Downtown Core Area Plan Draft

aPril 2010

Downtown Core Area Plan

DRAFT

Publishing information

title: Downtown Core Area Planauthor: Community Planning Divisionstatus: Draft Plan – April 2010Printing Date: April 2010

additional Copies: The City of VictoriaPlanning and Development Department Victoria City Hall, 2nd Floor t 250.361.0382

Electronic versions (in PDF format) available on the City of Victoria website at victoria.ca

1 CEnTEnniAl SquArE, ViCToriA, BC V8W 1P6 | www.victoria.ca

City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan 1

TAble oF ConTenTs

exeCuTive summARy ...............................................3

Purpose ................................................................................ 3Vision .................................................................................... 4Key Challenges .................................................................... 4Key Features ......................................................................... 4

inTRoDuCTion ...........................................................5

This Plan ............................................................................... 5Purpose ................................................................................ 6Foundation ............................................................................ 8organization ....................................................................... 12

uRbAn sTRuCTuRe .................................................14

intoduction .......................................................................... 14urban Structure – Downtown Core Area ............................ 15urban Structure – Plan........................................................ 17urban Structure – Policies and Actions .............................. 18

DisTRiCTs ..................................................................20

introduction ......................................................................... 20Central Business District .................................................... 20Central Business Distric – Plan ........................................... 21Central Business District – Policies and Actions ................ 21Historic Commercial District ............................................... 22Historic Commercial District – Plan .................................... 23Historic Commercial District – Policies and Actions ............. 23rock Bay District ................................................................ 24

rock Bay District – Plan ..................................................... 25rock Bay District – Policies and Actions ............................ 25inner Harbour District ......................................................... 27inner Harbour District – Plan .............................................. 28inner Harbour District – Policies and Actions ..................... 28residential Mixed-use District ............................................ 29residential Mixed-use District – Plan ................................. 29residential Mixed-use District – Policies and Actions ........ 30

DensiTy .....................................................................31

introduction ......................................................................... 31Density Framework ............................................................. 32non Density Bonus Area..................................................... 32non Density Bonus Area – Policies and Actions ................ 33Density Bonus System ........................................................ 33Heritage Density Transfer ................................................... 36

TRAnspoRTATion AnD mobiliTy .........................38

introduction ......................................................................... 38Transportation and Mobility – Downtown Core Area ............. 38Transportation and Mobility – Plan...................................... 39Pedestrian network – Policies and Actions ........................... 40Cycling network – Policies and Actions ............................. 42Transit – Policies and Actions ............................................. 46 Transportation Demand Management (TDM) – Policies and Actions ........................................................... 46

City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan2

uRbAn Design .........................................................48

introduction ......................................................................... 48urban Design – Downtown Core Area ................................ 48urban Design – Plan ........................................................... 49Crosstown Concept ............................................................ 50urban Ampitheatre Concept............................................... 51Public Views and Vistias – Policies and Actions ................ 53Public realm improvement – Policies and Actions ............ 57Built Form – Policies and Actions ....................................... 65

heRiTAge ..................................................................71

introduction ......................................................................... 71Heritage – Downtown Core Area ........................................ 71Area and Context Planning – Policies and Actions ............ 72Site Development – Policies and Actions ........................... 74Civic Support – Policies and Actions .................................. 75interpretation and Education – Policies and Actions .......... 75

eneRgy AnD enviRonmenT .................................76

introduction ......................................................................... 76Energy and Environment – Downtown Core Area .............. 76Energy and Environment – Plan.......................................... 76Energy and Environment – Policies and Action .................. 77

CommuniTy viTAliTy ..............................................78

introduction ......................................................................... 78Vitality – Current .................................................................. 78Vitality – Future.................................................................... 79Social Vitality – Policies and Actions .................................. 79Economic Vitality – Policies and Actions ............................ 81Cultural Vitality – Policies and Actions ................................ 82

implemenTATion .....................................................83

AppenDiCes

1 Exterior View Guidelines ...........................................1A 2 interior View Guidelines ..........................................26A 3 External View Guidelines ........................................35A 4 Street Typology Guidelines .....................................45A 5 Through-block Passageway Guidelines .................62A 6 Centennial Square Guidelines ................................65A 7 Pandora Green Guidelines .....................................66A 8 urban Plaza Design Guidelines .............................67A 9 Public Art Guidelines ..............................................73A10 Tall Building Design Guidelines ..............................75A11 Building Base, Streetwall and

Commercial Frontage Guidelines ...........................85A12 Building Types and District Siting Guidelines ........87A13 outdoor Cafés and Dining Places ..........................93A


executive summary

Executive summaryThis Plan is called the “Downtown Core Area Plan” – a new name to reflect Victoria’s new reality.

For the past 20 years, planning in Downtown Victoria has been governed by the Downtown Victoria Plan, which was developed when Victoria’s downtown was experiencing low population and economic growth.

Today, in 2010, the situation is very different. According to population forecasts from the Capital regional District, the Capital region’s population will increase to 390,000 by 2016, and to 475,000 by 2038. This represents a 31 percent increase, or 111,000 new residents, in about 30 years. Victoria’s share of that growth will most likely be an additional 18,800 residents, for a total population of just over 100,000.

in addition, other growth forecasts prepared for the City indicate that, by 2026, the total combined floor space demand for residential, office, retail, service and hotel room uses in Downtown Victoria will be in the range of 853,800m2 to 1,174,300 m2. if these forecasts are accurate, without increasing the development potential, the Downtown core will experience a shortfall of between 110,600m2 and 616, 900 m2 within the next 10 to 15 years.

it’s clear that the traditional Downtown core alone will not be able to accommodate much more in the way of people and businesses: the inventory of vacant or underutilized land within the Downtown neighbourhood has diminished to a level that will simply not meet future demand. it’s also clear that the same challenges and opportunities that affect the Downtown neighbourhood also affect the broader Downtown area and connecting neighbourhoods as they too evolve to become more urban.

This Plan therefore applies to what we are now calling the Downtown Core Area, which includes not only the Downtown neighbourhood but also the Harris Green neighbourhood, the rock Bay area and parts of the north Park, Fairfield and James Bay neighbourhoods.

it replaces the Downtown Victoria Plan (1990), the Harris Green neighbourhood Plan (1995) and the Harris Green Charrette (1997) as the principal guide for planning decisions made by the City of Victoria within the broader Downtown Core Area. it serves as a neighbourhood plan for the Downtown and Harris Green neighbourhoods, and provides additional guidance – in conjunction with their neighbourhood plans – for the portions of rock Bay, Fairfield and James Bay that are located within the boundary of the Downtown Core Area.

PurPosEThe Downtown Core Area Plan provides land use, physical development, transportation and mobility, vitality and sustainability policies and actions for the neighbourhoods that fall within the Downtown Core Area. it is intended both to guide and influence the physical, social, environmental and economic conditions of the Area, and to ensure a sustainable and balanced approach to growth over the next 30 years.

The City will use this Plan to evaluate the impact and suitability of public and private projects and initiatives related to land use, development, infrastructure and transportation, and will review all private and public projects and initiatives for their ability to help achieve the Plan’s vision and goals.


VisionThe Downtown Core Area will offer an array of vibrant urban neighbourhoods surrounding a thriving, pedestrian-friendly Downtown core. All people will benefit from a high-quality public and private environment and a broad range of employment, housing, shopping, and recreational opportunities, all within a well-connected and attractive urban environment that embraces the Victoria Harbour, celebrates its heritage, and provides a model for livable and green urbanism.

KEY ChallEngEsThis Plan attempts to address a number of key challenges the Downtown Core Area will face over the next 30 years. These include:

• Ensuring the Downtown Core Area has enough residential and office space available to keep up with short- and long-term growth forecasts, without damage to the natural environment or the livability and quality of life in the Downtown Core Area.

• remaining the primary employment centre for the Capital region, and the preferred location for Provincial Government offices and services.

• Attracting and retaining new residents of all kinds: individuals and families, young, old and in-between.

• Maintaining the heritage context of old Town, Chinatown and the waterfront in balance with new development.

• Encouraging more owners of Heritage resources to rehabilitate and upgrade their properties.

• Maintaining an urban core that is (over time) able to support a rapid transit system.

• Ensuring that new development complements both the existing architecture and natural environment of the Downtown Core Area.

KEY fEaturEsin response to these challenges, the Downtown Core Area Plan provides a framework for growth and development that:

• Accommodates compact growth and development within the boundaries of the Downtown Core Area to:

• improve the relationship between housing and employment.

• Strengthen the Core Area’s role as a primary centre for both employment and housing.

• Expand the Central Business District as the primary office location.

• Concentrates higher-density development along the Douglas Street/Blanshard Street corridor to relieve development pressure within the historic old Town Area, Chinatown and Victoria Harbour.

• Gives priority to walking, cycling and transit.

• Concentrates higher-density and transit-supportive new development within walking distance of the Douglas Street transit corridor.

• Establishes a density framework for the Downtown Core Area that balances the need for increased density in some areas with the need to maintain livable communities. The framework restricts growth in some areas to a pre-determined maximum density level, but allows developers the possibility of acquiring additional density in other areas either by either making a cash contribution to the Downtown Core Area Public realm improvement Fund or purchasing unused density from the owner of a Heritage resource. in return, the owner must rehabilitate and seismically upgrade the Heritage resource and ensure it is legally protected.

• Encourages environmental sustainability in land development and re-development, building design and transportation, and redevelops the rock Bay District as a “green” sustainability precinct, characterized by green infrastructure, building technology and land use that supports mid- to high-density office, high-tech and light industrial activities in balance with mid- to high-density residential mixed-use development.

• Supports the economic function and role of the working harbour, while recognizing opportunities to improve public access to the waterfront.

• Extends the Government Street Mall in phases to improve the Pedestrian network, create a well-defined link with the rock Bay District, and connect to the Harbour Pathway.

• Promotes a broader range of housing options – including affordable and rental housing – to support a more diverse mix of households, and supports initiatives to decrease homelessness and increase community safety and civility.

• Encourages design excellence as a method to improve and enhance the overall look and function of the Downtown Core Area.


1.1 introDuCtion Since it was first established in 1843 as a trading post for the Hudson’s Bay Company, Victoria has evolved into a city that is recognized across Canada and around the world for its tourism, education, heritage conservation, recreation, arts and culture. it is also renowned for its ability to retain both its character and its charm even while it continues to experience significant growth and development.

The Downtown Core Area Plan lays out a vision, goals, policies and actions that will ensure Victoria remains a truly remarkable place to live, work and play well into the 21st century.

1.2 this PlanThis Plan is called the “Downtown Core Area Plan” – a new name to reflect Victoria’s new reality.

For the past 20 years, since 1990, planning in Downtown Victoria has been governed by the Downtown Victoria Plan, which provided a framework to shape the physical, economic and social form and function of downtown Victoria. When that plan was first developed, however, Victoria’s downtown was experiencing low population and economic growth.

Today, in 2010, the situation is very different. Victoria has grown significantly in recent years, and that growth is expected to continue for at least the next two to three decades.

introduction

1it’s clear that the traditional Downtown core alone will not be able to accommodate much more in the way of people and businesses: the inventory of vacant or underutilized land within the Downtown neighbourhood has diminished to a level that will simply not meet future demand. it’s also clear that the same challenges and opportunities that affect the Downtown neighbourhood also affect the broader Downtown area and connecting neighbourhoods as they too evolve to become more urban, and that we must pursue a more comprehensive approach to planning that considers the context, function, transitions and relationships between each neighbourhood.

This Plan therefore applies to what we are now calling the Downtown Core Area, which includes not only the Downtown neighbourhood but also the Harris Green neighbourhood, the rock Bay area and parts of the north Park, Fairfield and James Bay neighbourhoods. (SEE FiGurE 1: DoWnToWn CorE ArEA PlAn BounDArY.)

it replaces the Downtown Victoria Plan (1990), the Harris Green neighbourhood Plan (1995) and the Harris Green Charrette (1997) as the principal guide for planning decisions made by the City of Victoria within the broader Downtown Core Area. it serves as a neighbourhood plan for the Downtown and Harris Green neighbourhoods, and provides additional guidance – in conjunction with their neighbourhood plans – for the portions of rock Bay, Fairfield and James Bay that are located within the boundary of the Downtown Core Area.

CHAPTER ONE:� INTRODUCTION


1.3 PurPosE The Downtown Core Area Plan provides land use, physical development, transportation and mobility, vitality and sustainability policies and actions for the neighbourhoods that fall within the Downtown Core Area. These policies and actions are intended both to guide and influence the physical, social, environmental and economic conditions of the Area, and to ensure a sustainable and balanced approach to growth over the next 30 years.

The Plan also serves to further define and apply the City of Victoria’s commitment to the policies and targets for the Metropolitan Core as defined within the Capital regional District’s regional Growth Strategy, which seeks to maintain and enhance downtown Victoria as the Capital region’s primary business and cultural centre, and to provide a vital link between the City’s high-level Victoria Sustainability Framework and official Community Plan and the more site-specific neighbourhood Plans and the Zoning regulation Bylaw. (SEE FiGurE 2: rElATionSHiP

BETWEEn PlAnS.)

The City will use this Plan to evaluate the impact and suitability of public and private projects and initiatives related to land use, development, infrastructure and transportation, and will review all private and public projects and initiatives for their ability to help achieve the Plan’s vision and goals.

The City will also use this Plan as a guide in preparing annual operating and capital budgets, defining annual department work programs and determining public improvements.

DistriCtsFor the purposes of this Plan, the Downtown Core Area is divided into five districts:

Central Business District

Historic Commercial District

inner Harbour District

rock Bay District

residential Mixed-use District.

(SEE FiGurE 3: DiSTriCTS.)

The new districts do not replace existing neighbourhoods and their names, boundaries or special character areas. rather, they are a way to recognize that there are unique social, physical and environmental characteristics in certain parts of the Downtown Core Area that cut across neighbourhood boundaries and unite broader geographic areas.

Figure 1: Downtown Core area Plan boundary.



Figure 3: Districts.

Figure 2: relationships between Plans.

Victoria sustainability framework

official Community Plan

master PlansDowntown Core

area Plan

neighbourhood Plans

regulation bylaw

special Policy areas or Design

guidelines

Departmental Work Programs

and budgets

Capital budgets

The overall relationship of the Downtown Core Area Plan with other plans and regulations is described in the Downtown Core Area Plan relationships Diagram.



nEighbourhooDsThe Downtown Core Area includes the Downtown and Harris Green neighbourhoods, the rock Bay portion of the Burnside neighbourhood and portions of the Fairfield, north Park and James Bay neighbourhoods. (SEE FiGurE 4: DoWnToWn CorE ArEA nEiGHBourHooDS.)

1.4 founDationThe Downtown Core Area Plan is based on:

• Forecasts of significant population growth for this region and the City of Victoria over the next 30 years, and the corresponding effect that growth will have on demand for office, residential and other space.

• A Vision and a series of Goals for a Downtown Core Area that reflect what the City of Victoria heard clearly from the people who live and work here through a number of community workshops: that all future growth and development must strengthen the city’s character, respect its scale, and support sustainability.

• A set of Assumptions about the physical, social and economic conditions (existing and required) that will influence the achievement of the Downtown Core Area Plan’s vision and goals.

forECastsVictoria is the core city of the broader metropolitan Capital region and its 12 additional municipalities and three electoral areas. (SEE FiGurE 5: THE rEGion.) The Downtown Core Area is the city’s (and the region’s) urban centre. Approximately 188 hectares (465 acres) in size, it’s a mixed-use community that provides a blend of office, institutional, commercial, industrial and residential activities throughout a series of neighbourhoods. (SEE FiGurE 6: DoWnToWn CorE ArEA ConTEXT.)

in 2008, the Capital region as a whole had a population of about 364,000, while the City of Victoria had a population of approximately 82,656, and the Downtown Core Area had a population of about 6,050. on a typical workday in that year, the Downtown Core Area also welcomed about 33,800 employees as well as thousands of additional shoppers and visitors.

According to population forecasts from the Capital regional District, the Capital region’s population will increase to 390,000 by 2016, and to 475,000 by 2038. This represents a 31 percent increase, or 111,000 new residents, in the next 30 years. The CrD estimates that Victoria’s share of that growth will be an additional 18,800 residents, for a total population of just over 100,000 by 2041.

other growth forecasts prepared for the City indicate that, by 2026, the total combined floor space demand for residential, office, retail, service and hotel room uses in the Downtown Core Area will be in the range of 853,800m2 to 1,174,300 m2. if these forecasts are accurate, without increasing the development potential in the Downtown Core Area, the Area will experience a shortfall of between 110,600m2 and 616, 900 m2 within the next 10 to 15 years, threatening Victoria’s ability to accommodate the full range of uses, retain the current balance between office and residential space, and remain the primary employment centre for the Capital region.

VisionThe Downtown Core Area will offer an array of vibrant urban neighbourhoods surrounding a thriving, pedestrian-friendly Downtown core. All people will benefit from a high-quality public and private environment and a broad range of employment, housing, shopping, and recreational opportunities, all within a well-connected and attractive urban environment that embraces the Victoria Harbour, celebrates its heritage, and provides a model for livable and green urbanism.

goals1. to retain the Downtown Core area’s position as the heart of the region and

a place where people love to work, live and play by:

• Ensuring the Downtown Core Area has enough residential and office space available to keep up with short- and long-term growth forecasts and remain the preferred location for Provincial Government offices, services and associated institutional buildings.

• Supporting the location of leisure, education, arts and culture activities within the Downtown Core Area to both encourage greater local use and increase tourism and investment.

• reinforcing the role of a working harbour as an essential part of Victoria’s economic base.

• Developing a long-term retail strategy to confirm the economic importance of retail activity within the Downtown Core Area.

• Supporting the redevelopment of the rock Bay District as a “green” sustainability precinct that accommodates a mix of employment and residential uses.

• Providing a broad range of easy-to-access community services and public amenities, such as transit, pedestrian and cycle paths, retail, health and medical services, childcare facilities, playgrounds, schools and recreational facilities.

ConTinuED PAGE 11>



Figure 4: Downtown Core area neighbourhoods.



Figure 5: the region.

Figure 6: Downtown Core area Context.



GoAlS, ConTinuED

2. to contribute to the Downtown Core area’s rich sense of place by:

• Creating memorable streets and places that serve both to attract people and to benefit the community.

• Celebrating Victoria’s architectural and cultural heritage at every opportunity.

• Ensuring that new development complements both the existing architecture and natural environment of the Downtown Core Area.

• incorporating and linking public amenity spaces, such as open spaces, parks, plazas, pathways and the waterfront, throughout the Downtown Core Area.

3. to establish walking, cycling and public transit as the preferred modes of travel within the Downtown Core area by:

• Establishing complementary land use and transportation policies, initiatives and infrastructure.

• using Greenways to create attractive and safe transit/walking links throughout the Downtown Core Area.

• Providing safe and direct walking connections throughout the Downtown Core Area that also link public spaces, such as parks, plazas, open spaces and the waterfront.

• Concentrating higher-density and transit-supportive new development within walking distance of the Douglas Street transit corridor.

4. to ensure excellence in building types and design within the Downtown Core area by:

• Encouraging high-quality architecture and diversity in the design of buildings and surrounding public areas.

• recognizing historic buildings for their value and benefit to the Downtown Core Area, and encouraging their rehabilitation, seismic upgrading and integration with new development.

• Supporting new developments that complement the existing Downtown Core Area in their building sites and orientation, massing, height, setbacks, materials and landscaping.

5. to offer a variety of housing options within the Downtown Core area by:

• Developing diverse housing types and sizes to attract both individuals and families, including smaller units as well as rowhouses, townhouses and stacked townhouses.

• Continuing to encourage the conversion of Downtown heritage buildings to residential use with the financial incentives available through the City’s Tax incentive Program, and considering the idea of broadening the program’s base to the rest of the Downtown Core Area.

• Supporting new residential development that integrates a blend of market and non-market (affordable) housing.

6. to ensure the success of the Downtown Core area Plan by:

• Monitoring, reviewing and updating the Downtown Core Area Plan and related policies and regulations in response to changing social, economic and physical conditions.

• Maintaining policy alignment between the Downtown Core Area Plan and all other related City policies, plans and regulations.

7. to exemplify environmental stewardship and ensure the Downtown Core are evolves into an environmental showcase for the built, natural and social environments by:

• Encouraging new development and existing development to incorporate the use of green building technology, infrastructure and environmental design.

• Developing and integrating green building criteria and objectives into the approvals process for both public and private development.

• Supporting public and private initiatives that result in the remediation of brownfield sites, especially along the Harbour.

• Wherever appropriate, encouraging the retention and re-use of existing buildings, including Heritage resources, to reduce the impact on landfills.



assumPtionsThe Downtown Core Area Plan assumes that:

• Annual population growth within the Downtown Core Area will continue to support a projected increase of an additional 10,000 to 15,000 people over the next 30 years.

• The regional Growth Strategy will continue to support attaining a 40 per cent modal share of non-auto modes of transportation for trips to and within the Metropolitan Core by 2026.

• The Downtown Core Area will continue to function as the largest employment centre in the region.

• The City, BC Transit and the Province will continue to enhance and support transit services along Douglas Street through transit-supportive land use policies, activities and infrastructure.

• The City will use the Plan to identify and prioritize capital projects within the Downtown Core Area as part of its annual budgeting and departmental work programs.

• The City will initiate amendments to development standards, policies, processes and plans (including neighbourhood Plans, the Zoning regulation Bylaw, Special Policy Areas and Design Guidelines) if required to implement and further refine the policies of the Downtown Core Area Plan.

• The City will revise the official Community Plan and other higher level plans to reflect the vision and goals of the Downtown Core Area Plan.

• The Downtown Core Area will serve as the footprint for the Metropolitan Core in both the regional Growth Strategy and the official Community Plan.

• The City will develop a detailed implementation Strategy for the Downtown Core Area Plan. The strategy will include a review of local development standards as well as a formal process to monitor and amend the Plan. it will also be used to identify requirements for developing the City’s capital budget and departmental work programs.

• The City will consider using such financial and regulatory tools as Development Cost Charges, Density Bonusing and Tax incentives to help realize the Downtown Core Area Plan’s vision and goals.

The City will review and re-evaluate the Plan if these Assumptions change significantly over time.

1.5 organiZationThe Downtown Core Area Plan is divided into ten main sections after this introduction, each dealing with a different aspect of the Plan and each providing both area-wide and District-specific policies and actions where applicable:

2. urban struCturEExplains the key elements of urban structure (place, movement and building form) and establishes the importance of ensuring any future physical improvements to the urban structure serve to enhance and improve the Downtown Core Area’s livability and quality of life.

3. DistriCtsDescribes the five Districts of the Downtown Core Area and provides policies and actions to not only preserve each District’s unique character, but also provide opportunities for improvement.

4. DEnsitYintroduces a framework for guiding density throughout the Downtown Core Area that balances the need for increased density in some areas with the need to maintain livable communities. Also explains a new Density Bonus System, intended to improve public amenities, as well as a Heritage Density Transfer System, intended to further protect historic buildings and sites.

5. transPortation anD mobilitYDescribes the need for sustainable transportation and mobility systems that give priority to pedestrians, cyclists and transit, and how those systems can be achieved.

6. urban DEsignExplains the principles of successful urban design and how they should be applied to the Downtown Core Area’s skyline, buildings and public realm.

7. hEritagEDetails the presence and reinforces the value and importance of Heritage resources in the Downtown Core.



8. EnVironmEnt anD EnErgYProvides a policy framework for addressing various components of sustainability, including the natural environment, green buildings and infrastructure, and the development of a rock Bay sustainability precinct that will showcase environmental sustainability at a broad community level.

9. CommunitY VitalitY Addresses the importance of economic vitality, housing, public amenities, arts and culture, recreation, entertainment, special events and social services in building truly complete communities.

These eight main sections are followed by:

10. imPlEmEntationDescribes how the City will implement the physical improvements and the heritage, cultural, transportation and environmental initiatives, policies and actions described in the Downtown Core Area Plan.

11. aPPEnDiCEsProvides detailed guidelines and supporting information for specific aspects of the Downtown Core Area – such as views, public realm improvements, public art and tall building design – that support the vision, goals, policies and actions contained in this Plan.



CHAPTER TWO:� URBAN STRUCTURE

2.1 introDuCtionurban structure is made up of three elements:

1. Place is the underlying topography, the natural features and landscape, of an area. Place influences the look and character of the districts and neighbourhoods, the parks and open spaces that exist upon the land base.

2. Movement is the system of roads, sidewalks and walkways within an area as well as the transportation infrastructure and services they accommodate.

3. building form is the range of building types, as defined by their physical scale, mass, orientation and height, within an area. The interplay between building forms is what creates spaces, defines streets and influences a city’s skyline.

(SEE FiGurE 7: urBAn STruCTurE ElEMEnTS.)

A well-planned, supportive urban structure lays the foundation for a livable urban community – a community that provides:

• An abundance of housing options.

• Services that meet the needs of daily living.

• Transportation systems that connect neighbourhoods to each other as well as to parks and open spaces, other areas of the city and the broader region.

A high quality and well-maintained physical environment, in both the public realm (the public realm is essentially the spaces between and within buildings that are publicly accessible, including streets, sidewalks, plazas, squares and parks) and the private realm (the spaces located on private property that may or may not be open to the public).

urban structure

2

Figure 7: urban structure Elements.

builDing form

moVEmEnt

PlaCE



2.2 urban struCturE – DoWntoWn CorE arEa

PlaCEThe Downtown Core Area is compact and walkable, covering approximately 188 hectares (465 acres). it gradually rises in elevation from the inner Harbour towards Douglas Street and Blanshard Street; however, much of the centre area is relatively level, with two lower basins around rock Bay to the north and James Bay to the south. (SEE FiGurE 8: lAnD BASE.)

The neighbourhoods that make up the Downtown Core Area are predominantly mixed-use, containing a range of commercial, residential, office and industrial activities. Some neighbourhoods also contain special character areas that have design, architectural or historic significance. (SEE FiGurE 9: nEiGHBourHooDS.)

Public parks and open spaces within the Downtown Core Area include small-scale plazas, such as Bastion Square, and Beacon Hill Park, which functions as a regional park. The front lawn of the Parliament Building serves as both a public open space and a place-defining characteristic of the inner Harbour District, while the Harbour Pathway (once complete) will provide a linear form of open space connecting much of the land along the Harbour. (SEE FiGurE 10: PuBliC PArKS

AnD oPEn SPACES.)

moVEmEntPrimary downtown streets include Douglas Street, Blanshard Street, Bay Street, Cook Street and the portion of quadra Street located north of Johnson Street. These streets provide key links between the Downtown Core Area and other surrounding areas of the city and the region. (SEE FiGurE 11: MoVEMEnT.)

builDing form The Downtown Core Area’s distinctive urban form rises steadily eastward from the inner Harbour and the blend of low-scale, historic streetscapes and rehabilitated heritage buildings in the old Town Area to a concentration of modern, higher density commercial, office, and residential buildings in the Central Business District. This gradual rise in building form helps to shape the city’s undulating skyline. (SEE FiGurE 12: BuilDinG ForM.)

Figure 8: land base.



Figure 9: neighbourhoods. Figure 10: Public Parks and open spaces.



2.3 urban struCturE – PlanTo ensure the Downtown Core Area continues to be a livable urban community while it grows significantly over the next 30 years, the Downtown Core Area Plan:

• recognizes that existing neighbourhoods and special character areas are intrinsic to each District and help to define their respective characters.

• Supports the development of a range of building forms that respect and reflect the character of the Downtown Core Area and its neighbourhoods.

• understands that the public realm of the Downtown Core Area is enhanced by the presence of active commercial uses, such as restaurants, retail stores and entertainment facilities.

• Encourages the emergence of taller building forms along the Douglas Street/Blanshard Street corridor and along upper Yates Street, as well as a blend of mid-rise and high-rise buildings in both the rock Bay District and the residential Mixed-use District.

• Protects the historic context of the old Town Area and critical view corridors of the Harbour and surrounding landmarks.

• recognizes the need to develop new public parks or open spaces within the rock Bay District and the Harris Green neighbourhood.

• Give priority to pedestrians, cyclists and public transit in land use and transportation planning.

• recognizes the importance of providing transportation networks that are integrated with neighbourhoods in the Downtown Core Area and provide optimal access and delivery of goods and services.

(SEE FiGurE 13: urBAn STruCTurE ConCEPT.)

Figure 11: movement.

Figure 12: building form.



2.4 urban struCturE – PoliCiEs anD aCtions

DEVEloPmEnt2.4.1 Maintain lower-scale buildings throughout the Historic Commercial

District and along the waterfront to respect the lower context of the area, and gradually transition to taller buildings within the Central Business District.

2.4.2 Concentrate tall buildings between Douglas Street and Blanshard Street as well as along upper Yates Street.

2.4.3 Encourage a mix of residential, commercial and office development to support the Downtown Core Area’s current mixed-use character.

lanD usE2.4.4 Ensure land use and related activities complement and enhance the

form and function of each District.

ConnECtiVitY 2.4.5 improve and enhance the physical public realm connections and

transitions between Districts.

2.4.6 improve the connections between the public realm and public parks and open space through both design and maintenance.

ParKs anD oPEn sPaCEs2.4.7 Acquire and develop additional public park and open spaces within

the rock Bay District and the residential Mixed-use District (which includes the Harris Green neighbourhood).

harbour PathWaY 2.4.8 Complete the Harbour Pathway, including connections to the

regional Pathway network and the Pedestrian network (SEE SECTion 5. TrAnSPorTATion AnD MoBiliTY).

VaCant lanDs 2.4.9 Support the development of vacant and under-developed sites,

including surface parking lots.

offiCE DEVEloPmEnt2.4.10 Support the development and location of higher density office buildings

within the Central Business District.



Figure 13: urban structure Concept.

The Downtown Core Area urban Structure Map illustrates the application of the various urban structure components within the Downtown Core Area. This map along with the related urban structure policies are intended to ensure that subsequent changes to the urban structure components remain in alignment with the Plan’s overall vision and goals.



3.1 introDuCtionThe Downtown Core Area Plan establishes five Downtown Core Area Districts. As stated in the introduction, these new Districts do not replace existing neighbourhoods and their names, boundaries or special character areas. rather, they are a way to recognize that there are unique social, physical and environmental characteristics in certain parts of the Downtown Core Area that cut across neighbourhood boundaries and unite broader geographic areas.

The policies and actions contained in this Section are intended to support each District’s current function and general character, while also improving each District’s public realm, parks and open spaces, infrastructure, building forms and transportation networks.

3.2 CEntral businEss DistriCt The Central Business District (CBD) is approximately 29.5 hectares (73.8 acres) in size and covers a 15-block area. Eleven blocks stretch northward from Burdett Avenue to Caledonia Avenue between Douglas Street and Blanshard Street; four blocks run west to east between Blanshard Street and quadra Street, bounded by Pandora Avenue to the north and Fort Street to the south. (SEE FiGurE 14: CEnTrAl

BuSinESS DiSTriCT)

The CBD borders the residential Mixed-use District to the east, the Historic Commercial District to the west, the rock Bay District to the north and the inner Harbour District to the south.

districts

3With its concentration of higher density office buildings, the CBD is the main employment centre not just for Victoria, but for the region as a whole. This helps to attract and retain a range of supporting commercial enterprises – such as restaurants, cafés, convenience stores, office supply stores, retail stores, hair salons and other personal service businesses, as well as major banks and other financial institutions – to provide the daily amenities and services required by the businesses, employees and residents within the CBD.

Hotels also play a significant commercial role in the CBD, supported by the ferry, sea plane, bus and train terminals that are located within walking distance in the inner Harbour.

in recent years, the CBD has also attracted significant high-density residential development projects. These projects have increased the diversity of land use within the CBD, animated the street level and enlarged the local population base. in addition, having high-density residential and employment uses within close proximity of each other has helped to maintain the compact character of the CBD, while also strengthening the use of public transit along the major transit corridors, such as Douglas Street.


CHAPTER THREE:� DISTRICTS

3.3 CEntral businEss DistriCt – PlanTo ensure the Central Business District remains strong and healthy, is able to adapt to changing economic and market conditions, and continues to provide a safe and welcoming environment, rich with amenities for workers, residents and visitors alike while it grows significantly over the next 30 years, the Downtown Core Area Plan:

• Supports existing and future land use (zoning) that accommodates a high concentration of offices and commercial uses, along with such complementary uses as multi-residential development, hotels, public institutions, personal service businesses and retail stores – while respecting the CBD’s scale and character.

• Encourages a pedestrian-oriented and transit-supportive environment.

• Supports significant improvements to the public realm.

• Establishes strong relationships with, and sensitive transitions to, surrounding Districts.

3.4 CEntral businEss DistriCt – PoliCiEs anD aCtions

EConomiC aCtiVitY 3.4.1 Maintain the position of the CBD as the primary employment,

commercial and civic centre for the city and the region.

3.4.2 Ensure development and revitalization efforts keep the CBD resilient and competitive in local and regional markets.

offiCE anD CommErCial aCtiVitY 3.4.3 Support office, commercial and residential development within

the CBD.

3.4.4 Provide well-designed public realm services and amenities to support office, commercial and residential development.

high-DEnsitY DEVEloPmEnt 3.4.5 Accommodate high-density office buildings within the CBD to make

efficient use of infrastructure and to encourage the location of office support services within the CBD.

Figure 14: Central business District.



fort strEEt3.4.16 improve the physical condition of the public realm along Fort Street

through public and private streetscape-enhancement initiatives.

3.4.17 Complete transportation and economic impact studies to explore whether converting Fort Street from one-way to two-way traffic between Douglas Street and Cook Street would reinforce Fort Street as a retail shopping destination.

transitions3.4.18 Ensure that designs for new buildings located along the edges of the

CBD consider scale, orientation, setbacks, mass and building height to provide sensitive transitions to surrounding Districts.

3.5 historiC CommErCial DistriCt The Historic Commercial District (HCD) is approximately 33 hectares (81 acres) in size, and is bounded by Wharf Street and Store Street on the west, Douglas Street on the east, Chatham Street on the north and Humboldt Street on the south. (SEE FiGurE 15: HiSToriC CoMMErCiAl DiSTriCT).

it includes the old Town Area (except the waterfront) and Chinatown – which Parks Canada named as a national Historic Site in 2002 to commemorate its status as Canada’s oldest intact and continuously active Chinatown – along with a range of other character areas. These include Bastion Square, which is the oldest part of the city and original site of the Hudson Bay’s Fort Victoria in 1858, as well as Trounce Alley, Broad Street, Government Street Mall, Market Square and Centennial Square.

The HCD is characterized by a “saw-tooth” streetscape that generally rises and falls in height between one and five storeys, with articulated brick and stone facades, buildings located up to the public sidewalk and continuous street-level storefronts.

ongoing revitalization efforts in the HCD over the past two decades have resulted in the rehabilitation of approximately 85 heritage buildings, upgrades to historic commercial storefronts, and a number of improvements to the public realm through streetscaping, public art and special events programming. These upgrades and improvements have drawn boutique hotels, small retail stores, cafés and restaurants to the area, and – with the help of the Bay Centre, a regional-scale anchor on Douglas Street with over 500,000 square feet of retail space – cemented the HCD’s place as a destination for tourism, shopping and entertainment.

ParKing 3.4.6 Support the re-development of existing stand-alone parking structures

to accommodate office, commercial and residential development.

3.4.7 Where possible, ensure publicly accessible short-term parking is part of new office, commercial or residential mixed-use developments where structured parking is provided on site.

PEDEstrian-oriEntED EnVironmEnt3.4.8 Give priority to walking by supporting active street-level uses and well-

designed public realm improvements.

3.4.9 Enhance Yates Street as a focal point for street-level retail and other pedestrian-oriented commercial activities.

ConnECtiVitY3.4.10 improve the relationship between the CBD and surrounding Districts by

developing well-designed, clearly marked and safe Pedestrian, Cycling and Transit networks.

3.4.11 Provide access through longer city blocks and connections with the Pedestrian network with through-block passageways (SEE SECTion 5.

TrAnSPorTATion AnD MoBiliTY).

transit suPPort 3.4.12 Support the use of transit by encouraging the location of office,

commercial and residential mixed-use development along Douglas Street and Yates Street.

3.4.13 Support the use of transit by encouraging street-level retail, restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, convenience stores and personal service businesses in new development along Douglas Street and Yates Street.

nEW DEVEloPmEnt 3.4.14 Amend the Zoning regulation Bylaw to provide development standards

for new commercial, residential mixed-use and office developments that reflect the scale, density and context of the CBD.

3.4.15 Ensure the sensitive integration of new development with existing Heritage resources along the 700 block of Yates Street and the 700 and 800 blocks of Fort Street.



3.6 historiC CommEriCal DistriCt – PlanTo ensure the Historic Commercial District both retains its heritage character and continues to contribute to Victoria’s competitive advantage as a retail, entertainment tourist destination over the next 30 years, the Downtown Core Area Plan:

• Continues the Downtown Victoria Plan’s successful strategy of:

• urban revitalization through heritage protection.

• The sensitive integration of new infill development and public realm improvements into the historic environment.

• Continues to recognize and support the HCD as the key focus of the retail Core as defined in the official Community Plan.

• retains the HCD’s current compact, diverse, low-scale and small-lot character.

• Supports locating retail stores, cafés, restaurants and other tourism- and entertainment-related uses within the HCD at the street level to ensure that they maintain a strong and direct visual presence, with other commercial uses, such as offices, on upper storeys.

• Supports residential dwellings on upper storeys as a way to increase the local population base while also providing opportunities for the rehabilitation and re-use of existing buildings.

3.7 historiC CommErCial DistriCt – PoliCiEs anD aCtions

EConomiC aCtiVitY3.7.1 Maintain the continued function and character of the HCD as a

destination for retail shopping, entertainment and tourism.

CommErCial anD rEtail aCtiVitY3.7.2 locate commercial and retail uses at street level to encourage increased

street-level pedestrian activity and complement the public realm.

3.7.3 locate office and residential uses above street level, to allow more active uses – such as retail and restaurants – to locate at the street level.

3.7.4 locate a range of uses – including office, residential, retail or restaurants – at the street level within a development located in an alley.

3.7.5 locate active uses at the street-level in combination with public realm improvements to maintain an attractive and energetic environments for shopping and entertainment

Figure 15: historic Commerial District.



CEntEnnial sQuarE3.7.6 Maintain Centennial Square as a hub for civic activity.

3.7.7 Ensure any design or re-development initiatives for Centennial Square result in an inviting and active, centrally located civic gathering space.

3.7.8 Give priority to public realm improvements that enhance the connectivity between Centennial Square and surrounding areas, including Fisgard Street, Government Street, Douglas Street and Pandora Avenue.

historiC ContEXt3.7.9 Maintain design guidelines and development standards that ensure

existing heritage buildings are rehabilitated, the public realm is improved and new development is integrated into the heritage environment sensitively and sympathetically.

3.7.10 Continue to support policies and regulations that result in the protection of heritage buildings and encourage their rehabilitation, seismic upgrade and re-use.

rEsiDEntial usEs3.7.11 Expand the scope of municipal incentive programs for the re-use of

existing heritage buildings where the upper storeys contain residential uses by considering longer tax-relief periods and opportunities for density bonus transfer (SEE SECTion 4. DEnSiTY).

PubliC rEalm 3.7.12 Support and implement public realm improvements that are sensitive

to the HCD’s historic character and meet the urban design objectives of this Plan (SEE SECTion 6. urBAn DESiGn).

3.7.13 improve public wayfinding in the HCD through streetscape improvements that have a cohesive and consistent design.

ConnECtiVitY3.7.14 Establish strong Pedestrian and Cycling networks through the area,

with a priority on designated Greenways (SEE SECTion 5. TrAnSPorTATion

AnD MoBiliTY).

goVErnmEnt strEEt3.7.15 Extend the retail- and pedestrian-oriented character of Government

Street northward from Yates Street to Pembroke Street through streetscaping, public realm improvements and appropriate land use to provide an attractive and lively environment that connects the inner Harbour District through the HCD to the rock Bay District.

gatEWaY3.7.16 Support the design and implementation of public realm improvements

to the lands located on the east side of the Johnson Street Bridge as a primary gateway to the Downtown Core Area.

ParKing3.7.17 Continue to support the provision of short-term on-street parking to help

maintain the HCD as a focus for retail, commercial and entertainment activity.

3.7.15 Ensure the provision of long-term parking considers the economic function of the HCD, in balance with the Downtown Core Area Plan’s transportation and mobility goals (SEE SECTion 5. TrAnSPorTATion AnD MoBiliTY).

3.8 roCK baY DistriCt The rock Bay District (rBD) is approximately 44 hectares (110 acres) in size and encompasses the northern region of the Downtown Core Area, including a portion of the waterfront between Pandora Avenue and Bay Street. it forms part of the Burnside neighbourhood, as far east as Dowler Place and Blanshard Street. (SEE FiGurE 16: roCK BAY DiSTriCT.)

The rBD hosts both marine- and non-marine-related industrial and industrial-support activities along the waterfront and a blend of other industrial and commercial uses throughout the rest of the District in a mix of older industrial and commercial buildings, including several heritage buildings. it has minimal residential development.

The District’s history as an industrial area, in combination with limited re-development, has resulted in minimal upgrading to infrastructure and streetscaping. There are issues with overhead utility wires and cables, discontinuous public sidewalks, minimal landscaping along building frontages and streets, limited on-street parking, undefined or informal parking areas between the street and private buildings, minimal pedestrian lighting and little public park/open space.



3.9 roCK baY DistriCt – PlanThe rock Bay District, unlike the other Districts within the Downtown Core Area, has a significant amount of underdeveloped or vacant land that could accommodate future office, high-tech industries, and residential development in addition to its current industrial and commercial development.

The Downtown Core Area Plan recognizes that the rBD will play a vital role in shaping the character of the Downtown Core Area while it grows over the next 30 years, and it therefore:

• Supports the development of a detailed master plan for the rock Bay District based on the idea of the District becoming a “green” sustainability precinct – incorporating “green” infrastructure, site planning, uses and building technology.

• Continues to support the location of marine-dependent industrial uses and activities along the waterfront portion of the rBD.

• Supports the emergence of renewed growth and development within the rBD that combines:

• office development (the district’s close proximity to the Central Business District supports the natural expansion of offices north along Douglas Street into the rBD).

• residential mixed-use development with an array of housing types to attract a diverse population base of individuals and families.

• High-tech industries, light industrial manufacturing and other supportive commercial uses.

• Supports the development of a strong public transit network and other public amenities to help rBD evolve into a complete community.

• recognizes the need to develop new public parks or open spaces in and around rDB for the benefit of residents, workers and visitors alike.

3.10 roCK baY DistriCt – PoliCiEs anD aCtions

EConomiC aCtiVitY 3.10.1 Support the re-development of the rBD as an employment-focused

area that provides a balance of industrial support services, light industrial, high-tech, with an accompanying balance of commercial, offices and residential development.

Figure 16: rock bay District.



DEVEloPmEnt PErmit arEa3.10.2 Through the official Community Plan, explore the need to include

portions of the rock Bay District within a Development Permit Area in order to implement the policies and design guidelines of this Plan.

miXED-usE DEVEloPmEnt3.10.3 Support the development of mixed-use buildings within the rBD that

integrate commercial, office and residential uses.

3.10.4 Ensure that residential development is located, designed and sited to avoid or mitigate any potentially negative effects from the operations and activities of nearby industrial uses.

inDustrial DEVEloPmEnt3.10.5 Develop new zoning for the rBD that supports its function as a mixed-

use employment centre that includes both light-industrial and high-tech uses, activities and related support services.

3.10.6 Ensure zoning for waterfront properties includes development standards that mitigate the impact of industrial operations on the local marine environment.

rEsiDEntial DEVEloPmEnt3.10.7 Ensure residential dwellings are part of mixed-use development that

includes active commercial uses at the street level.

3.10.8 Ensure residential dwelling units are not located directly next to marine industrial activities to reduce potential impacts on residents from noise, odour and vibrations.

transit suPPort 3.10.9 Support the location of higher density residential, commercial and

office buildings along Douglas Street to enhance Douglas Street as a transit corridor.

ConnECtiVitY3.10.10 Ensure that all streets and sidewalks provide clear connections for

pedestrians to travel between the rBD and the surrounding Districts.

3.10.11 Provide direct, safe and well-designed pedestrian connections to parks and recreational facilities, such as Central Park, Crystal Pool, royal Athletic Park and the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre.

infrastruCturE3.10.12 Support upgrading of infrastructure services in the rBD as new

development occurs to increase long-term capacity.

3.10.13 Support the use of best management practices to improve the quality of storm water runoff into the rock Bay basin.

transitions3.10.14 Ensure that designs for new buildings located along the edges of the

rBD consider scale, orientation, setbacks, mass and building height to provide sensitive transitions to surrounding neighbourhoods and Districts.

WatErfront3.10.15 Maintain key public views of the working upper Harbour to meet the

urban design objectives of this Plan (SEE SECTion 6. urBAn DESiGn).

3.10.16 Support the development of a long-range detailed master plan for the re-development of the Transport Canada/BC Hydro site in conjunction with ongoing remediation efforts.

3.10.17 incorporate direct public pedestrian access to Victoria Harbour as part of the site design for new development or re-development along the waterfront.

ParKs anD oPEn sPaCE3.10.18 Support the development of publicly accessible park and open spaces

within the rBD.

3.10.19 Ensure parks and open spaces are well-designed, attractive, functional and integrated with the Pedestrian network (SEE SECTion 5. TrAnSPorTATion

AnD MoBiliTY).

3.10.20 integrate new parks and open space with the completed Harbour Pathway and with Greenways as identified in the City’s Greenways Plan.

3.10.21 Ensure all new public parks and open spaces meet the urban design objectives of this Plan (SEE SECTion 6. urBAn DESiGn).

3.10.22 Develop specific location and design details for new public parks and open spaces as part of the implementation of the Downtown Core Area Plan (SEE SECTion 11. iMPlEMEnTATion).

hEritagE3.10.23 inventory and retain the remaining historic industrial buildings through

additions to the Heritage register.

3.10.24 Support the rehabilitation and re-use of the rBD’s remaining heritage buildings to celebrate the District’s industrial heritage.

3.10.25 Extend the Tax incentive Program (T.i.P.) base to the rBD to support the adaptive re-use of industrial heritage buildings.



transPortation3.10.26 Continue to recognize Douglas Street as a primary transit corridor

through transit-supportive land use and development.

3.10.27 Support higher densities along Douglas Street to improve viability of future rapid transit.

3.10.28 Support the policies of the City’s Greenways Plan to develop Chatham, Store, Pembroke, Government and Bay Streets as Shared Greenways, within the context of the rBD as a mixed-use employment centre.

3.10.29 Ensure Greenways do not affect the operation or function of industrial uses in the rBD.

3.11 innEr harbour DistriCt The inner Harbour District (iHD) is approximately 37 hectares (93 acres) in size and encompasses the waterfront lands located between the Johnson Street Bridge and laurel Point. The iHD also includes portions of the legislative Precinct lands in recognition of their proximity to the waterfront and the inner Harbour. (SEE FiGurE 17: innEr HArBour DiSTriCT.)

The iHD is recognized both locally and internationally for its picturesque quality, vitality and character. its waterfront setting attracts tourists, visitors and residents year round, and it is noted for:

• Scenic views across the Harbour.

• Wide sidewalks and high-quality streetscaping along Government Street and Belleville Street.

• Historic and modern landmark buildings and prominent public spaces where a variety of major public ceremonial and special events are held every year. These include the royal British Columbia Museum, the Provincial Parliament Building and its grounds, the Empress Hotel and the inner Causeway, which has been designated a Heritage Conservation Area in the City of Victoria’s Official Community Plan.

The iHD contains a working harbour with a number of marine-related businesses and activities, including ferry and float plane terminals and mooring for private boats. These marine transportation options, combined with a regional bus depot and a passenger train station, all within walking distance of each other, make the iHD a major transportation gateway for the city.

The District is also home to a large number of Provincial Government offices and to commercial businesses that serve tourists and Provincial Government workers, such as hotels, retail stores and restaurants, but has limited residential development.

Figure 17: inner harbour District.



3.12 innEr harbour DistriCt – PlanTo ensure the inner Harbour District continues to serve successfully as a transportation gateway, a working harbour, the focus for Provincial Government offices and a primary destination for tourists over the next 30 years, the Downtown Core Area Plan:

• Works to create a cohesive, well-designed and vibrant waterfront area that balances with the iHB’s historic environment.

• Supports re-developing several areas between Ship Point and the Johnson Street Bridge to:

• Create a more fluid and seamless extension of the public realm northward toward the Johnson Street bridge and beyond, toward the rock Bay District.

• improve public access to the waterfront.

• Complete the Harbour Pathway.

• improve the transition to the Historic Commercial District.

• improve vitality along the waterfront.

• Ensures any future residential development both includes active street-level commercial businesses and does not have a negative impact on the operations or activities of the working harbour.

3.13 innEr harbour DistriCt – PoliCiEs anD aCtions

EConomiC aCtiVitY3.13.1 Support the location and operation of marine-related activities in the iHB.

3.13.2 Maintain the iHD as a focus for tourism-related activities as well as Provincial Government office and business activities.

historiC ContEXt3.13.3 Support the protection and rehabilitation of heritage properties and

ensure new infill development and improvements to the public realm are sensitively integrated into the historic environment.

3.13.4 Maintain key public views of the inner Harbour to meet the urban design objectives of this Plan (SEE SECiTon 6. urBAn DESiGn).

rEsiDEntial DEVEloPmEnt3.13.5 Ensure residential dwellings are part of mixed-use development that

includes active commercial uses at the street level.

3.13.6 Ensure residential dwelling units are not located directly next to marine industrial activities to reduce potential impacts on residents from noise, odour and vibrations.

PubliC rEalm3.13.7 Support public realm improvements that meet the urban design

objectives of this Plan (SEE 5. urBAn DESiGn).

3.13.8 Support public realm improvements that enhance the iHD’s role as a gateway to the city for people arriving by sea plane, ferry, bus or train.

3.13.9 Support public realm improvements that result in improved wayfinding and connectivity between the inner Harbour District and the rest of the Downtown Core Area.

3.13.15 Maintain the dual aspect of buildings on Wharf Street, which have a ground-level commercial frontage on one side and a harbour frontage to the water.

3.13.11 Encourage the addition of more active street-level businesses fronting onto Belleville Street as part of the re-development or upgrading of the Belleville Ferry Terminal.

transPortation3.13.12 Establish well-defined, safe and efficient Pedestrian and Cycling

networks, with a priority on developing and enhancing designated Greenways.

3.13.13 Support the continued operation of existing transportation terminals for ferries, seaplanes, bus and rail within this area.

ConnECtiVitY3.13.14 Ensure that direct public pedestrian connections are available between

the Harbour Pathway and Belleville Street and Wharf Street.

3.13.15 Support streetscape improvements that result in a more cohesive appearance along the length of Belleville Street and Government Street, and extending northward through the Historic Commercial District.

3.13.16 Consider opportunities for improving public access to the water that do not negatively affect the viability and functioning of the working harbour.

tourism 3.13.17 Support the retention of existing, and the development of new, tourist

and visitor attractions and facilities in order to continue to support and increase the number of tourists and visitors to the inner Harbour District and surrounding area.



3.13.18 Consider improvements to the wayfinding system to better inform visitors and tourists about key locations throughout the Downtown Core Area, including those in the inner Harbour District.

shiP Point anD Wharf strEEt ParKing lot3.13.19 Develop a master plan, including a detailed design concept and

implementation strategy, for the re-development of Ship Point and the Wharf Street parking lots.

3.13.20 Ensure the master plan and redevelopment of the Ship Point and the Wharf Street parking lots reflect the vision for these sites described in the Victoria Harbour Plan.

3.14 rEsiDEntial miXED-usE DistriCt The residential Mixed-use District (rMD) encompasses 53.6 hectares (130 acres), and contains the entire Harris Green neighbourhood along with portions of the north Park neighbourhood and a small portion of the Fairfield neighbourhood. its general boundaries are Pembroke Street to the north, Meares Street to the south and Cook Street to the east between Meares and Mason Streets, while the small Fairfield portion is bounded by Blanshard Street to the west, Fort Street to the north, quadra Street to the east and rupert Terrace to the south. (SEE FiGurE 18:

rESiDEnTiAl MiXED-uSE DiSTriCT.)

The rMD is the largest of all the Downtown Core Area districts and includes the majority of the residential land base for the area, with some under-utilized or vacant parcels still available. Because of the rMD’s close proximity and direct connections with the Central Business District, it is today a mixed-use urban community, with a concentration of compact mid- to high-density residential, mixed-use and commercial development. The District also contains several institutional, cultural and recreational facilities, including the Provincial law Courts, the royal Theatre, the YMCA and several historic churches.

Fort Street is a special character area within the rMD. it contains a strong concentration of historic buildings with smaller-scale commercial uses at street level, such as retail stores, restaurants and cafés, creating a lively and active shopping area.

3.15 rEsiDEntial miXED-usE DistriCt – PlanTo build upon the existing strengths and character of the residential Mixed-use District over the next 30 years, the Downtown Core Area Plan:

• Encourages multi-residential development that is appropriate to the context and function of each neighbourhood and reflects the differences in allowable building heights and density throughout the rMD, along

with other land uses, public amenities and services that help to develop complete communities.

• Ensures new residential development includes active street-level businesses where appropriate, to provide commercial services and activities and increase pedestrian activity within the public realm.

Figure 18: residential mixed-use District.



• restricts the development of stand-alone office buildings to Blanshard Street, Pandora Avenue, Yates Street and Fort Street only (keeping the Central Business District as the primary focus for office buildings within the Downtown Core Area).

• Supports keeping existing commercial uses, such as restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, medical clinics and personal service businesses, within the District to provide necessary services for \ the local community, but does not support auto-oriented uses that require large outside storage/display areas such as car lots.

3.16 rEsiDEntial miXED-usE DistriCt – PoliCiEs anD aCtions

rEsiDEntial CharaCtEr3.16.1 Continue to maintain the primarily residential character of the rMD.

3.16.2 Encourage the development of office buildings primarily along Blanshard Street, Pandora Avenue, Yates Street and Fort Street.

miXED usE 3.16.3 locate active commercial and retail uses at street level to encourage

increased pedestrian activity and improved vitality.

3.16.4 Balance new development with heritage conservation on Fort Street and locations on and near quadra Street.

transit suPPort 3.16.5 Support the location of higher density residential/commercial mixed-use

development and office buildings along Yates Street to support transit activity along Yates Street and to reinforce the concept of a cross-town spine that transects Yates Street and Douglas Street.

DEnsitY3.16.6 Develop new zoning for the rMD that includes density levels to

accommodate mid-rise to high-rise residential, commercial and office development.

lEgibilitY3.16.7 Ensure that all streets and sidewalks provide legible (well-designed)

public realm environments for pedestrians to travel between the rMD and surrounding Districts.

3.16.8 Ensure buildings are designed to relate well to public streets and sidewalks.

infrastruCturE3.16.9 Support the upgrade of infrastructure and utility services as new

development occurs to increase long-term capacity.

transitions3.16.10 Ensure that designs for new buildings and improvements to the public

realm located along the edges of the rMD consider scale, orientation, setbacks, mass and building height to provide sensitive transitions to surrounding Districts.

ParKs anD oPEn sPaCEs3.16.11 Support the development of public parks and open spaces.

3.16.12 Ensure public parks and open spaces are well-designed, attractive, functional and integrated with both the Pedestrian network (SEE SECTion 5.

TrAnSPorTATion AnD MoBiliTY) and Greenways.

3.16.13 Ensure all new parks and open spaces meet the criteria set out in this Plan for public realm improvements (SEE SECTion 6. urBAn DESiGn).

3.16.14 Develop specific location and design details for new public parks and open space as part of the implementation of this Plan (SEE SECTion 11.

iMPlEMEnTATion).

fort strEEt tWo-WaY traffiC 3.16.15 liaise with other City departments and the Fort Street business

community to explore the feasibility of changing Fort Street back to two-way traffic between Douglas Street and Cook Street in an effort to create a more suitable environment for retail and commercial activity.

fort strEEt strEEtsCaPE 3.16.16 Develop a detailed streetscape design plan for Fort Street that

illustrates what the street would look like after reverting to two-way traffic and with detailed improvements to the pedestrian realm.

fort strEEt strEEt-lEVEl usEs 3.16.17 locate active commercial uses, such as retail, restaurants and cafés, at

the street level.

3.16.18 Encourage building designs that incorporate multiple commercial frontages at the street level.


CHAPTER FOUR:� DENSITY

4.1 introDuCtionThe Downtown Core Area contains a broad range of building forms within its relatively compact area. These building forms range from low-scale historic buildings along the waterfront and in the Historic Commercial District, to a stronger concentration of newer high-rise buildings in the Central Business District. The City has helped to guide this variation in building forms through design criteria and development standards, including building height, building setbacks, parcel coverage, and building density.

Building density, commonly referred to as Floor Space ratio (FSr), is defined as the ratio between the total amount of gross floor area of a building and the area of the parcel upon which the building is located on.

For example, if a developer wanted to construct a new building on a 5,000 square metre (m²) parcel of land that is zoned with a maximum density of 4.0:1 FSr, the developer could propose a building that has a maximum combined floor area of 20,000 m², because this amount of combined floor area is equivalent to four times the size of the parcel. The developer could theoretically configure this building in a number of different ways, so long as the combined floor area does not exceed 4.0:1 – for example, as a four-storey building with 5,000 m² of floor area per storey (SEE FiGurE 19: DEnSiTY (4:1) EXPrESSED THrouGH BuilT ForM –

EXAMPlE 1), or an eight-storey building with 2,500 m² of floor area per storey (SEE FiGurE 20: DEnSiTY (4:1) EXPrESSED THrouGH BuilT ForM – EXAMPlE 2).

Figure 19: Density (4:1) Expressed through built form – Example 1

4 storey building with 5,000 m² of floor area on each storey.

total floor area: 20,000 m²

5000 m² parcel with a density of 4:1

density

4



4.2 DEnsitY framEWorKThe Downtown Core Area Plan introduces a new framework for guiding building density levels in the Downtown Core Area. This framework is intended to foster new development and re-development that will accommodate the demand for office, residential and commercial space expected over the next 30 years, while also ensuring that:

• Density levels support and enhance the character of each District.

• increased density is offset by the addition or enhancement of public amenities and benefits that both meet the needs of new residents and employees, and ensure that existing residents see benefits from higher density in their neighbourhoods.

• Heritage resources – so important to the character and economic strength of Victoria – are retained and rehabilitated, in balance with new development.

The new density framework divides the overall Downtown Core Area into two areas:

• The non Density bonus area, where new development is restricted to a pre-determined maximum density level.

• The Density bonus area, where new development may be able to acquire additional density over and above a pre-determined base density level in one of two ways:

1. By making a cash contribution to the Downtown Core Area Public realm improvement Fund under the Density bonus system, which the City will use to add or improve public amenities, such as public parks or streetscapes.

2. By purchasing unused density from the owner of a Heritage resource under the heritage Density transfer system. This system allows the owner of a Heritage resource in the Downtown neighbourhood to apply to the City for a Heritage Density Transfer. if approved, the owner may then sell the Heritage resource’s unused density to a developer; in return, the owner must rehabilitate and seismically upgrade the Heritage resource and ensure it is legally protected.

4.2.1 DEnsitY framEWorK obJECtiVEsThis density framework is intended to:

• reflect the different land uses, functions, building forms and the general physical context of each District.

• Establish lower-density levels for the Historic Commercial District to respect and preserve existing Heritage resources and encourage the re-development of lower-scale buildings that fit the local context.

• Keep building mass lower in scale and bulk to reduce the impact of new development on the historic character of the old Town Area, Chinatown and the waterfront.

• Focus higher-density development along primary transit corridors and within areas that already have a concentration of higher density buildings.

• Support the maximum building height policies specified in this Plan.

• Establish a new regulatory/financial incentive tool to support heritage rehabilitation.

4.3 non DEnsitY bonus arEa The maximum density levels displayed in the Density Map for the non Density Bonus Area are not “as-of-right” (SEE FiGurE 21: non DEnSiTY BonuS ArEA MAP).

They do not automatically mean all development will or should reach these levels; rather, they are potential maximum density levels that must be considered in conjunction with applicable zoning regulations, development standards, design guidelines and other relevant planning policies, including those contained in this Plan.

For those areas labeled as “FSr Determined through Zoning” on Figure 21: Density Map, the Plan does not establish a maximum density level. These are areas that vary in physical context and contain a number of important public view corridors. Density levels for these areas will be determined on a site-by-site basis through a rezoning process that considers the policies contained in this Plan.

8 storey building with 2,500 m² of floor area on each storey.

total floor area: 20,000 m²

5000 m² parcel with a density of 4:1

Figure 20: Density (4:1) Expressed through built form – Example 2



4.4 non DEnsitY bonus arEa – PoliCiEs anD aCtions

4.4.1 Amend the Zoning Regulation Bylaw to reflect the maximum density levels prescribed in this Plan.

4.4.2 Consider any increases in density beyond the prescribed maximum density through a rezoning process that ensures new development does not conflict with the policies contained in this Plan.

4.5 DEnsitY bonus sYstEmA Density Bonus System (allowed under s. 904 of the local Government Act) is a voluntary system under which a municipality provides a developer the opportunity to acquire additional building floor area in exchange for providing specific public amenities. The developer benefits by being able to potentially increase the size of a development, while the municipality benefits through the developer’s contribution toward, or provision of, needed public amenities that improve local vitality and provide direct and tangible benefits to the community, and that would otherwise be difficult for the municipality to provide.

The Downtown Core Area’s Density Bonus System:

• identifies a general Density Bonus Area (SEE FiGurE 22: DEnSiTY BonuS ArEA MAP).

• Divides the Density Bonus Area into three sub-areas – Areas A, B, C – each with a different base density and maximum density that reflects:

• The existing character of each area.

• The availability of land with development potential within each area.

• Each area’s ability to accommodate increased density and growth in different built forms

• The need within each area for a number for specific public amenities and benefits.

• The need to provide a functional balance between residential and office development across the Downtown Core Area.

• Establishes two methods for acquiring additional density: by making a contribution to the Downtown Core Area Public realm improvement Fund, or by acquiring unused density from a Heritage resource.

(Please note: While the Density Bonus System is intended to garner a range of benefits and amenities for the community, it may only be capable of providing a portion of the public amenities that are required for the Downtown Core Area as it evolves and grows over the next 30 years. Additional funding sources or delivery mechanisms will be required to realize the balance of the required amenities.)

Figure 21: non Density bonus area map.


4.5.1 DEnsitY bonus sYstEm obJECtiVEsThe Density Bonus System aims to:

• Be fair and transparent and increase certainty for all parties.

• Achieve public amenities that cannot be achieved by other regulatory or financial mechanisms, such as Development Cost Charges, Tax levies, or Development Permit conditions.

• Seek specific types of public amenities, not general categories of use.

• identify varying needs for public amenities in different geographic locations throughout the Downtown Core Area.

• Apply where growth pressures are strong and land availability is limited, or when incentives for attaining the defined public amenities outweigh alternative development options.

• Ensure the amount of additional floor space gained as the result of the Density Bonus is commensurate with the monetary contribution toward, or actual cost of providing, the Density Bonus item or amenity.

• Balance higher density development with public benefits and amenities.

• Encourage the rehabilitation and permanent protection of more Heritage resources.

4.5.2 DEnsitY bonus arEas

area a

Area A matches the boundaries of the Central Business District (SEE SECTion 3.

DiSTriCTS). it contains the highest densities of the Downtown Core Area, due to the concentration of high-rise commercial, residential and office developments primarily located along Douglas Street, Blanshard Street and Yates Street.

area a Vision: To accommodate higher density developments that will help to strengthen the role and function of the Central Business District.

area b

Area B consists of four blocks located in the north Park neighbourhood bordered by Pandora Avenue to the south, Caledonia Avenue to the north, Blanshard Street on the east and quadra Street on the west. This small area has several sites of underdeveloped and vacant land with opportunities for moderate increases in density levels.


Figure 22: Density bonus area map.


area b Vision: To accommodate higher density commercial and office development along Blanshard Street, with medium density multi-residential and mixed-use development in the rest of the area – consistent with the area’s current character. The specified density levels in Area B will also serve to provide a sensitive transition to the surrounding areas.

area C

Area C consists of approximately 12 blocks located within the residential Mixed-use District, running from Mason Street on the north, to Meares Street on the south, quadra Street on the west and Cook Street on the east. Area C is adjacent to the Central Business District and is situated around the Yates Street transportation corridor, which features a number of mid-rise and high-rise multi-residential, commercial and office developments. The area includes most of the Harris Green neighbourhood and the two blocks located along Pandora Avenue between Cook Street and quadra Street that are part of the north Park neighbourhood, and is home to a small number of isolated but significant Heritage resources.

area C Vision: To further intensify the area with multi-residential development in order to support population projections, in balance with higher density commercial and office development primarily focused along Yates Street.

4.5.3 DEnsitY bonus sChEDulEsin the Density Bonus Schedules for each Area below:

• base Density represents an “as-of-right” density level – a developer can develop up to this level without providing a bonusable item or amenity. To gain additional density over and above the base density, the developer must either make a monetary contribution to the Downtown Core Area Public realm improvement Fund and/or acquire unused density from the owner of a Heritage resource.

• maximum Density is the overall cumulative density allowed on a site, including the base level density, additional Density Bonus and Heritage Density Transfer (if applicable). The maximum density cannot exceed the specified maximum density for the Area, unless the City approves it through a re-zoning process that ensures new development does not conflict with the policies contained in this Plan.

area a Density bonus schedule

base Density (floor space ratio fsr)

maximum Density (floor space ratio)

3.0:1 for commercial, office or residential development

6.0:1 for commercial, office or residential development located between the east side of Douglas Street and the west side of Blanshard Street

5.0:1 for commercial, office or residential development located between the east side of Blanshard Street and the west side of quadra Street

area b Density bonus schedule

base Density (floor space ratio fsr)



5.0:1 for commercial, office or residential development located along the east side of Blanshard Street

4.5:1 for commercial, office or residential development elsewhere

area C Density bonus schedule

base Density (floor space ratio)



5.0:1 for commercial, office or residential development along Yates Street

4.5:1 for commercial, office or residential development elsewhere



4.5.4 aDDitional DEnsitYTo acquire additional density over the base density in an Area, a developer may:

1. Make a Contribution to the Downtown Core Area Public realm improvement Fund

The Downtown Core Area Public realm improvement Fund will assist in funding various improvements that tangibly and visibly improve the physical condition, appearance and function of the public realm and provide a public benefit to the overall surrounding area, such as:

• re-developing and enhancing streetscape designs with city rights-of-way to improve the Pedestrian and Cycling networks.

• Enhancing landscaping and public amenities along city rights-of-way or within public parks and open space.

• Acquiring and developing new public parks and open space.

• Developing and enhancing the Harbour Pathway.

• Developing and enhancing future rapid Transit stations.

Every three years, the City will create a list of eligible public realm improvement projects as funding priorities. (The three-year time period will allow the City to build up the fund.)

formulaThe City will calculate the value of the contribution to the Fund as part of the Development Permit Approval Process, using the following formula:

Average land Value ($ per m2)

XProposed amount of Density Bonus

floor area (m2)=

Contribution Value ($)

This formula takes into account the average commercial, office or residential land value as established and reviewed by the City of Victoria annually. The contribution amount is generally representative of how much a developer would need to pay for additional land within the Downtown Core Area to accommodate the additional floor area that they are seeking, over and above the base density level.

2. Acquire unused Density from a Heritage resource

A developer may buy unused density from the owner of a Heritage resource that is located within the Downtown Core Area, provided the owner of the Heritage resource applies to the City for, and the City approves, a heritage Density transfer.

4.6 hEritagE DEnsitY transfEr sYstEmThe owner of a Heritage resource that is (1) located within the Downtown neighbourhood and (2) identified on the City of Victoria Heritage register may apply to the City for a Heritage Density Transfer. if approved, the owner will be allowed to sell the resource’s unused density on the private market to one or more non-heritage developments (receiver Sites) located within the Density Bonus Area (SEE FiGurE 22: DEnSiTY BonuS ArEA MAP), provided the transfer results in both:

• The rehabilitation of the Heritage resource, including seismic upgrading.

• The legal protection of the Heritage resource under a heritage designation bylaw.

The amount of unused density that the developer of a receiver Site purchases or receives cannot result in a density level on the receiver Site that exceeds the maximum density identified in the Density Bonus Schedules. receiver Sites cannot be Heritage resources.

unusED DEnsitYFor the purposes of this Plan, unused density includes:

• residual Density – the difference between the maximum density allowed under the Zoning Regulation Bylaw and the actual amount of density that exists on a parcel in the form of building floor space (expressed as a Floor Space ratio), and/or

• the heritage Density bonus – the portion of density above and beyond the maximum density that the City of Victoria grants to the owner of a Heritage resource in exchange for the rehabilitation, seismic upgrading and legal designation of the Heritage resource.

hEritagE DEnsitY bonusThe physical rehabilitation of Victoria’s Heritage resources is often economically challenging, at least in part because of the high cost of seismic upgrading and the relatively low density of many of the historic buildings – the buildings simply cannot house many tenants. Currently, the City has an incentive program for heritage restoration that includes small capital grants for façade improvements and multi-year reductions in property taxes. These two incentives are not, however, sufficient to make all heritage restoration projects viable.

The Heritage Density Bonus provides the owners of Heritage resources with an additional option for finding the funds necessary to restore and preserve their buildings.



The Heritage Density Bonus cannot be used to accommodate further development on the parcel where the Heritage resource is located, and all the funds generated by the sale of the Heritage Density Bonus must be used to offset the costs of rehabilitation and seismic upgrading.

The City of Victoria will regulate and monitor the number of Heritage resources approved to receive the Heritage Density Bonus to control the total combined amount of transferable Heritage Density Bonus accrued by Heritage resources within the Downtown neighbourhood.

Eligible Heritage resources must demonstrate that they have taken advantage of other existing City of Victoria heritage financial incentives before they can be awarded a Heritage Density Bonus. The amount of the Heritage Density Bonus will be determined on a case-by-case basis through negotiation with the City of Victoria.

The owner of a Heritage resource may use the Heritage Density Bonus only for the purpose of a Heritage Density Transfer to a new development.

A Heritage resource that contains both residual density and Heritage Density Bonus must transfer the entire amount of the Heritage Density Bonus prior to being able to transfer any amount of residual density.

hEritagE DEnsitY transfEr ProCEssBefore the owner of a Heritage resource may sell or transfer unused density to a receiver Site, the owner must:

1. negotiate with the City to determine the exact amount of unused density that will be transferred.

2. Submit a Heritage Density Transfer Agreement to the City for approval. This Agreement must:

• Provide the scope, timing and details of the building rehabilitation and seismic upgrading.

• identify the amount of unused density that the owner proposes to transfer off-site, including residual Density and Heritage Density Bonus.

• Specify the location of the receiver Site.

• Contain the owner’s agreement for the Heritage resource to be designated under a heritage designation bylaw, if it has not been already.

• Guarantee that the owner will allocate all funds from the sale of unused density to the rehabilitation of the Heritage resource, including mandatory seismic upgrades, as stipulated and described in the Heritage Agreement.

• include an application to re-zone the parcel where the Heritage resource is located to reflect the reduction in density that will occur once the Heritage Density Transfer is approved.

hEritagE transfEr EXamPlE FiGurE 23: HEriTAGE DEnSiTY TrAnSFEr EXAMPlE illustrates the general concept of Heritage Density Transfer, as it would apply to a Heritage resource with a maximum (zoned) density of 3.0:1.

maximum density as per zoning bylaw (3:1)

Figure 23: heritage Density transfer Example

C

b

A

A: Actual Built Density not Transferable

B: residual Density (unused) Transferable

C: Heritage Density Bonus (unused) Transferable



CHAPTER FIVE:� TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY

5.1 introDuCtionin an urban centre such as Victoria, transportation and mobility includes three primary networks:

• Pedestrian network: The system of sidewalks, through-block passageways, crossings and pathways that determine how people walk around the city (the most basic form of movement).

• Cycling network: The system of bicycle-friendly roads and pathways that determine how (and whether) people cycle to work, for recreation or for their daily needs.

• transit network: includes both the local connections that help pedestrians move within the Downtown Core Area, as well as the connections into the larger regional transit network that help pedestrians and cyclists navigate longer distances around the city and into other parts of the Capital region.

5.2 transPortation anD mobilitY – DoWntoWn CorE arEa

The Downtown Core Area today is distinguished for its walkability and array of pedestrian-friendly streets alleys and unique through-block passageways, including some in the old Town Area and Chinatown (Fan Tan Alley and Trounce Alley, for example) that date back to the 19th century. Being compact and relatively flat, the Downtown Core Area is also attractive to many cyclists for both commuting and recreation, and many thousands make daily use of the bus system provided by BC Transit.

transportation and mobility

5

trounce alley is one of Victoria’s original through-block passageways.


CHAPTER FIVE:�:� TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY

Transportation and mobility within the Downtown Core Area is currently guided by a number of plans and polices including:

• The City’s Greenways Plan, which provides a policy framework for the establishment of a Greenway system throughout the city.

• The Capital regional District’s TravelChoices: A Regional Transportation Strategy, which is a long-term strategy intended to “significantly increase the proportion of people walking, cycling, using transit, ride-sharing, or using other alternatives to driving alone” by:

• Better integrating land use and transportation policies.• increasing pedestrian, cycling and transit trips. • Educating and encouraging people to increase their usage of the

strategy’s priority modes.• Maximizing mobility for all forms of transportation to the greatest

extent possible, within the existing roadway system.• Contributing to the economic vitality of the region through improved

mobility for commercial vehicles, and reduced commercial operating costs.

• The City’s Pedestrian Master Plan, which seeks to make Victoria a safe, convenient and pleasant environment for pedestrians, and thus make walking a preferred mode of transportation.

• The Victoria Harbour Pathway Plan, the City’s plan for a continuous pedestrian and cycling waterfront pathway that stretches from ogden Point to rock Bay.

• The City’s Victoria Bicycle Master Plan, which identifies preferred cycling routes to both encourage greater bicycle use and ensure maximum safety.

• The City of Victoria Parking Strategy, designed to optimize parking options and services support a healthy, safe, convenient, inviting and friendly downtown.

5.3 transPortation anD mobilitY – PlanTo ensure the Downtown Core Area establishes sustainable transportation and mobility systems in the future that both retain and enhance its current character while it continues to grow significantly over the next 30 years, this Plan:

• Builds upon existing transportation and mobility plans and policies.

• Encourages alternate modes of transportation.

• Gives priority to walking, cycling and transit.

• Strives to develop complete transportation and mobility networks that feature an appropriate range of facilities and services for each transportation mode.

More specifically, it:

• Establishes a set of priorities for transportation and mobility in the Downtown Core Area that recognizes – first and foremost – the importance of the pedestrian environment to the success and vitality of the Downtown Core Area. (SEE FiGurE 24: TrAnSPorTATion AnD MoBiliTY PrioriTiES.)

• Expands and improves the Pedestrian network with new through-block passageways (or improved existing passageways) and mid-block crossings, as well as extended sidewalks and public pathways, in order to:

• Better link housing, employment, shopping, recreation and public attractions.

• Enhance connections with the Cycling and Transit networks.

• increase pedestrian activity.

• Support local economic activity.

• improve public safety.

(SEE FiGurE 25: PEDESTriAn nETWorK MAP.)

Figure 24: transportation and mobility Priorities.

PEDEstrians

CYClists

transit

CommErCial VEhiClEs anD

gooDs moVEmEnt

singlEoCCuPanCY

VEhiClEs



• improves cycling infrastructure and adds amenities to increase safety, efficiency and comfort for cyclists and further encourage cycling as mode of transportation.(SEE FiGurE 26: CYClinG nETWorK MAP.)

• recognizes the importance of access to public transit, and the importance of transit as a mechanism for improving the livability, sustainability and vitality of the Downtown Core Area as new construction and growth continue to attract new residents, businesses and visitors to the Area.

• Strengthens the connection between transportation infrastructure, land use and urban design, and supports the role of the Downtown Core Area as a destination and hub for transit activity.

tDm framEWorK To ensure the success of the three primary networks – Pedestrian, Cycling and Transit – this Plan also introduces a framework for transportation Demand management (TDM).

TDM is essentially the application of strategies that seek to change travel patterns or behaviour and reduce travel demand (primarily from single-occupancy vehicles), while giving priority to more sustainable modes of transport. The amount and type of available public and private parking is a key component of TDM and can determine the success or failure of TDM objectives.

The framework for TDM within the Downtown Core Area is intended to:

• reduce vehicular demand on road infrastructure.

• Encourage commuter options through sustainable transportation infrastructure.

• improve travel efficiency.

• reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• improve air quality.

• Foster a stronger sense of community.

• Maintain on-street, short-term parking to support retail, restaurant and other local commercial uses.

• Manage public and private parking in balance with the overall vision for the Downtown Core Area.

• Support the other transportation and mobility priorities described in this Plan as well as those contained in the CrD’s TravelChoices strategy.

This Plan also recognizes the need to review existing public parking policies, regulations and standards to ensure they work with TDM objectives and the transportation and mobility priorities of this Plan, and to provide further guidance to the City of Victoria Parking Strategy.

5.4 PEDEstrian nEtWorK – PoliCiEs anD aCtions

PEDEstrian nEtWorK 5.4.1 Complete the Pedestrian network connections as identified on

the Pedestrian network Map (SEE FiGurE 25) through well-designed streetscape improvements.

5.4.2 Coordinate public and private streetscape improvements to enhance the pedestrian environment.

5.4.3 Create through-block passageways and mid-block crossings to provide direct pedestrian connections and reinforce the existing grid street pattern.

5.4.4 Secure on-going public access to all existing and new through-block passageways through such legal mechanisms such as covenants, easements and rights-of-way.

5.5.5 integrate the Pedestrian network with the Harbour Pathway to provide direct connections to parks, plazas, open spaces, public amenities and surrounding neighbourhoods.

5.5.6 Ensure that the re-development of the Wharf Street and Ship Point parking lots do not interrupt or impede the alignment of the Harbour Pathway.

5.4.7 integrate Provincial standards for the appropriate access, design and use of the Pedestrian network and its components by other modes of transport, such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters, electric bicycles, in-line skates and skateboards.

5.4.8 Consider opportunities for providing safer pedestrian and cyclist crossings of major streets.

5.4.9 identify streetscape amenities that can be used to enhance the Pedestrian network and include them as public realm requirements within the City of Victoria’s Downtown Beautification Plan.

siDEWalK anD PathWaY ConDitions5.4.10 Continue to improve public sidewalk conditions through partnerships

with private developers as opportunities arise.

5.4.11 Support the objectives of the City of Victoria Pedestrian Master Plan for improving sidewalk conditions, safety and design.

5.4.12 Establish an on-going public realm budget and expenditure provision in the 20-year Capital Plan to be used for pedestrian-oriented public realm improvements and extension of the Pedestrian network.



5.4.25 Continue to incorporate universal access standards within the public realm to improve access for people with varying mobility needs.

5.4.26 Ensure that sidewalks are wide enough to support desired levels of activity and to maintain an adequate clear zone for pedestrian travel.

5.4.27 Encourage the use of building elements such as awnings, canopies and projections to provide pedestrians with continuous shelter from the rain and other elements.

5.4.28 Provide enhanced pedestrian crossings near major transit stops and where the Pedestrian network crosses major streets.

through-bloCK PassagEWaYs5.4.29 Continue to develop through-block passageways to provide a direct

north-south access that connects the Pedestrian network (SEE FiGurE 25:

PEDESTriAn nETWorK MAP).

5.4.30 locate through-block passageways as close as possible to mid-block to achieve smaller city blocks (similar to those found in the old Town Area), approximately 200–300 feet (60–90 metres) long.

5.4.31 Ensure the design of all new through-block passageways reflects the design criteria described in Appendix 5: Through-Block Passageway Guidelines.

5.4.32 Ensure that through-block passageways are primarily developed within the Priority Through-Block Passageway Connection Areas (SEE FiGurE 25:

PEDESTriAn nETWorK MAP).

5.4.33 use mid-block street crossings to connect through-block passageways and to provide safe and convenient access for pedestrians.

5.4.34 Maintain public access through the use of legal mechanisms, such the dedication of the through-block passage way as a right-of way or through the use of an easement.

5.4.35 Ensure maintenance agreements include detailed criteria for the operation and function of through-block passageways.

lEgibilitY anD WaYfinDing for PEDEstrians 5.4.13 improve wayfinding throughout the Downtown Core Area through public

and private initiatives.

5.4.14 Strengthen the visual character of the Downtown Core Area through the use of more standardized street-furniture design, except on key streets that may require a specialized street-furniture program.

5.4.15 review and update the City of Victoria Downtown Beautification Plan to identify areas to install additional directional signage and maps throughout the Downtown Core Area.

5.4.16 review the City of Victoria’s wayfinding program to identify opportunities for further improving pedestrian orientation within the Downtown Core Area and to other surrounding locations and attraction.

PEDEstrian floW – innEr harbour anD roCK baY DistriCt 5.4.17 Extend the Government Street Mall from Yates Street northward to

Pembroke Street, with links to the rock Bay waterfront.

5.4.18 Support the location of active street-level uses along Government Street to provide a dynamic and interesting environment between the inner Harbour and the rock Bay District.

5.4.19 Develop the Harbour Pathway as per the Victoria Harbour Pathway Plan (August 5, 2008), with a focus on completing missing links between the inner Harbour Causeway and the rock Bay District.

5.4.20 Develop a comprehensive streetscape plan for the extension of the Government Street Mall that focuses on improving the pedestrian and cycling environment and contains a consistent streetscape treatment throughout the entire length.

PEDEstrian safEtY anD Comfort5.4.21 Continue to apply standards for streetscape designs and elements that

improve the safety and comfort of pedestrians.

5.4.22 Ensure street furniture, utilities and landscaping do not significantly impede pedestrian flow on public sidewalks.

5.4.23 Consider the Street Typology Guidelines contained in Appendix 4 of this Plan in the design of local streetscapes.

5.4.24 improve the amount and design of pedestrian lighting, especially in areas that have higher concentrations of pedestrian activity.



5.4.36 Consider integrating the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles into the design of through-block passageways, along with a range of other design elements that animate and improve the attractiveness, safety and usability of through-block passageways, such as:

• Entrances that are easy to see from the street level.

• Clear sight lines from one end of the passageway to the other.

• Pedestrian-scale lighting throughout the entire length of the passageway.

• Direct access to retail or commercial space from the passageway.

• Consistent signs and Pedestrian network maps located along sidewalks.

• Easy, grade-level access for people of varying mobility needs.

miD-bloCK Crossings5.4.37 Provide mid-block street crossings to provide safe pedestrian access

and to support vitality on facing sidewalks.

5.4.38 Continue to close gaps in the Pedestrian network with mid-block crossings to connect through-block passageways, with priority for new mid-block crossings in the Central Business District, the Historic Commercial District, the inner Harbour District, and points of connection with the Harbour Pathway system.

5.4.39 Coordinate crossing design with provisions for parking, bicycle lanes and transit lanes to ensure pedestrian visibility and safety.

5.4.40 Establish a distinctive signage, street mapping and wayfinding system to increase recognition and use of the integrated mid-block crossing and through-block passageway system.

5.5 CYCling nEtWorK – PoliCiEs anD aCtions

CYCling nEtWorK 5.5.1 Complete the Cycling network as illustrated on the Cycling network

Map (FiGurE 26), through bicycle-friendly street-design standards, streetscaping and appropriate wayfinding improvements.

5.5.2 Establish Cycling network routes that provide direct and efficient connections to adjacent neighbourhoods, major public destinations, Greenways and the regional pathway system.

5.5.3 improve the safety of bicycle street crossings with street crossing lights, dedicated bicycle lanes and signage where the bicycle network crosses major streets (Douglas Street, Blanshard Street, and Government Street).

5.5.4 Continue to maintain a budget within the Capital Budget for funding on-going physical improvements to the Cycling network.

5.5.5 use public and private development opportunities to complete and enhance the Cycling network.

CYCling suPPort 5.5.6 Consider opportunities to encourage cycling through well-designed

cycling-related amenities within new office, commercial and multi-residential development.

5.5.7 Consider providing Class 1 and Class 2 bicycle parking facilities in strategic public locations, such as parks and plazas that serve as end-trip destinations or are used for special events. Class 1 Bicycle Parking is:

• Fully enclosed, such as bicycle lockers, cages or controlled areas.

• Secure to prevent vandalism and theft.

• Covered to provide protection from inclement weather.

• Constructed of tamper resistant and durable materials.

Class 2 Bicycle Parking is bike racks that have been specifically designed to secure bicycles – both wheels and frame – for short periods only.



Figure 25: Pedestrian network map.



5.5.8 locate Class 1 and Class 2 bicycle parking facilities:

• in highly visible areas to allow natural surveillance and improve personal safety.

• on the same site as the building they are serving.

• Within 15 metres of the main entrance to the building and closer to the main entrance than any motor vehicle parking stall.

5.5.9 locate class 2 bicycle parking facilities in covered areas to provide protection from rain. Covered areas include building projections, awning, canopies or roofs that project a minimum of 0.5 metres beyond the bicycle parking facility.

5.5.10 locate bicycle parking facilities within the public right of way adjacent to the street curb and in alignment with other street furniture, light poles and public trees to avoid impinging on pedestrian movement along public sidewalks.

5.5.11 review and update the City of Victoria Zoning regulation Bylaw to ensure that bicycle parking requirements and standards for multi-residential development, office buildings and other commercial uses serve to encourage and accommodate cycling as an alternate mode of transportation.

CYClist safEtY anD Comfort5.5.12 Wherever possible, identify designated bike lanes through reflective

street surface lane markings or the use of coloured pavement.

5.5.13 Provide smooth road surfaces that are free of debris, potholes and other obstacles.

5.5.14 Provide improved street lighting throughout the Cycling network that ensures adequate levels of night time illumination.

5.5.15 Continue to maintain the Cycling network throughout the year with special attention to inspecting and repairing roadway and pathway surfaces, bikeway signs and amenities.

biCYClE friEnDlY DEsign stanDarDs 5.5.16 Coordinate public and private streetscape improvements to enhance

the Cycling network.

5.5.17 update bicycle parking guidelines to address design criteria for Class 1 and Class 2 bicycle parking, including shower and locker facilities, location of bicycle parking, surveillance and safety measures and convenience within the public and private realm.

linKs to rEgional CYCling nEtWorK5.5.18 Provide clear links and connections using pathways and streets to

connect the Downtown Core Area Cycling network and the Capital regional District’s regional Cycling network.

5.5.19 update the City of Victoria Bicycle Master Plan to ensure alignment of bicycle networks with the Downtown Core Area Plan.

biCYClE ParKing 5.5.20 increase Class 1 bicycle parking within new office buildings, institutions

and multi-residential developments that are adjacent to major transit stops.

5.5.21 integrate Class 2 covered bicycle parking with retail commercial, multi-residential, institutional and office uses to provide safe and convenient short-term bicycle parking for the general public.

5.5.22 Consider additional Class 1 bicycle parking and other cycling amenities, such as showers, change rooms and lockers, when reviewing and evaluating development applications for new office, commercial, multi residential and industrial development, as a Transportation Demand Management mechanism to reduce the number of vehicle parking stalls required in new higher density office buildings.


Figure 26: Cycling network map.




5.6 transit – PoliCiEs anD aCtions

transit suPPort5.6.1 Continue to require transit-supportive land use and development along

the Douglas Street Primary Transit Corridor as well as along any other future primary transit corridors within the Downtown Core Area.

5.6.2 Consider land uses and activities around transit corridors that encourage high levels of pedestrian activity and transit use, both inside and outside of the am/pm peak periods. Examples of transit-supportive uses include:

• Commercial offices.

• Medium- to high-density multi-residential development.

• Public and private schools and educational facilities.

• Street-level retail.

• restaurants.

• Personal services.

• Medical clinics.

• Entertainment, recreational and cultural facilities.

• libraries.

5.6.3 increase density around major transit stops and along primary transit corridors to accommodate higher density, transit-supportive development.

PEDEstrian ConnECtions 5.6.4 Ensure pedestrian connections to transit corridors and transit stops are

direct, safe, convenient, barrier-free, easily identifiable and navigable.

5.6.5 use Pedestrian network routes to provide connections to transit corridors and transit stops.

5.6.6 Consider public realm design improvements that improve pedestrian flow around major transit stops and along primary transit corridors.

ComPaCt DEVEloPmEnt 5.6.7 Cluster buildings near major transit stops together to allow for

convenient pedestrian access between buildings and to define the public realm.

5.6.8 Ensure buildings near major transit stops are designed to enhance the pedestrian environment by having doorways and windows oriented to the street, and by setting back the upper building storeys from the lower storeys to create a pedestrian-scaled environment at the street level and to mitigate shadowing effects from taller buildings.

all-WEathEr builDing DEsign 5.6.9 Ensure buildings and public spaces along Pedestrian network routes,

major transit stops and along primary transit corridors are designed to incorporate building features that provide protection from the weather and climate, such as awnings, recessed entrances, building projections, tree canopies and other forms of covered areas.

ParKing rEQuirEmEnts 5.6.10 Consider reducing the number of required vehicle parking stalls for

transit-supportive uses located adjacent to major transit stops.

5.6.11 locate vehicular parking at the rear of buildings or below grade where a development is positioned along a Pedestrian network route that leads to a major transit stop or along a primary transit corridor.

transit CirCulation 5.6.12 Support a dedicated Downtown Core Area transit shuttle to provide

circulating transit service between key locations.

5.7 transPortation DEmanD managEmEnt (tDm) – PoliCiEs anD aCtions

strEEt DEsigns5.7.1 Adopt the Transportation and Mobility Priorities (SEE FiGurE 24) as

a guiding principle for the design of transportation and mobility networks and their components within the Downtown Core Area.

PoliCY DirECtion5.7.2 incorporate the Transportation and Mobility Priorities (SEE FiGurE 24)

as a guiding principle for developing any other transportation or mobility related policies or master plans that may affect the Downtown Core Area.


ParKing rEgulations5.7.3 review and update parking requirements in the Zoning regulation

Bylaw to reflect and implement the TDM objectives described in this Plan.

5.7.4 Consider amending the Zoning regulation Bylaw to incorporate maximum parking standards to restrict the number of on-site motor vehicle parking stalls that may be provided as part of new development in the Historic Commercial District and the Central Business District.

5.7.5 Consider opportunities for reducing the number of required motor vehicle parking stalls in high-density, employment-intensive commercial uses, such as offices, in exchange for:

• Dedicated on-site car share or carpooling parking stalls.

• Additional Class 1 Bicycle parking stalls, shower and locker facilities for employees.

• Annual transit passes for employees.

• locating transit supportive uses within 400 metres to major transit stops.

• other TDM programs/strategies that reduce on-site parking stalls and encourage alternate modes of transportation.

altErnatE moDEs of transPortation5.7.6 Explore opportunities to continue to increase short-stay, on-street

parking during weekends and evenings.

5.7.7 Prohibit the development of new surface parking lots and single-purpose, above-grade parking structures.

5.7.8 Consider opportunities for integrating public short-term parking as a component of underground parking for high-density office buildings within the Central Business District.

ParKing rEVEnuE 5.7.9 Explore using public parking revenue to fund public TDM initiatives,

such as the development of dedicated bicycle lanes and directional signage.



CHAPTER SIX:� URBAN DESIGN

6.1 introDuCtionurban design is the deliberate effort to guide the physical form, space and built characteristics of an urban place toward specific, defined ends. it includes all elements of a city, from the overall form of the city and the look of its skyline, to the smallest detail of its signs and sidewalk designs.

6.2 urban DEsign – DoWntoWn CorE arEaThe Downtown Core Area has well-defined identity as an urban centre focused on a beautiful harbour, graced with noble historic and civic buildings, and built to a human and walkable scale.

Victoria is fortunate to have retained much of its 19th and early 20th century commercial core, and much of its picturesque quality stems from the variety, rich detailing, intimate scale and irregularity created by these historic buildings within its streetscape.

in its public views and vistas, too, Victoria is fortunate, with the surrounding landscape providing a natural backdrop of water, hills and distant mountains in many directions, and the inner Harbour offering both a close-up visual focal point as well as a trademark foreground for many signature city views. Views of significant civic landmarks – most notably the grand assembly of the legislature, the Empress Hotel and the inner Harbour Causeway – define the image of

Victoria around the world, and are available from a variety of locations both within and outside of the Downtown Core Area. Views of other prominent buildings, particularly the City Hall clock tower and heritage church towers, punctuate the Downtown Core Area, while offsets and bends in streets provide a sense of enclosure and intimacy.

in its public realm – its streets, sidewalks, parks, squares, plazas, passageways and other public open spaces – Victoria is also fortunate, boasting a unique array of public spaces that includes:

• Pedestrian walks, formal lawns, building forecourts, and waterfront streets arrayed as an esplanade around the inner Harbour.

• A network of through-block passageways, service lanes and mid-block pedestrian crossings that form an integral part of the Pedestrian network.

• larger green and open spaces, including Centennial Square and Pandora Green, as well as smaller greens and plazas, such as Bastion Square, Crystal Gardens Plaza and the Public library Plaza.

This distinctive urban identity is fundamental to Victoria’s current enviable quality of life, and to its comparative economic and environmental advantage among other north American cities.

urban design

6



6.2 urban DEsign – PlanTo ensure the Downtown Core Area retains its character and strength as an attractive, livable urban place while it grows significantly over the next 30 years, the Downtown Core Area Plan outlines a number of physical changes intended to:

• Bolster the sustainability of the city core.

• Build on the natural setting of the city.

• Conserve the city’s historic character and ensure sympathetic new development.

it does this by:

• Providing taller building height and increased density to accommodate new growth along the two intersecting corridors of Douglas/Blanshard Streets and Yates Street (the Cross town Concept).

• Establishing a general urban ampitheatre form for the Downtown Core Area that builds on its geographic and historic urban setting, and complements the secondary skylines in adjacent areas, including the Songhees Peninsula and Belleville Street in James Bay.

• Protecting and enhancing Public Views and Vistas, including exterior views out from the Downtown Core Area; views to prominent heritage landmarks; interior views within the Downtown Core Area; and external views towards the Downtown Core Area from outside.

• Making improvements to the Public realm that include:

• Completing the Harbour Pathway.

• Extending the Government Street Mall.

• revitalizing Centennial Square.

• Developing well-designed through-block passageways.

• Enhancing the sense of arrival at gateway locations.

• Developing new parks in Harris Green and rock Bay.

• Enhancing of Pandora Green as a primary urban place.

• Expanding tree planting, streetscape beautification, and the installation of public art throughout the Downtown Core Area.

• Establishing guidelines for the built form that will ensure new development respects and complements the human scale of Victoria’s historic core by:

• limiting building height along the harbour and in the Historic Commercial District.

• Permitting greater building height in locations where taller buildings can provide a backdrop to historic areas and compose a tiered skyline of varied interest, proportional to the setting.

• using progressive setback requirements, upper storey floor space maximums, and base-level podiums for taller buildings, to maintain an engaging human-scaled experience at grade.

• Emphasizing fine architectural detailing and building finishes on lower storeys and the infilling of gaps in the streetwall to enhance visual intricacy and continuity.

• Encouraging rhythmic interplay and in-scale variation in building façades along streets.

• Providing richly detailed and varied streetscaping.

• Providing for the development of distinctive, compact and fine-grained new character areas to complement the historic core.

built form will shape the character and frame the public space of the Downtown Core area.



10 urban DEsign PrinCiPlEsThese changes and improvements to the Downtown Core Area are based on 10 urban design principles:

1. Public views help inform design solutions for private and public space.

2. new buildings relate to existing buildings in form, scale, and detail.

3. The design and location of tall buildings contribute to the skyline.

4. Public access and visual connections to the waterfront are key components of the public realm.

5. new development enhances the compact form and diverse character of each District.

6. Streets and urban spaces provide high-quality public space, boosting the vitality of public life and retail activity.

7. Public green and marine spaces, squares and plazas integrate with the broader Pedestrian network, creating a well-connected open space system.

urban design principles help to enhance the reationship between built form, public realm and public views and vistas.

8. A dense network of pedestrian and bicycle routes supports self-propelled mobility as the Downtown Core Area’s primary mode of travel.

9. The city’s image is enriched at all scales – up close, new areas of finely detailed streets and buildings add to the city’s fