED.
24.4.21
End of trip facilities, such as lockers and
showers are encouraged.
24.4.22
Prioritize high efficiency heat recovery
ventilation systems and electric heat pump
technologies.
24.4.23
Design buildings for durability, with a service
life greater than 60 years.
Bird-Friendly Design
24.4.24
Avoid large areas of glazing and fly-through
conditions where birds can see through
windows to sky or habitat on the other
side, such as outdoor railings, free-standing
glass architectural elements, and building
corners where glass walls or windows are
perpendicular.
24.4.25
Avoid the use of mirrored glass and glass with
high reflectivity.
24.4.26
At heights and locations that present the
highest collision probability (at or below
mature tree height - approximately 12
metres, and/or on windows adjacent to
open spaces, vegetation, water features,
birdfeeders, green roofs and waterfront):
a.
Apply visual markers to the exterior of
glass surfaces (markers on the interior
surface of glass are less effective).
Ensure gaps between markers are
spaced at a maximum of 5 x 5 cm apart.
Visual markers should be at least
5 mm in diameter. A simple, repeating
pattern such as dots or lines that are
less obvious to the human eye are
encouraged (examples of visual markers
include adhesive film, etched glass,
ceramic frit, sandblasted glass, and
textured glass);
b. Interrupt reflective glass through use
of spandrel panels, mullions, external
blinds, shutters, sunshades, grilles,
louvers, or artwork;
c.
Use canopies, sunshades, screens,
drapes, or blinds to cover windows and
increase opacity of clear glass. Internal
features are less effective than external
treatments, so external markers are
recommended.
24.4.27
In circumstances where clear glass is
desirable, consider UV patterned glass which
makes glazing visible to birds, but not to
humans.
24.4.28
Reduce the dangers of attractants and
landscape reflections by ensuring outdoor
landscaping features (e.g. trees, shrubs) are
located at appropriate distance from glass to
reduce reflections. Avoid interior landscaping
near windows.
24.4.29
Reduce spill light through targeted lighting
and shielding. Down lighting is encouraged
to reduce impact on nocturnal birds.
Floodlighting should be avoided.
24.4.30
Ventilation grates and drains should have
openings no larger than 2 x 2 cm or 1 x 4 cm
and all open pipes should be capped to ensure
that birds cannot be trapped within when
looking for nesting opportunities.
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24.4.31
Consider landscape design that provides
opportunities for food, shelter, and nesting
sites, located at appropriate distance from
glass to reduce reflections.
Landscape Design
24.4.32
Place deciduous trees on the south and west
sides of buildings, particularly in front of
windows and outdoor living spaces.
24.4.33
Minimize the amount of impervious surfacing
and apply sustainable storm water practices
that reduce the speed of run-off, keep storm
water clean, and allow for gradual infiltration
into the ground such as permeable paving,
rain gardens, bioswales and other bio-
filtration features into the landscape design.
24.4.34
Design, construct and maintain storm water
management systems in accordance with
the requirements of the Town's and Regional
Bylaws including provisions for quantity
and quality control, erosion and sediment
control measures during construction and
the on-going maintenance of storm water
management facilities. The project engineer
shall be required to certify to the Town that
the required construction and on-going
storm water management systems have been
implemented.
24.4.35
Design landscapes to support native
pollinators (i.e. native flowering plants,
composted mulch/incorporate logs) and
migratory song birds (i.e. include coniferous
trees for refuge); and design plant areas so
that they have multiple layers of foliage (e.g.
ground cover, shrub layer and trees).
24.4.36
Biodiversity landscaping and planting
plans that ensure trees and vegetation
are adaptable to the changing climate are
required of new development.
24.4.37
Integrate smaller natural sites, neighbourhood
tree canopies, and Naturescape practices into
new development to complement existing
green spaces (eg. green roofs, green walls,
bioswales.)
24.4.32
24.4.35
24.4.26
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25 Form and Character
25.1 Designation
All properties identified on Map 1 as:
- Intensive Neighbourhood Residential
- Neighbourhood Townhouse
- Multi-Unit Residential
- Neighbourhood Commercial
- Downtown Commercial
- West Sidney Mixed Use Village
- West Side Industrial, and
- Harbour Road Marine
are designated as Development Permit Areas pursuant to Sections 488(1)(e) and (f) of the Local
Government Act and are subject to the General Form and Character objectives and guidelines under
this section.
All properties identified as:
- Intensive Neighbourhood Residential
- Neighbourhood Townhouse, and
- Multi-Unit Residential
on Map 1 are designated as General Residential Development Permit Areas pursuant to Section 488(1)(e)
and (f) of the Local Government Act and are subject to the General Residential objectives and guidelines
under this section.
All properties identified as:
- Downtown Commercial,
- Neighbourhood Commercial, and
- West Sidney Mixed Use Village
on Map 1 are designated as General Commercial Development Permit Areas pursuant to Section 488(1)
(f) of the Local Government Act and are subject to the General Commercial objectives and guidelines
under this section.
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All properties identified as:
- West Side Industrial, and
- Harbour Road Marine
on Map 1 are designated as General Industrial Development Permit Areas pursuant to Section 488(1)(f)
of the Local Government Act and are subject to the General Industrial objectives and guidelines under
this section.
All properties identified as:
- Intensive Neighbourhood Residential
- Neighbourhood Townhouse
- Multi-Unit Residential
- Downtown Commercial
- Neighbourhood Commercial,
- West Sidney Mixed Use Village
- Harbour Road Marine, and
on Map 1 are designated as Development Permit Areas pursuant to Section 488(1)(e) and (f) of the Local
Government Act and are subject to the objectives and guidelines of the same names under this section.
25.2 Justification
Section 488(1) of the Local Government Act authorizes local governments to designate development
permits where desired and justified for:
e) establishment of objectives for the form and character of intensive residential development;
f) establishment of objectives for the form and character of commercial, industrial or multi-family
residential development;
The form and character guidelines ensure new construction:
- responds positively to existing development;
- foster a high degree of liveability;
- contributes the community's vibrancy; and
- contributes to the character and identity of Sidney and its neighbourhoods.
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25.3 General Form and Character Guidelines
SITE DESIGN
PLACEMAKING + CONTEXT | RESPOND TO
CONTEXT AND FOSTER A SENSE OF PLACE
Design Objective: To site buildings with intention
and to respond sensitively to topography and
environmental features; to enhance privacy,
liveability and safety; and to tie into the
surrounding open space network.
Topography and Preservation
25.3.1
Site buildings to protect trees and significant
natural and ecological features.
25.3.2
Site and design buildings to respond to unique
site conditions and opportunities, such as
oddly shaped lots, location at prominent
intersections, framing of important open
spaces, corner lots, sites with buildings that
terminate a street end view, and views of
natural features.
25.3.3
Where applicable, site and design buildings
to consider view corridors to the ocean and
natural features from new and existing public
spaces.
Use
25.3.4
Develop in a manner compatible with
adjacent structures and uses.
Site Circulation
25.3.5
Design internal circulation patterns (streets,
sidewalks, pathways) to be integrated with
and connected to the existing and planned
future public street, bicycle and/or pedestrian
network.
Submission Requirement
25.3.6
Ensure utility areas are clearly identified at the
development permit stage.
25.3.2
NOT THIS
THIS
25.3.5
25.3.8
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ACCESSIBILITY + CONNECTIVITY | CREATE
ACCESSIBLE CONNECTIONS
Design Objective: To increase connectivity to the
surrounding area for everyone and the various
ways chosen to get around; to ensure functional
vehicle movement (servicing, access and parking).
Accessibility and Accommodating Pedestrians and
Cyclists
25.3.7
Apply universal accessibility principles to
primary building entries, sidewalks, plazas,
mid-block connections, lanes, and courtyards
through the appropriate selection of
materials, stairs, and ramps as necessary,
and the provision of wayfinding and lighting
elements.
25.3.8
Provide pedestrian pathways on site to
connect:
a.
Main building entrances to public
sidewalks and open spaces;
b. Adjacent streets, where the site is large
or has multiple frontages;
c.
Visitor parking areas to building
entrances; and
d. From the site to adjacent pedestrian/
trail/cycling networks (where
applicable).
25.3.9
Provide bicycle parking at accessible locations
on site, including:
a.
Covered short-term bicycle parking in
highly visible locations, such as near
primary building entrances;
b. Secure long-term bicycle parking within
the building, preferably at street level;
and
c.
Ensure bicycle parking, particularly that
which is not at street level, is easily
accessible to the street, including
reducing doorways and using automatic
openers.
Vehicle Circulation and Driveways
25.3.10
Ensure that internal circulation for vehicles
is designed to provide sufficient space for
turning and provides for logical and safe
access and egress.
25.3.11
Consolidate driveway and laneway access
points to minimize curb cuts and impacts on
the pedestrian realm or common open spaces.
25.3.12
Driveways on corner lots should be sited as far
away from the intersection as possible.
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COMFORT + ENJOYMENT | CONTRIBUTE
TO PEDESTRIAN COMFORT AND DELIGHT.
Design Objective: To ensure buildings are designed
and oriented to frame and activate public space
and streets; to promote positive interactions
with particular care and attention to separating
pedestrian and vehicular areas.
Building Orientation
25.3.13
Site buildings and orient primary façades and
entries to the fronting street or a central open
space to create street/edge definition and
activity.
25.3.14
On corner sites, orient building façades and
entries to both fronting streets.
25.3.15
Avoid large expanses of uniform materials and
flat monotonous façades facing streets and
public open spaces.
Use
25.3.16
Design buildings such that their form and
architectural character consider the building's
internal function and use.
Parking and Servicing
25.3.17
Locate off-street parking and other 'back-
of-house' uses (such as loading, solid waste
collection, utilities, and parking access) away
from public view or the view of adjacent
properties.
25.3.18
Screen solid waste facilities and unsightly
building elements.
25.3.19
Noise producing mechanical equipment
should be located in order to reduce
disturbance to neighbouring properties, with
consideration of acoustic and visual screening.
25.3.20
In general, accommodate off-street parking
in one of the following ways, in order of
preference:
a.
Underground (where ground conditions
allow);
b. Parking in half-storey (where it is able
to be accommodated to not negatively
impact the street frontage);
c.
Garages or at-grade parking integrated
into the building (located at the rear of
the building); and
d. Surface parking at in the rear, with
access from the lane or secondary
street wherever possible.
25.3.21
Avoid locating off-street parking between the
front façade of a building and the fronting
public street.
25.3.22
Cluster underground parkades, infrastructure,
and other services to maximize in-ground
planting areas.
25.3.13
25.3.14
25.3.16
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BUILDING DESIGN
PLACEMAKING + CONTEXT | RESPOND TO
CONTEXT AND FOSTER A SENSE OF PLACE
Design Objective: To ensure buildings are sensitive
to the neighbourhood context, and to avoid
abrupt transitions in height and massing between
adjacent buildings and public spaces.
Adjacent Existing Properties and Buildings
25.3.23
Locate and design buildings to maintain access
to sunlight, and reduce overlook between
buildings and neighbouring properties (e.g.
by locating windows to minimize overlook
and direct sight lines into adjacent units).
Take into account adjacent land use and
potential future development when designing
for privacy, so as not to preclude future
development from occurring.
25.3.24
Integrate new developments with the existing
neighbourhood by considering the transition
between building heights and massing, paying
particular attention to building elevations
visible from the public realm (waterfront,
streetscapes).
25.3.25
Consider future land use direction when
designing the transition in building heights
from taller to shorter buildings both within
and adjacent to the site.
25.3.26
Orient roofs that use reflective high albedo
materials so that they mitigate glare on
adjacent properties.
25.3.27
Ancillary or secondary buildings on a site,
including shipping and storage containers
and buildings constructed for the purposes of
storage, should be designed and finished in a
manner consistent with the principal building
on a site.
COMFORT + ENJOYMENT | CONTRIBUTE
TO PEDESTRIAN COMFORT AND DELIGHT.
Design Objective: To foster a sense of place,
local identity and enhanced liveability through
architectural details (articulation, materials and
massing) that contributes to creating a human
scaled streetscape.
Building Scale, Massing, Façade Articulation and
Roof Treatment
25.3.28
Step back the upper storeys of buildings and
arrange the massing and siting of buildings
to consider shadowing on lower level units,
adjacent buildings, as well as public and
open spaces such as sidewalks, plazas, and
courtyards.
25.3.29
Break up the perceived mass of large buildings
by incorporating visual breaks in façades.
25.3.30
Incorporate subtle vertical and horizontal
recesses / articulation on large primary
façades (e.g. cladding details).
25.3.23
25.3.24
25.3.25
25.3.28
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25.3.31
Avoid blank, windowless walls along and/
or visible from streets or other public open
spaces. Where blank walls cannot be avoided,
features such as texture, graphics, reveals, and
colours may be incorporated into façades.
25.3.32
Outdoor and rooftop service installations,
including mechanical, electrical, and other
service equipment, should be considered
early in the design process and shown on
architectural plans to avoid the need to add
on separate screening structures.
25.3.33
Mechanical equipment on rooftops shall
be integrated with the building design and
screened or hidden from view.
25.3.34
Where screening structures are necessary,
they should use consistent design, materiality,
and scale that complements the building.
Entrances
25.3.35
Ensure main building entries are clearly visible
with direct sight lines from the fronting street.
25.3.36
Provide weather protection such as awnings
and canopies at primary building entries.
25.3.37
Garage entries should be located on rear or
side façades. If this is not possible, they should
be receded behind the front building face and
incorporate architectural detailing to avoid an
auto-centric streetscape. Garage doors visible
from the street should include glazing, design
features, and materials/colours to soften the
impact of garage doors oriented toward the
street.
25.3.38
Service doors (e.g. an overhead door at a
loading dock) should not be located on a
building façade that faces a street. Service
doors should be designed to fit in with the
overall design of the building. Service doors
should fit with the overall design of the
building. Features such as texture, graphics,
reveals and colours should be incorporated
into walls with multiple service doors.
25.3.36
25.3.35
25.3.29
25.3.30
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MATERIALITY + DURABILITY | CHOOSE
DURABLE AND QUALITY MATERIALS
Design Objective: To strengthen authenticity
through materiality and colour; to support long
term viability of designs; to further support
thoughtful integration into the existing community
and neighbourhoods
25.3.39
Select building materials that will weather
gracefully over time.
25.3.40
Architectural elements and materials should
be chosen to convey a feeling of quality and
permanence by evoking traditional building
design and materials, such as stone, timber,
and brick.
25.3.41
Consider the colours and materials of
adjacent or neighbouring buildings when
selecting material and building colour to
provide consistency and balance of the overall
streetscape.
25.3.42
Building materials should be used consistently
throughout all building elevations that are
visible from the street and public open spaces.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
COMFORT + ENJOYMENT CONTRIBUTE TO
PEDESTRIAN COMFORT AND DELIGHT
Design Objective: To provide visual interest and
celebrate unique climatic qualities; to mitigate
potential impacts of new development (e.g.
overlook and noise)
25.3.43
A member of the BC Society of Landscape
Architects or similarly qualified professional
must prepare all landscaping plans for new
developments.
25.3.44
All plant material and contractor's work
must meet or exceed the standards of the BC
Nursery Trades Association or the BC Society
of Landscape Architects.
Sight lines and Circulation
25.3.45
Pedestrian pathways should provide clear
sight lines and connect the following:
a.
Parking areas to building entrances;
b. Main building entrances to public
sidewalks and transit stops; and
c.
Multiple buildings on a lot or between
adjacent lots.
25.3.46
Locate trees, shrubs, and other landscaping
appropriately to optimize sight lines and
pedestrian circulation.
Softening and Screening
25.3.47
Provide landscaping in strategic locations
throughout the site to frame building
entrances, soften edges, screen parking
garages, and break up long façades.
25.3.48
In cases where publicly visible parking is
unavoidable, it should be screened using
strategies such as:
a.
Landscaping;
b. Trellises;
c.
Grillwork with climbing vines where
located on lower storeys; or
d. Other attractive screening with some
visual permeability.
25.3.49
Minimize negative impacts of parking
ramps and entrances/garage doors
through treatments such as screening, high
quality finishes, architectural lighting, and
landscaping.
25.3.50
Fencing should incorporate landscaping and
allow visibility above the height of 1.5 meters.
25.3.51
Chain link fences should be avoided,
particularly along street frontages and
pedestrian pathways. If a chain link fence
is unavoidable, black coated chain link is
preferred, along with a dense landscaped
material such as a hedge.
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Site Servicing
25.3.52
New buildings will be serviced with
underground wiring.
25.3.53
Unsightly site elements including utility
kiosks, utility meters, solid waste compounds
and storage, loading, and unloading areas
should be incorporated into the design of
buildings so they are not visible from abutting
residential uses, adjacent properties, streets
and the waterfront. Where this is not possible,
screening or decorative wraps may be
considered.
Storm Water Management and Water Usage
25.3.54
Design sites and landscapes to maintain
pre-development flows through capture,
infiltration, and filtration strategies, such
as the use of rain gardens and permeable
surfacing.
25.3.55
Design sites to minimize water use for
irrigation by using strategies such as:
a.
Designing planting areas and tree pits
to passively capture rainwater and
storm water run-off; and
b. Irrigation of landscaping using storm
water capture or recycled water
irrigation systems is encouraged.
MATERIALITY + DURABILITY CHOOSE
DURABLE AND QUALITY MATERIALS
Design Objective: To enhance local landscape and
plant character - a reflection of place and climate;
to increase livability and opportunities to grow
food and to socialize.
Durable Materials and Furniture
25.3.56
Select high quality materials and furnishings
that reduce maintenance requirements and
are sustainably sourced, re-purposed, or 100%
recycled while achieving municipal standards
or equivalent.
25.3.57
Design attractive, engaging, and functional
on-site open spaces with high quality, durable,
and contemporary materials, colours, lighting,
furniture, and signage.
Softscapes
25.3.58
Use landscaping materials to complement
development and enhance the public realm.
Landscaping should not be used as screening
for blank or monotonous architectural
elements.
25.3.59
Plant native and/or drought tolerant trees
and plants suitable for the local climate (i.e.
xeriscaping).
25.3.60
Select trees for long-term durability, climate
and soil suitability and compatibility with the
site's specific urban conditions.
25.3.61
Landscaping should be compatible with
underground utilities and above ground
utilities where they exist.
25.3.62
The following landscaping practices are
encouraged:
a.
Allocating space for food gardening and
the use of edible plants; and
b. Selecting tree species that provide
high quality bird habitat and low
maintenance fruit production.
25.3.50
25.3.48
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Lighting, Wayfinding and Signage
25.3.63
Architectural lighting should be used to
accentuate the design of the building,
highlight landscaping and wayfinding features,
and complement the adjacent public realm.
25.3.64
Use exterior lighting that complements the
building and landscape design, while:
a.
Using full cut-off lighting fixtures to
minimize light pollution;
b. Minimizing light trespass onto adjacent
properties; and
c.
Maintaining lighting levels necessary for
adequate safety and visibility, including
at building entrances, in open spaces,
in parking areas (vehicular, cycling, etc),
and along pathways.
25.3.65
Employ on-site wayfinding and signage
strategies that create attractive and
appropriately-scaled signage for pedestrians,
cyclists, and motorists.
25.3.66
Design and locate signage to:
a.
Complement the architectural features
of the building or site it is associated
with;
b. Be in scale with entrances; and
c.
Reduce visual clutter.
25.3.67
Provide visible signage identifying building
addresses at primary entrances.
25.3.64
best
better
very bad
bad
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25.4.2
Design all residential buildings and
units to have easy access to useable
private or semi-private outdoor
amenity space.
25.4.3
Design front yards to include a
path from the fronting street to the
primary entry, landscaping, and semi-
private outdoor amenity space.
25.4.4
Design private outdoor amenity
spaces to have access to sunlight;
railing and/or fencing to help increase
privacy; and, landscaped areas to
soften the interface with the street or
open spaces.
2.54.5
Porches, balconies and decks facing
a street should present an open and
accessible appearance that encourages
interaction between the dwelling and the
street.
25.4.10 Architectural elements and materials
should be chosen to convey a feeling
of quality and permanence. Cladding
materials and architectural detailing
should break up large flat surfaces
and monotonous façades.
254.16 Design of open space should
emphasize usability, with convenient
access from the interior of units so
that open space can be used as part
of everyday living.
32.2.1
Create a semi-private entry or
transition zone from the public realm
to individual private units by utilizing
design elements such as: changes
in grade, decorative railings, and
planters; and, articulation and pattern
of the building as it relates to the
street.
25.4.10
25.4.16
25.4.20
25.4.2
25.4.3
25.4.4
25.4.5
25.4.4
25.4.3
25.4.20
25.4.10
25.4.5
25.4.16
25.4.2
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Entrances
25.4.7
Design primary unit entrances to provide:
a.
A clearly visible front door directly
accessible from a public street or
publicly accessible pathway; and
b. Architectural entrance features such
as stoops, porches, shared landings,
patios, recessed entries, and canopies.
25.4.8
Incorporate individual entrances to ground
floor units that are accessible from the
fronting street or public open spaces. A
maximum of 1.2 m height from grade
(e.g. 5-6 steps) is desired for front entryways.
25.4.9
The impact of garage doors on the street
should be minimized through recessing the
garage entrance, high quality garage door
design, and utilizing a secondary frontage if on
a corner lot or a lane.
Façade Materials
25.4.10
Architectural elements and materials should
be chosen to convey a feeling of quality
and permanence. Cladding materials and
architectural detailing should break up large
flat surfaces and monotonous façades.
Privacy
25.4.11
Design and orient buildings so that windows
and balconies overlook public streets, parks,
walkways, and shared amenity spaces while
minimizing views into private residences.
25.4.12
Window openings on sidewalls should be
planned to avoid aligning with windows of
adjacent dwellings.
25.4.13
Limit overlook into adjacent properties'
private spaces and interiors through use of
skylights, clerestory/piano windows, and
obscure glazing.
SITE DESIGN
25.4.1
Design new residential developments to take
into consideration the relationship between
building height, site coverage, and setbacks;
and between new buildings and surrounding
properties, streets and other features.
25.4.2
Design all residential buildings and units to
have easy access to useable private or semi-
private outdoor amenity space.
25.4.3
Design front yards to include a path from
the fronting street to the primary entry,
landscaping, and semi-private outdoor
amenity space.
25.4.4
Design private outdoor amenity spaces to
have:
a.
Access to sunlight;
b. Railing and/or fencing to help increase
privacy; and
c.
Landscaped areas to soften the
interface with the street or open
spaces.
BUILDING DESIGN
Street Interaction
25.4.5
Porches, balconies, and decks facing a street
should present an open and accessible
appearance that encourages interaction
between the dwelling and the street.
Massing
25.4.6
Design façades to articulate individual
dwelling units by recessing or projecting
building elements, varying materials and
exterior finishes, and using entrance features,
roofline features, or other architectural
elements.
25.4 General Residential Guidelines
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25.4.14
Upper-level decks, balconies, and exterior
stairs should be oriented to avoid overlook
and to incorporate privacy screening (see
landscape guidelines).
25.4.15
Screening for private patios, porches,
balconies, and decks may be provided with
light lattice work or landscaping.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Outdoor Living Spaces
25.4.16
Design of open space should emphasize
usability, with convenient access from the
interior of units so that open space can be
used as part of everyday living.
25.4.17
Where private outdoor space is provided, it
should be delineated and screened (e.g. with
vegetation, fencing, lattice), or located in such
a way as to ensure privacy.
25.4.18
Outdoor living spaces should be visible from
the interior of dwelling units in order to
promote the usability and safety of the space.
25.4.19
Where common amenity space is provided,
it should be conveniently accessible from
common interior areas and designed to
accommodate a diversity of users.
Public to Private Transition
25.4.20
Create a semi-private entry or transition zone
from the public realm to individual private
units by utilizing design elements such as:
a.
Changes in grade, decorative railings,
and planters; and
b. Articulation and pattern of the building
as it relates to the street.
Hardscapes
25.4.21
Use textured, permeable paving for hard
surfaced areas such as walkways, patios,
driveways, and parking areas.
25.4.22
Hard-surfaced driveways and parking areas
should be surfaced with materials that avoid a
monotonous appearance.
25.4.23
Permeable surfaces, grasscrete, or narrow
wheel lanes with planting in the middle are
encouraged where the frequency of use does
not necessitate full paving (i.e. additional
parking spaces or guest parking).
Signs
25.4.24
Signs should not interfere with the residential
nature of on-site and adjacent residential
uses.
SECONDARY SUITES
Building Design
25.4.25
Defining features should be provided such
as a roof overhang or other features to help
identify the entrance to the secondary suite
where it faces a street. Low-glare outdoor
lighting should be provided beside or above
the suite entry door to enhance security and
to help identify the entrance to the suite.
25.4.26
If the entrance to the suite is at the front of
the dwelling, it should be designed in such
a way that it is complementary to the front
façade.
25.4.27
New windows and doors should match or
complement the design and style of the
existing windows and doors.
25.4.28
Where a garage or carport opening is being
closed off, complementary materials and style
to the rest of the dwelling should be used.
Landscape Design
25.4.29
If the entrance to the secondary suite is
located on the side or rear of the house, a
hard-surfaced connection should be provided
between the dwelling and a street or lane.
Lighting for the connection should minimize
impact on neighbouring properties.
25.4.30
Steps or other abrupt changes in grade should
be avoided in order to ensure accessibility
for people with varying levels of ability and
mobility, strollers, and bicycles.
25.4.31
Covered, secure bicycle storage for the
secondary suite should be provided with easy
access between the storage area and the
street.
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25.5.1
Consideration should be given to how
the overall property functions (i.e.
parking, outdoor space, landscaping,
building orientation, storage, etc.) for
each dwelling on the property.
25.5.7
Roofs should be varied and/or pitched
to reduce the bulk of the building and
to emphasize a human scale.
25.5.11 Roof structures that span both units
in a singular, monolithic roof form
are discouraged. Developments are
encouraged to break up the building
mass by articulating the roofline with
secondary roof elements
25.5.13 Landscape elements such as
gateways, trellises, lighting, planting
areas and hard surfacing should be
used to create a sense of entry and
delineation to each unit.
25.5.7
25.5.13
25.5.11
25.5.1
25.5.11
25.5.7
25.5.1
25.5.13
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25.5 Intensive Neighbourhood Residential Guidelines
DUPLEX
Building Design
25.5.11
Roof structures that span both units
in a singular, monolithic roof form are
discouraged. Developments are encouraged
to break up the building mass by articulating
the roofline with secondary roof elements and
by incorporating features such as dormers,
gables, and architectural detailing in the roof
structure.
25.5.12
All elevations facing streets or public spaces
should have an equal level and quality of
design in detailing. Architectural features that
'turn the corner' are encouraged.
Landscape Design
25.5.13
Landscape elements such as gateways,
trellises, lighting, planting areas, and hard
surfacing should be used to create a sense of
entry and delineation to each unit.
DETACHED SECONDARY
DWELLINGS
Site Design
25.5.1
Consideration should be given to how the
overall property functions (i.e. parking,
outdoor space, landscaping, building
orientation, storage, etc.) for each dwelling on
the property.
25.5.2
A hard-surfaced connection should be
provided between the dwelling and the street
or lane.
Building Design
25.5.3
On corner lots, lots with laneway access or
double fronting lots, dwellings should be
oriented to face the street or lane.
25.5.4
Create visual interest by providing variations
in height and massing within the design.
25.5.5
Doors, windows, or landscaping should
reinforce the location of the entry for each
dwelling on the property.
25.5.6
Balconies, decks, and rooftop patios should
be located to provide privacy for both the
detached secondary dwelling and the principal
dwelling, and to minimize overlook on to
adjacent dwellings or properties.
25.5.7
Roofs should be varied and/or pitched
to reduce the bulk of the building and to
emphasize a human scale.
25.5.8
Colours should be used in the design to
highlight window trim, soffits, and gables.
25.5.9
Habitable living space is encouraged within
the truss system in combination with dormers
or other architectural elements in order to
maximize available floor space and minimize
the overall building height and area.
25.5.10
Windows should be located and designed to
maximize light penetration into a dwelling's
interior while minimizing views into
neighbouring properties and dwellings.
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25.6.4
Break up large buildings into multiple
smaller buildings with mid-block
connections which should be publicly-
accessible wherever possible.
25.6.5
Ground floors adjacent to mid-block
connections should have entrances
and windows facing the mid-block
connection.
25.6.9
Express a unified architectural
concept that incorporates variation in
façade treatments.
25.6.20 Design internal courtyards to provide
amenities, hard and soft landscapes,
and meet the needs of surrounding
residents.
25.6.4
25.6.9
25.6.5
25.6.20
GUIDELINES EXCERPT:
NEIGHBOURHOOD TOWNHOUSE AND MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL
25.6.4
25.6.5
25.6.9
25.6.20
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25.6 Neighbourhood Townhouse and Multi-Unit Residential Guidelines
25.6.4
Break up large buildings into multiple smaller
buildings with mid-block connections which
should be publicly-accessible wherever
possible.
25.6.5
Ground floors adjacent to mid-block
connections should have entrances and
windows facing the mid-block connection.
25.6.6
Developments which abut an area designated
in Map 1: Land Use Plan for Neighbourhood
Residential and Intensive Neighbourhood
Residential use shall meet the following
additional guidelines:
a.
Vehicle access and egress will, where
feasible, be from streets which do
not abut an area designated as
Neighbourhood Residential or Intensive
Neighbourhood Residential; and
b. Garbage containers, garbage
compounds and parking, loading
unloading and storage areas will, where
feasible, be orientated and located
away from the areas designated for
Neighbourhood Residential or Intensive
Neighbourhood Residential use.
25.6.7
Vehicle access from the street should be
limited to no more than one curb cut per
property and be located on the secondary
street, where possible. Impacts on pedestrians
and the streetscape should be minimized.
25.6.8
Buildings with ground floor residential may
integrate half-storey underground parking to a
maximum of 1.2 metres above grade, with the
following considerations:
a.
Semi-private spaces should be located
above the parking structure to soften
the edge and be at a comfortable
distance from street activity; and
b. Where site conditions do not allow
for this, up to 2 metres may be
considered, provided that entryways,
stairs, landscaped terraces, and patios
are used to soften the grade transition
and that blank walls and barriers to
accessibility are minimized.
SITE DESIGN
25.6.1
Development of larger parcels should
provide pedestrian connections to adjacent
public areas and create an approximate
60 m pedestrian block scale, and if this is not
possible, an approximately 125 m maximum
block scale.
25.6.2
In general, establish a street wall along public
street frontages to create a building height to
street width ratio of 1:2, with a minimum ratio
of 1:3 and a maximum ratio of 1:1.75.
a.
Wider streets (e.g. transit corridors)
can support greater street wall heights
compared to narrower streets (e.g.
local streets);
b. The street wall does not include upper
storeys that are set back from the
primary frontage; and
c.
A 1:1 building height to street width
ratio is appropriate for a lane or mid-
block connection condition provided
the street wall height is no greater than
three storeys.
25.6.3
Site buildings to be parallel to the street and
to have a distinct front-to-back orientation
to public street and open spaces and to rear
yards, parking, and/or interior court yards:
a.
Building sides that interface with
streets, mid-block connections, and
other open spaces (building fronts)
should positively frame and activate
streets and open spaces and support
pedestrian activity; and
b. Building sides that are located away
from open spaces (building backs)
should be designed for private/shared
outdoor spaces and vehicle access.
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BUILDING DESIGN
25.6.9
Express a unified architectural concept that
incorporates variation in façade treatments.
Strategies for achieving this include:
a.
Articulating façades by stepping back
or extending forward a portion of the
façade to create a series of intervals or
breaks;
b. Repeating window patterns on each
step-back and extension interval;
c.
Providing a porch, patio, deck, covered
entry, balcony, and/or bay window for
each interval; and
d. Changing the roof line by alternating
dormers, stepped roofs, gables, or
other roof elements to reinforce each
interval.
25.6.10
Incorporate a range of architectural features
and details into building façades to create
visual interest, especially when approached
by pedestrians. Include architectural features
such as:
a.
Bay windows or balconies, while
balancing the significant potential
for heat loss through thermal bridge
connections which could impact energy
performance (see Achieving High
Performance);
b. Variations in roof height, shape and
detailing;
c.
Building entries; and
d. Canopies and overhangs.
25.6.11
Ensure lobbies and main building entries are
clearly visible from the fronting street.
25.6.12
Buildings on corner lots should utilize
prominent corner features.
25.6.13
Articulate the façade using design elements
that are inherent to the building as opposed
to being decorative. For example, create
depth in building façades by recessing window
frames or partially recessing balconies to
allow shadows to add detail and variety as a
by-product of massing.
25.6.14
Avoid blank walls at grade wherever possible
by:
a.
Locating enclosed parking garages away
from street frontages or public open
spaces; and
b. Using ground-oriented units and
entries or glazing to avoid creating dead
frontages.
25.6.15
Design rooftop amenity spaces to be
accessible to all residents and to ensure a
balance of amenity and privacy by:
a.
Limiting sight lines from overlooking
residential units to outdoor amenity
space areas where possible; and
b. Controlling sight lines from the outdoor
amenity space into adjacent or nearby
residential units by using setbacks,
landscaping, or architectural screening.
25.6.16
Where buildings front collector roads (streets
with high vehicular volumes and speeds),
construct the level of main floor to be 1.2 m
higher than base grade.
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LANDSCAPE DESIGN
25.6.17
Reduce the heat island effect by including
plantings throughout the site or by
incorporating a green roof.
25.6.18
Integrate publicly accessible private spaces
with public open areas to create seamless,
contiguous spaces.
25.6.19
Locate semi-private open spaces to maximize
sunlight penetration, minimize noise
disruptions, and minimize 'overlook' from
adjacent units.
25.6.20
Design internal courtyards to:
a.
Provide amenities such as play areas,
barbecues, and outdoor seating where
appropriate; and
b. Provide a balance of hard and soft
landscaped areas to meet the specific
needs of surrounding residents.
TOWNHOUSES
Site Design
25.6.21
In larger townhouse developments:
a.
Building articulation and breaks should
be used to avoid overly repetitious
façades;
b. Separate facing buildings by a minimum
of 10 metres to provide ample spatial
separation and access to sunlight; and
c.
For buildings oriented perpendicularly
to the street (e.g. 'shotgun'
townhomes), ensure that the end unit
facing the street is a custom street-
oriented unit with primary entry
directly accessible from the fronting
street and primary living space at grade.
25.6.22
For larger sites, a minimum of two access/
egress points to the site is desired.
25.6.23
Screening, window placement, and the siting
of access points should be considered to
minimize the impact of vehicle headlights on
building interiors.
25.6.24
Provide a minimum of 10% of the total site
area to common outdoor amenity spaces that:
a.
Incorporate landscaping, seating,
play space, and other elements that
encourage gathering or recreation;
b. Avoid isolated, irregularly shaped
areas or areas impacted by parking,
mechanical equipment, or servicing
areas; and
c.
Has access to solar exposure.
Vehicle Parking
25.6.25
Accommodate parking in one of the following
ways:
a.
Centralize parking areas to eliminate
the need to integrate parking into
individual units; and
b. For townhouses facing public streets,
design integrated rear-access garages
or carports.
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25.6.26
In townhouses facing internal strata roads,
front garages and driveway parking are
acceptable, with the following considerations:
a.
Architecturally integrate the parking
into the building and provide weather
protection to building entries; and
b. Design garage doors to limit visual
impact, using strategies such as
recessing the garage from the rest of
the façade.
25.6.27
Consider providing additional parking spaces
in accessible locations on the site with direct
pedestrian connections to townhouse units.
Building Design
25.6.28
An architecturally consistent design should
be employed for the overall site, with subtle
variations in building materials and colours in
key locations to ensure visual interest.
25.6.29
Scale buildings and façade elements to
establish a consistent pattern along the street
and internal roads. This may be accomplished
by: articulating individual units through
integration of recessed entries, balconies, a
change in materials and slight projection, or
recess in the façade.
25.6.30
In the case of shared landings that provide
access to multiple units, avoid having more
than two doors in a row facing outward.
Landscape Design
25.6.31
Design front patios to:
a.
Provide an entrance to the unit; and
b. Establish a semi-private transition zone.
25.6.32
Design rooftop patios to:
a.
Have parapets with railings;
b. Incorporate a setback from the building
face below to minimize its appearance
as seen from the street or adjacent
properties;
c.
Minimize direct sight lines into nearby
units; and
d. Have its access structure located away
from primary façades.
25.6.33
Design balconies to be inset or partially inset
to offer privacy and shelter, reduce building
bulk, and minimize shadowing.
25.6.34
For large townhouse projects, provide
generous shared outdoor amenity spaces
integrating play spaces, gardening, storm
water and other ecological features,
pedestrian circulation, communal amenity
buildings, and other communal uses.
25.6.35
Design internal roadways to serve as
additional shared space (e.g. vehicle access,
pedestrian access, open space) using
strategies such as:
a.
High-quality pavement materials (e.g.
permeable pavers); and
b. Providing useable spaces for sitting,
gathering, and playing.
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25.7 General Commercial Guidelines
Design Objective: To encourage a wide range of developments that support both commercial-only and
mixed-uses (e.g. retail, office, residential) preserving affordable forms of commercial development and
allowing for pedestrian-focused walkable neighbourhoods.
25.7.1
Development of larger parcels should
provide pedestrian connections to
adjacent public areas and create an
approximate 60 m pedestrian block
scale, and if this is not possible, an
approximately 125 m maximum block
scale.
25.7.5
Commercial frontages should have
the appearance of distinct individual
storefronts with a high level of quality
and detail in materials and design.
25.7.12 Surface on-site pedestrian walkways
with interlocking brick or other
appropriate surfacing materials.
25.7.14 Landscaping should help transition
private and public outdoor spaces
and accommodate pedestrian and
commercial activity.
25.7.5
25.7.14
25.7.12
25.7.1
GUIDELINES EXCERPT
25.7.5
25.7.12
25.7.14
25.7.1
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Commercial Frontages
25.7.5
Commercial frontages should have the
appearance of distinct individual storefronts
with a high level of quality and detail in
materials and design.
25.7.6
Ensure buildings have continuous active and
transparent storefront windows at grade to
provide a visual connection between the
public and private realm.
Residential Above
25.7.7
New buildings with levels containing
residential uses shall be designed such that
building setbacks, as well as window, balcony,
and accessible rooftop locations avoid
overlook that impacts privacy and access to
sunlight and views for users of the building,
and users of neighbouring buildings.
Entrances
25.7.8
All entrances and exits shall be universally
accessible and located flush with the adjacent
sidewalk grade.
25.7.9
Main entries to shops and building lobbies
should open directly onto sidewalks and/
or public open space areas. Where entries
are set back from the sidewalk, they should
be highly visible, clear-glazed and easily
recognizable and accessible from the street.
Restaurants
25.7.10
Commercial buildings should provide venting
from commercial space to the top of the
uppermost roof in the development.
25.7.11
Rooftop venting should be hidden from view
and incorporate sufficient noise-reducing and
odour-reducing equipment to prevent sound
and smell overflows from creating a nuisance.
SITE DESIGN
25.7.1
Development of larger parcels should
provide pedestrian connections to adjacent
public areas and create an approximate
60m pedestrian block scale, and if this is not
possible, an approximately 125 m maximum
block scale.
Siting
25.7.2
Establish a consistent street wall with building
frontages shall that complement adjacent
buildings. Some variation (1-3 metres
maximum) can be accommodated in ground
level setbacks to support pedestrian and
retail activity by, for example, incorporating a
recessed entryway, plaza space, bike parking,
or sidewalk café.
25.7.3
In general, establish a street wall along public
street frontages to create a building height to
street width ratio of 1:2, with a minimum ratio
of 1:3 and a maximum ratio of 1:1.75.
a.
Wider streets (e.g. transit corridors)
can support greater street wall heights
compared to narrower streets (e.g.
local streets);
b. The street wall does not include upper
storeys that are set back from the
primary frontage; and
c.
A 1:1 building height to street width
ratio is appropriate for a lane or mid-
block connection condition provided
the street wall height is no greater than
three storeys.
25.7.4
Developments on corner sites with additional
front yard setbacks to create a plaza space at
the street corner are encouraged.
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LANDSCAPE DESIGN
25.7.12
Surface on-site pedestrian walkways with
interlocking brick or other appropriate
surfacing materials.
25.7.13
Landscaped areas on building frontages
should complement commercial uses and
accent or frame outdoor space.
25.7.14
Landscaping should help transition private
and public outdoor spaces and accommodate
pedestrian and commercial activity.
25.7.15
Seating on private property should
complement overall building design with
consideration for the uses and pedestrian
circulation on the property.
Signage
25.7.16
Uniquely branded or coloured signs are
encouraged to help establish a special
character to different neighbourhoods or
character areas.
25.7.17
Signage on commercial buildings should
identify uses clearly and be scaled to the
pedestrian rather than the motorist. Some
exceptions may be made for buildings located
on highways or major arterials in alignment
with the Sign Bylaw.
25.7.18
Building canopies and awnings should be
coordinated with building signage.
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25.8 Downtown Commercial Guidelines
Design Objective: To achieve beautiful public spaces for year-round use by everyone; progressive,
interesting architecture, open to the street; convenient, comfortable and safe streets; parking as amenity,
not invasion of downtown; and protection and restoration of the urban ecology.
25.8.10
25.8.30
25.8.12
25.8.14
25.8.10
Provide continuous weather protection
(e.g. awnings, canopies, overhangs, etc.)
designed to integrate with the building
along all commercial streets and plazas
25.8.11 Weather protection should be balanced
with daylight penetration.
25.8.12 Buildings should establish a three storey
façade along the street. The fourth storey
should be built into the roof structure
or set back significantly so as not to be
visible from the sidewalk level.
25.8.14 Buildings on corner sites should feature
prominent architectural elements at
the building's corner and roofline that
create a landmark or reference point for
pedestrians.
25.8.30 Consider integrating landscaping features
such as water elements and art into
publicly accessible areas.
25.8.11
25.8.12
25.8.30
25.8.14
25.8.10
GUIDELINES EXCERPT
25.8.11
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Adjacencies
25.8.1
New developments should take into account
the design and location of adjacent buildings
in order to maximize the availability of air,
light, and privacy for upper storey residential
units.
25.8.2
A minimum separation of 9 metres between
the upper storeys of buildings is desired
where those storeys contain residential units.
Building Design
25.8.3
New buildings adjacent to parks, plazas,
narrow streets, heritage buildings and
structures, shall locate and compose building
height, shape, and orientation to avoid
unnecessary shading of adjacent properties at
various times of the day and year.
25.8.4
Upper storeys of buildings with residential uses
should avoid the appearance of architectural
styles commonly associated with residential
construction (i.e., pitched residential rooflines,
lap siding, etc.) Balconies that are inset into the
building façade are preferred.
Commercial Frontages
25.8.5
Ground floor retail and commercial space
should be constructed with a minimum
floor-to-floor height of 4.5 metres in order to
accommodate a wide variety of uses over the
lifespan of the building.
25.8.6
To maintain a streetscape supportive of
small-scale retail uses, commercial and retail
building ground floor frontages shall be
constructed in bays no more than 9 metres
wide. Delineation of individual bays will be
achieved through the use of solid architectural
elements such as walls, pilasters, columns,
or piers, finished in masonry, concrete, or
similarly robust materials.
25.8.7
A larger retailer may combine bays internally;
however, the external bay articulation should
be maintained.
25.8.8
Floor to ceiling plate glass windows across
long façades with minimal architectural
detailing should be avoided.
25.8.9
Façades should be designed so that
commercial uses are easily identifiable and
visible from the exterior of the building.
25.8.10
Provide continuous weather protection (e.g.
awnings, canopies, overhangs, etc.) designed
to integrate with the building along all
commercial streets and plazas, with particular
attention to the following locations:
a.
Primary building entrances;
b. Adjacent to bus zones and street
corners where people wait for traffic
lights;
c.
Over store fronts and display windows;
and
d. Any other areas where significant
waiting or browsing by people occurs.
25.8.11
Weather protection should be balanced with
daylight penetration. The lowest point of
canopies and awnings shall be between 2.4
metres and 3.0 metres above the sidewalk,
with no portion above 3.7 metres. Canopies
shall extend out over the public realm a
minimum of 1.5 metres and a recommended
maximum of 2.5 metres beyond the face of
the building.
Streetwall and Façades
25.8.12
Buildings should establish a three storey
façade along the street. The fourth storey
should be built into the roof structure or set
back significantly so as not to be visible from
the sidewalk level.
25.8.13
Building façades in the downtown shall
be constructed of materials selected for
quality, durability, scale, and the ability to
age gracefully. The look and feel of façades
shall reinforce downtown Sidney's mixed-use
commercial character, and avoid materials
and finishes typical of traditional residential
construction (panel or lap siding, shingles,
etc.). Manufactured approximations of
natural materials (including manufactured
stone, wood-grain stamped panels, printed
aluminum panels) are also discouraged.
David Calveley, 2022
25.8.12
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Corner sites
25.8.14
Buildings on corner sites should feature
prominent architectural elements at the
building's corner and roofline that create a
landmark or reference point for pedestrians.
25.8.15
Incorporate distinct architectural treatments
for corner sites and highly visible buildings
such as varying the roofline, articulating the
façade, adding pedestrian space, increasing
the number and size of windows, and adding
awnings and canopies.
Entrances
25.8.16
Retail façades shall be designed with at least
one pedestrian entrance facing the street.
Where larger tenancies are planned, multiple
entrances and exits shall be provided to
animate the entire frontage.
25.8.17
Commercial and residential entrances and
lobbies shall be separated and distinct from
one another, universally accessible, and
differentiated through their designs. All
entrances shall be clearly visible from the
principal frontage street, directly facing the
right-of-way.
25.8.18
Incorporate frequent entrances into street
frontages to create visual interest along the
street and support pedestrian activity.
25.8.19
In the case of a grade change, accessibility
ramps shall be integrated into the building
entrance to provide a safe, attractive access
route. Ramp entry points shall be clearly
visible from the public sidewalk and in close
proximity to the main entrance. All ramps
must comply with relevant best practices, and
universal accessible design codes.
Roofs
25.8.20
Roof forms used shall be appropriate for the
height of the building. Residential roof forms
such as gables, hips, and dormers may not be
acceptable for buildings over three storeys in
height.
25.8.21
Flat roofs should incorporate parapets,
projecting eaves, angles and slopes, or other
interesting treatments.
25.8.22
Rooftop amenity areas shall be located and
designed to avoid excessive overlook that
impacts the privacy of users of the rooftop, as
well as users of neighbouring buildings.
Signage
25.8.23
Development proposals shall include
comprehensive sign plans for buildings with
two or more commercial businesses.
25.8.24
Signs should not interfere with residential uses
in mixed-use buildings (e.g. illuminated signage).
Lighting
25.8.25
Development proposals shall include detailed
lighting plans for both private and public
pedestrian areas adjacent to new buildings.
25.8.26
Lighting should be used to clearly illuminate
pedestrian routes and highlight entrances to
the building following CPTED principles.
25.8.27
Lighting plans and fixture selection shall
conform to principles of the Dark Sky Initiative
(darksky.org) and be integrated with the
building and site design.
Parkades
25.8.28
The ground floor of a multilevel parkade or
buildings with parking in above ground storeys
should be designed to incorporate commercial
space facing the street. Upper storeys should
be designed to incorporate interesting
screening or other architectural elements that
provide visual interest and minimize the visual
impact of vehicles.
25.8.29
Parking garage entries shall be designed to
integrate into the overall building façade.
When visible from the street, the inside of
the garage entrance shall be designed and
finished as part of the exterior façade.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
25.8.30
Consider integrating landscaping features
such as water elements and art into publicly
accessible areas.
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25.9 Neighbourhood Commercial Guidelines
25.9.5
25.9.2
25.9.1
25.9.1
Architecture should reflect the residential
character of the surrounding area. The
scale, size, shape, massing, siting, roofline
and exterior finish of buildings should
carefully consider and be compatible with
adjacent residential uses.
25.9.2
Buildings should incorporate small-scale
storefronts that provide visual diversity,
reinforce a human scale, and enhance
pedestrian interest.
25.9.5
Where a use is likely to generate
frequent vehicle or pedestrian traffic (i.e.
restaurants or convenience stores), areas
of soft landscaping should be integrated
into, and protected by, hard landscaping
features.
25.9.2
25.9.5
25.9.1
GUIDELINES EXCERPT
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25.9.1
Architecture should reflect the residential
character of the surrounding area. The scale,
size, shape, massing, siting, roofline and
exterior finish of buildings should carefully
consider and be compatible with adjacent
residential uses.
25.9.2
Buildings should incorporate small-scale
storefronts that provide visual diversity,
reinforce a human scale, and enhance
pedestrian interest.
25.9.3
Signage should face streets and where
possible be oriented away from adjacent
residential uses.
25.9.4
Venting for commercial uses should be
oriented away from adjacent residential uses
to minimize smells and noise.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
25.9.5
Where a use is likely to generate frequent
vehicle or pedestrian traffic (i.e. restaurants or
convenience stores), areas of soft landscaping
should be integrated into, and protected by,
hard landscaping features.
Jonathan Norton, 2022
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25.10 West Sidney Mixed Use Village Guidelines
Design Objectives:
- To support the West Sidney Mixed Use Village as a vibrant mixed-use area of light industrial, high
tech and select commercial uses on the ground floor and a mix of industrial-supporting uses,
including residential, above.
- To establish a strong sense of place through a cohesive and distinctive architectural style that is
industrial and modern in character.
- To encourage flexible building design, including over height storeys that accommodate live/work
lofts, flex spaces, and long-term adaptability of use.
Further to the guidelines provided in this section, proponents should reference the West Side Local Area
Plan for additional design direction.
25.10.14
25.10.13
25.10.1 Design sites that integrate the light-
industrial nature of the West Sidney
Mixed Use Village with workforce
housing and amenity areas,
including parks and greenways.
25.10.7 Extra height upper storeys that
allow live/work units, flex spaces,
and long-term adaptability of use
are encouraged.
Building frontages facing streets,
parks, and greenways should
create visual interest for passing
pedestrians
Balconies overlooking public spaces
are strongly encouraged.
Weather protection (including
awnings, structural canopies, and
built overhangs at entrances)
at the first storey are strongly
encouraged.
25.10.7
25.10.12
25.10.13
25.10.14
25.10.1
25.10.1
25.10.7
25.10.12
GUIDELINES EXCERPT
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SITE DESIGN
25.10.1
Design sites that integrate the light-industrial
nature of the West Sidney Mixed Use Village
with workforce housing and amenity areas,
including parks and greenways.
25.10.2
Setback areas next to a park or greenway shall
frame and complement the public space by:
a.
Establishing a defined edge between
the building and park or greenway;
b. Encouraging a minimum 1.5 metres
landscaped buffer along the setback
areas facing a park/greenway;
c.
Utilizing low level fencing to delineate
public and private space between
buildings and parks/greenways;
d. Discouraging vehicle access in side
setbacks adjacent to parks and
greenways; and
e.
Encouraging direct access to properties
and buildings from parks and greenways
via multiple entrances (i.e., gates and
doors) and pathways.
25.10.3
Consider alternative setbacks and frontage
conditions at street corners to facilitate site
lines and enhance pedestrian conditions.
BUILDING DESIGN
Building Types and Uses
25.10.4
Buildings should be designed to accommodate
a mix of uses with consideration to separation,
privacy, and noise attenuation between
industrial, commercial and residential units.
25.10.5
A mix of building types and unit sizes is
encouraged, from larger mixed use buildings
to narrow stacked live/work units.
25.10.6
Accommodate light industrial uses on ground
floors, with adequate ground floor height,
truck access, overhead doors, and sufficient
separation from uses above.
25.10.7
Extra height upper storeys that allow live/
work units, flex spaces, and long-term
adaptability of use are encouraged.
25.10.8
Consider providing a visual connection from
the interior of the building to the street to
highlight industrial or commercial activity that
may be of interest to the public.
25.10.9
Ground floor industrial/commercial units
should have a prominent street frontage with
the industrial/commercial design elements
and uses continuing into upper storeys of the
building.
25.10.10 Larger windows for the industrial/commercial
uses and flex space at the ground floor
are encouraged in order to highlight the
industrial/commercial nature of the building.
25.10.11 Upper storeys of buildings with residential
uses should avoid the appearance of
architectural styles commonly associated
with residential construction (i.e., pitched
residential rooflines, lap siding, etc.) Balconies
that are inset into the building façade are
preferred.
Frontages
25.10.12 Building frontages facing streets, parks, and
greenways should create visual interest for
passing pedestrians by making the frontage
inviting through the use of continuous
transparent glazing, multiple entrances,
bicycle parking, common spaces (i.e., lobbies),
and clear linkages with public space.
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25.10.13 Balconies overlooking public spaces are
strongly encouraged.
25.10.14 Weather protection (including awnings,
structural canopies, and built overhangs at
entrances) at the first storey are strongly
encouraged.
25.10.15 Recessed and articulated balconies are
encouraged, rather than balconies spanning
entire building faces.
25.10.16 Loading bays which are incorporated into
the building design (e.g. roll-up doors,
architecturally integrated roof overhangs,
etc) should be considered along building
frontages.
Materials
25.10.17 Industrial/commercial portions of the building
should use exterior building materials
that reflect those uses, while upper storey
residential units may soften this design
approach somewhat by incorporating some
materials more commonly in residential
construction.
25.10.18 Encourage the use of high quality, eco-
friendly, and recycled materials with a
focus on brick, corrugated metal, steel, and
wood that reflect the industrial/commercial
vernacular of the area.
25.10.19 Corrugated metal siding should be used
sensitively to reduce light reflection where the
building faces existing residential properties.
25.10.20 Building design should mitigate noise impacts
by:
a.
Selecting wall, siding, and window
materials that have strong sound
insulation/absorption capacity;
b. Limiting the amount of glazing on
specific building faces, and using triple
glazed windows where appropriate; and
c.
Locating residential units away from
ground floor light industrial uses.
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25.11 General Industrial
Design objectives:
- To facilitate the orderly development of the area and to encourage coordination of the siting, form
and volume of new industrial buildings and their areas for parking, storage and landscaping.
- To encourage a high standard of architectural design and site landscaping.
- To control the interface between industrial and other uses in the area, by implementing adequate
buffering between land uses and regulating the proportion of industrial structures.
- To encourage appropriate screening and/or the enhancement of the view of industrial uses along
Highway 17 and from adjacent uses.
25.11.13
Incorporate landscaping and canopy
trees throughout parking areas in
order to minimize the visual and
environmental impact of paved areas.
Provide outdoor landscaped seating
areas with weather protection for
employees and visitors.
Properties abutting Highway 17
should provide a landscaped buffer
abutting the multi-use path and
highway to provide visual interest and
environmental benefits.
25.11.11
25.11.14
25.11.13
25.11.13
GUIDELINES EXCERPT
25.11.14
25.11.13
25.11.11
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SITE DESIGN
Siting and Building Orientation
25.11.1
Offices, reception and other public use areas
should be located at the front of buildings to
face streets. Façades should be designed so
that these elements are easily identifiable and
visible from streets.
25.11.2 Avoid blank walls adjacent to the highway,
streets, walkways, parks, or other amenity
spaces.
25.11.3
Locate buildings to ensure good sight lines for
vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Site Servicing, Access, Parking, and Loading
25.11.4
Parking, loading and site entrances for heavy
vehicles, service vehicles and trucks should
be located away from residential sites. In
sites where this is not possible, landscaping
and other measures to reduce noise, fumes
and other potential impacts on adjacent
residential uses should be provided.
Building Design
25.11.5
Consider providing a visual connection from
the interior of the building to the street to
highlight manufacturing or other industrial
activity that may be of interest to the public.
25.11.6
Street-facing building façades and entrances
should incorporate natural building materials
such as masonry, stone, and wood.
25.11.7
Use an integrated, consistent range of
materials and colours and provide variety by,
for example, using accent colours.
25.11.8
Provide weather protection at building
entrances, close to transit stops, and in areas
with pedestrian amenities.
Outdoor Storage, Servicing, Utilities, and Solid Waste
25.11.9
Ancillary or secondary buildings on a site,
including shipping containers and buildings
constructed for the purpose of storing
materials, should be designed and finished in a
manner consistent with the principal building.
25.11.10 Locate loading, utilities, mechanical
equipment and solid waste collection areas
away from public view by:
a.
integrating these facilities into the
footprint of the building; or,
b.
screening using fencing, walls and/or
landscaping.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Landscape and Open Space Planning
25.11.11 Incorporate landscaping and canopy trees
throughout parking areas in order to minimize
the visual and environmental impact of paved
areas.
25.11.12 Incorporate large tree species into landscaped
areas.
25.11.13 Provide outdoor landscaped seating areas
with weather protection for employees and
visitors.
25.11.14 Properties abutting Highway 17 should
provide a landscaped buffer abutting the
multi-use path and highway to provide visual
interest and environmental benefits.
25.11.15 Distribute trees and landscaping throughout
the site in order to:
a.
Soften property edges facing the street;
b. Define internal roads, pedestrian
routes, and open spaces;
c.
Create pleasant pedestrian conditions;
d. Screen parking, loading, service, and
utility areas;
e.
Maximize shade, especially in parking
areas; and,
f.
Manage storm water on-site.
Storm water Management
25.11.16 Provide on-site retention facilities (e.g.
bioswales, rain gardens) to collect, store and
filter storm water from parking areas.
Circulation
25.11.17 Provide separation between on-site vehicular
routes (especially truck access/loading)
and pedestrian routes to avoid conflict and
distinguish pedestrian routes from driving
surfaces by using varied paving treatments
and/or raising walkways to curb level.
25.11.18 Properties that front on to a multi-use
pathway or a street with a bicycle lane should
provide a direct connection to those facilities.
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25.12 Harbour Road Marine
Design objectives:
- To enhance the Harbour Road Marine area in support of the marine-industrial workforce and
enhance the profile of the area as a marine-industrial hub and working waterfront.
- To establish a strong sense of place through a cohesive and distinctive architecture whose
character is industrially oriented.
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SITE DESIGN
Harbour Road Gateway
25.12.1
Create a gateway experience or establish
gateway elements along Harbour Road to
prominently communicate its function as a
marine-industrial hub.
Harbour Road Streetscape
25.12.2
Improve the Harbour Road streetscape to
better separate and accommodate marine-
industrial and vehicle circulation from
pedestrians where possible.
25.12.3
Improve pedestrian connections between:
a.
Resthaven Drive and Harbour Road;
b. Docks and the waterfront; and,
c.
The government wharf.
Efficient Uses
25.12.4
Design sites to make the most efficient and
intensified use of space through flexible,
multi-functional and shared spaces across
sites and public accesses.
Marine-Industrial Access
25.12.5
Facilitate, improve and expand marine and
marine-industrial access between the land
and water where possible (e.g. marine ways or
boat launch).
25.12.6
Access points to docks, ramps and wharves
should be considered in the overall site
design.
BUILDING DESIGN
25.12.7
Design building to be adaptable, in such a way
that they may be repurposed over time for
different uses.
25.12.8
The first storey at street elevation of buildings
visible from Harbour Road should be oriented
toward Harbour Road.
25.12.9
Buildings should be situated and oriented
to maximize views beyond and between
buildings, especially to give views out to the
water.
25.12.10 The design of buildings should consider
the siting and scale of adjacent buildings
to promote visual harmony as viewed from
the waterfront, from streetscapes and from
adjacent land designated for residential use.
25.12.11 Ancillary residential uses should be
incorporated into the overall marine-industrial
design of the building.
25.12.12 Ancillary residential uses should be designed
to incorporate sound attenuation and visual
screening from marine-industrial uses.
25.12.13 Design buildings to integrate both a west
coast and marine-industrial aesthetic with the
use of wood, rock or stone, heavy timber, and
metal siding as primary building materials.
25.12.14 Design elements or architectural styles that
evoke Sidney's historical marine-industrial
waterfront heritage are encouraged.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
25.12.15 A combination of soft and hard landscaping
elements should be used to create a buffer to
adjacent lands designated in Map 1: Land Use
Plan for residential use.
25.12.16 Pedestrian access to the waterfront, whether
along municipal boulevards or through
access easements on private property, should
be made prominent and marked for easy
identification.
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PART 4. offences and
penalty
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PART 4. Offences and Penalty
26 Offences
Information may be laid:
26.1 In accordance with the procedures set out in the Offence Act; or
26.2 By means of a ticket under the Local Government Act or Community Charter.
The Offence Act, where applicable, shall apply to proceedings under this Bylaw.
27 Penalty
27.1 Any person who violates any of the provisions of this Bylaw or who suffers or permits any act
or thing to be done in contravention of this Bylaw, or who refuses, or omits or neglects to
fulfill, observe, carry out, or perform any duty or obligation imposed by this Bylaw shall be
liable on summary conviction to a fine set out in the Schedules contained within Municipal
Ticketing Information Bylaw 1975.
27.2 A separate offence shall be deemed to be committed upon each day during and in which the
contravention occurs or continues.
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PART 5. Maps & schedules
Map 1: Land Use Plan
Map 2: Parks, Trails and Open Space
Map 3: Road Hierarchy
Map 4: Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Schedule B: West Side Local Area Plan
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BEVAN AVE
OAKVILLE AVE
T
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CALVIN AVE
ARDWELL AVE
MELVILLE DR
AMELIA AVE
AMHERST AVE
OCEAN AVE
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SIDNEY AVE
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SUMMERGATE BLVD
WEILER AVE
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WAY
SEAWI
SANDPIPER
WHITE BIRCH RD
LN
ND
ALLBAY RD
MCDONALD PARK RD
JAMES WHITE BLVD W
JAHN PL
L
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HORNBY
GODFREY PL
MAGNOLIA PL
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FROST AVE
MARYLAND
DR
WEBSTER PL
SCHOONER CLOSE
R
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FROST AVE W
PATRICIA BAY HIGHWAY
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ORCHARD AVE
FIRST ST
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MT. BAKER AVE
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MILLS RD
BRADFORD AVE
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MALAVIEW AVE
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LINDA PL
GABRIOLA PL
COURSER DR
MELVILLE DR
AIREDALE PL
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SKYLARK LN
ADELA PL
IROQUOIS WAY
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ALLBAY RD
BOWDEN RD
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AMHERST AVE
BEAUFORT RD
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BEACON AVE
OCEAN AVE WEST
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BRETHOURPARK WAY
WEILER AVE WEST
NORTHBROOK DR
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PIERCY AVE
POLLARD PL
PL
COLINWOOD RD
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VALLIS PL
PIERCY AVE
WHIDBY LN
RESTHAVEN DR
WHITE
LOVELL AVE
D
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A
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HENRY AVE WEST
BEACON AVE WEST
MILLS RD WEST
MALAVIEW AVE W
HENRY AVE
BRETHOUR AVE
N
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JAMES
BLVD
HARBOUR RD
RESTHAVEN DR
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JOCELYN RD
LYME RD
ROTHESAY AVE
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LOCHSIDE DR
PATRICIA BAY HIGHWAY
50
0
200
1:15000 (at 8.5"x11")
500m
Town of Sidney
Official Community Plan
Map 1:
Land Use Map
West Sidney Mixed Use Village
Multi-Unit Residential
Neighbourhood Townhouse
Neighbourhood Residential
Intensive Neighbourhood
Residential
Downtown Commercial
Airport Commercial
Institutional
Park
Marine
West Side Industrial
Harbour Road Marine
Neighbourhood Commercial
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29 Map 2: Parks, Trails and Open Space
BEVAN AVE
OAKVILLE AVE
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CALVIN AVE
ARDWELL AVE
MELVILLE DR
AMELIA AVE
AMHERST AVE
OCEAN AVE
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SIDNEY AVE
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SUMMERGATE BLVD
WEILER AVE
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WAY
SEAWI
SANDPIPER
WHITE BIRCH RD
LN
ND
ALLBAY RD
MCDONALD PARK RD
JAMES WHITE BLVD W
JAHN PL
L
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MAGNOLIA PL
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FROST AVE
MARYLAND
DR
WEBSTER PL
SCHOONER CLOSE
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FROST AVE W
PATRICIA BAY HIGHWAY
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ORCHARD AVE
FIRST ST
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MT. BAKER AVE
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MILLS RD
BRADFORD AVE
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MALAVIEW AVE
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LINDA PL
GABRIOLA PL
COURSER DR
MELVILLE DR
AIREDALE PL
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SKYLARK LN
ADELA PL
IROQUOIS WAY
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ALLBAY RD
BOWDEN RD
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AMHERST AVE
BEAUFORT RD
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BEACON AVE
OCEAN AVE WEST
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P
E
BRETHOURPARK WAY
WEILER AVE WEST
NORTHBROOK DR
L
P
L
E
I
R
U
M
R
R
E
T
N
W
A
L
H
T
R
O
N
L
P
Y
R
O
C
I
H
C
L
P
N
O
S
D
U
J
T
R
C
Y
B
H
S
A
L
P
N
W
O
D
H
T
A
R
A
I
H
T
Y
S
R
O
F
L
P
PIERCY AVE
POLLARD PL
PL
COLINWOOD RD
Y
A
B
R
A
L
P
N
I
L
V
E
D
L
P
H
G
A
N
E
M
VALLIS PL
PIERCY AVE
WHIDBY LN
RESTHAVEN DR
WHITE
LOVELL AVE
D
R
N
A
R
A
L
A
G
HENRY AVE WEST
BEACON AVE WEST
MILLS RD WEST
MALAVIEW AVE W
HENRY AVE
BRETHOUR AVE
N
E
V
A
H
T
S
E
R
JAMES
BLVD
HARBOUR RD
RESTHAVEN DR
D
R
K
R
A
P
D
L
A
N
O
D
C
M
JOCELYN RD
LYME RD
ROTHESAY AVE
L
P
E
R
U
S
T
F
I
W
S
T
S
A
S
S
I
L
E
M
LOCHSIDE DR
Park
Oceanspray
Park
Park
Park
Park
Resthaven
Park
Park
Park
Park
Park
Wellness
Park
Park
Garden
Lochside Waterfront Park
Park
Creek
Park
Park
Beacon
Park
Resthaven
Boulder
Community
tary Park
Mermaid
Beaver Park
Melissa Playground
Seaport
Melville
Rathdown
Eastview
Park
Bevan
Brethour Park
Iroquois Park
Tulista
Reay
Maryland
Frost Ave.
Peter Grant
Resthaven Linear Park
Rose
PATRICIA BAY HIGHWAY
50
0
1:15000 (at 8.5"x11")
200
500m
Official Community Plan
Town of Sidney
Map 2:
Parks, Trails and
Open Space
Trails
Parks
30 Map 3: Road Hierarchy
BEVAN AVE
OAKVILLE AVE
T
S
H
T
F
I
F
T
S
D
R
I
H
T
T
S
H
T
R
U
O
F
CALVIN AVE
ARDWELL AVE
MELVILLE DR
AMELIA AVE
AMHERST AVE
OCEAN AVE
T
S
T
S
R
I
F
T
S
D
N
O
C
E
S
SIDNEY AVE
T
S
H
T
N
E
V
E
S
T
S
D
R
I
H
T
R
D
N
E
V
A
H
T
S
E
R
D
R
K
N
A
B
R
E
W
O
B
SUMMERGATE BLVD
WEILER AVE
D
R
K
R
A
P
D
L
A
N
O
D
C
M
WAY
SEAWI
SANDPIPER
WHITE BIRCH RD
LN
ND
ALLBAY RD
MCDONALD PARK RD
JAMES WHITE BLVD W
JAHN PL
L
P
R
E
W
O
L
F
D
L
I
W
T
S
T
N
A
S
A
E
L
P
L
P
H
T
O
O
B
E
S
O
L
C
HORNBY
GODFREY PL
MAGNOLIA PL
L
P
R
E
T
S
A
E
N
O
T
O
C
L
P
N
I
K
M
I
S
L
P
T
R
O
P
A
E
S
T
S
H
T
H
G
I
E
T
S
H
T
N
E
V
E
S
T
S
H
T
X
I
S
FROST AVE
MARYLAND
DR
WEBSTER PL
SCHOONER CLOSE
R
D
D
N
A
L
Y
R
A
M
PL
L
I
A
G
FROST AVE W
PATRICIA BAY HIGHWAY
D
R
E
D
A
L
G
N
E
E
R
G
ORCHARD AVE
FIRST ST
R
D
W
E
I
V
T
S
A
E
MT. BAKER AVE
R
D
MILLS RD
BRADFORD AVE
T
S
T
N
A
S
A
E
L
P
MALAVIEW AVE
T
S
H
T
F
I
F
T
S
D
N
O
M
L
A
S
E
R
C
E
V
O
R
G
LINDA PL
GABRIOLA PL
COURSER DR
MELVILLE DR
AIREDALE PL
D
R
L
L
A
D
D
I
S
L
P
E
G
D
R
E
S
S
E
R
B
SKYLARK LN
ADELA PL
IROQUOIS WAY
L
P
A
I
C
I
R
T
A
P
ALLBAY RD
BOWDEN RD
D
R
K
N
A
B
R
E
W
O
B
D
R
D
N
A
L
E
V
E
L
C
AMHERST AVE
BEAUFORT RD
T
S
H
T
R
U
O
F
BEACON AVE
G
N
I
W
P
A
L
R
D
O
C
P
E
BRETHOURPARK WAY
WEILER AVE WEST
NORTHBROOK DR
L
P
L
E
I
R
U
M
R
R
E
T
N
W
A
L
H
T
R
O
N
L
P
Y
R
O
C
I
H
C
L
P
N
O
S
D
U
J
T
R
C
Y
B
H
S
A
L
P
N
W
O
D
H
T
A
R
A
I
H
T
Y
S
R
O
F
L
P
PIERCY AVE
POLLARD PL
PL
COLINWOOD RD
Y
A
B
R
A
L
P
N
I
L
V
E
D
L
P
H
G
A
N
E
M
VALLIS PL
PIERCY AVE
WHIDBY LN
RESTHAVEN DR
WHITE
LOVELL AVE
D
R
N
A
R
A
L
A
G
HENRY AVE WEST
MILLS RD WEST
MALAVIEW AVE W
HENRY AVE
BRETHOUR AVE
N
E
V
A
H
T
S
E
R
JAMES
BLVD
HARBOUR RD
RESTHAVEN DR
D
R
K
R
A
P
D
L
A
N
O
D
C
M
JOCELYN RD
LYME RD
ROTHESAY AVE
L
P
E
R
U
S
T
F
I
W
S
T
S
A
S
S
I
L
E
M
LOCHSIDE DR
PATRICIA BAY HIGHWAY
BEACON AVE WEST
1:15000 (at 8.5"x11")
500m
50
200
0
Map 3:
Road Hierarchy
Official Community Plan
Town of Sidney
Arterial
Provincial Primary
Provincial Secondary
Collector
OCEAN AVE WEST
BEVAN AVE
OAKVILLE AVE
T
S
H
T
F
I
F
T
S
D
R
I
H
T
T
S
H
T
R
U
O
F
CALVIN AVE
ARDWELL AVE
MELVILLE DR
AMELIA AVE
AMHERST AVE
OCEAN AVE
T
S
T
S
R
I
F
T
S
D
N
O
C
E
S
SIDNEY AVE
T
S
H
T
N
E
V
E
S
T
S
D
R
I
H
T
R
D
N
E
V
A
H
T
S
E
R
D
R
K
N
A
B
R
E
W
O
B
SUMMERGATE BLVD
WEILER AVE
D
R
K
R
A
P
D
L
A
N
O
D
C
M
WAY
SEAWI
SANDPIPER
WHITE BIRCH RD
LN
ND
ALLBAY RD
MCDONALD PARK RD
JAMES WHITE BLVD W
JAHN PL
L
P
R
E
W
O
L
F
D
L
I
W
T
S
T
N
A
S
A
E
L
P
L
P
H
T
O
O
B
E
S
O
L
C
HORNBY
GODFREY PL
MAGNOLIA PL
L
P
R
E
T
S
A
E
N
O
T
O
C
L
P
N
I
K
M
I
S
L
P
T
R
O
P
A
E
S
T
S
H
T
H
G
I
E
T
S
H
T
N
E
V
E
S
T
S
H
T
X
I
S
FROST AVE
MARYLAND
DR
WEBSTER PL
SCHOONER CLOSE
R
D
D
N
A
L
Y
R
A
M
PL
L
I
A
G
FROST AVE W
PATRICIA BAY HIGHWAY
D
R
E
D
A
L
G
N
E
E
R
G
ORCHARD AVE
FIRST ST
R
D
W
E
I
V
T
S
A
E
MT. BAKER AVE
R
D
MILLS RD
BRADFORD AVE
T
S
T
N
A
S
A
E
L
P
MALAVIEW AVE
T
S
H
T
F
I
F
T
S
D
N
O
M
L
A
S
E
R
C
E
V
O
R
G
LINDA PL
GABRIOLA PL
COURSER DR
MELVILLE DR
AIREDALE PL
D
R
L
L
A
D
D
I
S
L
P
E
G
D
R
E
S
S
E
R
B
SKYLARK LN
ADELA PL
IROQUOIS WAY
L
P
A
I
C
I
R
T
A
P
ALLBAY RD
BOWDEN RD
D
R
K
N
A
B
R
E
W
O
B
D
R
D
N
A
L
E
V
E
L
C
AMHERST AVE
BEAUFORT RD
T
S
H
T
R
U
O
F
BEACON AVE
OCEAN AVE WEST
G
N
I
W
P
A
L
R
D
O
C
P
E
BRETHOURPARK WAY
WEILER AVE WEST
NORTHBROOK DR
L
P
L
E
I
R
U
M
R
R
E
T
N
W
A
L
H
T
R
O
N
L
P
Y
R
O
C
I
H
C
L
P
N
O
S
D
U
J
T
R
C
Y
B
H
S
A
L
P
N
W
O
D
H
T
A
R
A
I
H
T
Y
S
R
O
F
PL
PIERCY AVE
POLLARD PL
PL
COLINWOOD RD
Y
A
B
R
A
L
P
N
I
L
V
E
D
L
P
H
G
A
N
E
M
VALLIS PL
PIERCY AVE
WHIDBY LN
RESTHAVEN DR
WHITE
LOVELL AVE
D
R
N
A
R
A
L
A
G
HENRY AVE WEST
BEACON AVE WEST
MILLS RD WEST
MALAVIEW AVE W
HENRY AVE
BRETHOUR AVE
N
E
V
A
H
T
S
E
R
JAMES
BLVD
HARBOUR RD
RESTHAVEN DR
D
R
K
R
A
P
D
L
A
N
O
D
C
M
JOCELYN RD
LYME RD
ROTHESAY AVE
L
P
E
R
U
S
T
F
I
W
S
T
S
A
S
S
I
L
E
M
LOCHSIDE DR
PATRICIA BAY HIGHWAY
0
500m
1:15000 (at 8.5"x11")
50
200
Map 4:
Environmentally
Sensitive Areas
Riparian
Official Community Plan
Marine Coastal
Town of Sidney
KELSET
Mermaid Creek
All Bay / Tsehum Harbour
Roberts Bay
Armstrong/Thumb Point
Beaufort Grove
Shoreacres
Lochside
'
Schedule B: West Side Local Area Plan
The West Side Local Area Plan forms part of the Official Community Plan and can be found at: http://
www.sidney.ca/Assets/Development+Services/Bylaws/1920+OCP+-+Sch+B.pdf
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appendix A: SENĆOŦEN
pronunciation guide
W̱ SÁNEĆ Carving by STOLȻEȽ (John Elliott)
152 | TOWN OF SIDNEY | OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN
Appendix A: SENĆOŦEN PRONUNCIATION
GUIDE
Guidance on pronunciation of the SENĆOŦEN language can be found on the following website: saanich.
montler.net
We recommend you start with the following list:
- W̱SÁNEĆ
- XÁLS
- LÁU,WELNEW
- SENĆOŦEN
- SET,TINES
- T̸IX̱EṈ
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appendix B: Glossary
156 | TOWN OF SIDNEY | OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN
Appendix B: GLOSSARY
Housing Related Terms
Affordable Housing: Refers to housing that can be rented or purchased using 30% or less of gross
household income. Different levels of affordable housing exist including:
Deep affordability: Housing targeted towards those on Income Assistance, based on BC shelter
maximum rates.
Below-market affordable housing: Housing targeted towards those making less than 75 percent
of median household incomes.
Near-market affordable housing: Housing targeted towards those making 75 percent of median
household incomes and above, but not able to afford new market rental rates. Rates are based
on a range between the cap of below market affordable rates above and Housing Income Limits
provided by BC Housing.
New market rental housing: Housing targeting higher income renters who are able to afford full
market rental rates. (No income restrictions.)
Workforce Housing: Generally understood to mean affordable housing for households with earned
income that is insufficient to secure quality housing in reasonable proximity to the workplace. Criteria
for residents of workforce housing (e.g. occupational requirements, income levels) may be established
through a housing agreement on the title of the property.
Mobility Related Terms
RapidBus: An express bus network connecting the Saanich Peninsula to Victoria and other cities south of
Sidney.
Frequent Transit: A network of corridors where transit service runs at least every 15 minutes in both
directions throughout the day and into the evening, every day of the week.
Local Transit: The transit system operated, managed and delivered within the boundaries established by
the Town.
Active transportation: Active transportation describes all human- powered forms of travel, such as
walking, cycling, in-line skating, skate boarding, skiing, canoeing etc. Walking and cycling are most
popular and can be combined with other modes, such as public transit.
Active transportation routes: Infrastructure and planning approaches that facilitate and increase active
transportation such as: bike lanes, complete streets, transit corridors, and wayfinding signage.
Multi-modal: To provide a combination of different means of transportation to facilitate movement,
make it safer and more efficient.
Multi-modal transportation hub: A transport node that interconnects multiple modes of transport, and
consequently, improves the efficiency and speed of movement.
Transportation demand management: This consists of specialized policies, targeted programs,
TOWN OF SIDNEY | OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN |157
innovative mobility services, and products that encourage people to use sustainable modes of
transportation, rather than driving alone, or make fewer trips by car.
Transit-oriented development: A type of urban development that maximizes the amount of residential,
business and leisure space within walking distance of public transportation.
Micro-mobility: Transportation over short distances provided by lightweight, usually single-person
vehicles (such as bicycles and scooters).
Micro-transit system: A privately or publicly operated, technology-enabled transit service that typically
uses multi-passenger/pooled shuttles or vans to provide on-demand or fixed-schedule services with
either dynamic or fixed routing.
Pedestrian-oriented streets: A condition in which the location of and access to structures, types of uses
permitted at street level, and storefront design are based on needs of persons on foot.
Through-block connections: A public space that provides visual and physical connected pedestrian route
through an urban block.
Protected bike lanes: Separate travel lanes designated exclusively for bicycle use and other forms of
active transportation that are physically separated from motor vehicles and pedestrians by vertical
and/or horizontal elements. They offer users greater comfort, route directness, and easier access to
destinations. They should be considered on arterial and/or collector roads where the posted speed limit
is above 50 km/h and/or where motor vehicle volumes exceed 4,000 vehicles per day
Bicycle lane: A bicycle lane can either be buffered or unbuffered. An unbuffered bike lane only includes
a white longitudinal line running parallel to the alignment of the road to visually separate the bicycle
lane from the motor vehicle and/or parking lanes. A buffered bike lane is demarcated with a pavement
marking such as a hatched striping providing more separation from motor vehicles. These facilities
should be considered on arterial and/or collector roads where the posted speed limited is less than
50 km/h and where motor vehicle volumes are lower than 4,000 vehicles per day.
Bicycle boulevard: Also referred to as neighbourhood bikeways, this facility is a shared roadway that
provides a continuous corridor of suitable operating conditions for people cycling, including limiting
exposure to motor vehicle traffic and designing for low motor vehicle speeds. Bike boulevards typically
include signage and pavement markings and are suitable on local roads with a maximum of 1,000
vehicles per day and posted speed limits and operating motor vehicle speeds of 30 km/h or less. Roads
with more than 1,000 vehicles per day could also include a bike boulevard but traffic calming and traffic
diversion measures would be required to make the road suitable for all ages and abilities.
Urban Design Related Terms
Fine grained storefronts: Fine grain urban fabric consists of several small blocks in close proximity.
Within each block are several buildings, most with narrow frontages, frequent storefronts, and minimal
setbacks from the street. This approach allows for greater walkability and more affordable rent for
commercial spaces.
Softscapes: The vegetation that is incorporated into a landscape.
158 | TOWN OF SIDNEY | OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN
Hardscapes: The manufactured features used in landscape architecture, e.g. paths or walls, as contrasted
with vegetation.
Climate and Energy Related Terms
Low carbon resilience: Focuses on developing integrated strategies that both reduce greenhouse gas
emissions (mitigation) and vulnerability to climate change impacts (adaptation).
Climate lens / decision-making lens: This approach seeks to integrate climate change considerations into
the planning and development of infrastructure projects by requiring that decisions/projects assess their
impacts on the environment.
BC Energy Step Code: A Provincial regulation that local governments in British Columbia may use, if to
incentivize or require a level of energy efficiency in new construction that goes above and beyond the
requirements of the base building code.
Environmental Related Terms
Revetments: A wall or facing that sustains an embankment.
Bulkhead: An upright partition separating compartments.
Low-impact Development: A land planning and engineering design approach to manage storm water
runoff as part of green infrastructure.
Naturescaping: A method of landscape design that allows people and nature to coexist by incorporating
plant species that are native to the area.
Green Shores/soft shores approach: An engineering practice that reduces the risk of erosion on shores
while mimicking nature. Refer to greenshores.ca for more information.
Xeriscaping: The practice of designing landscapes to reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation.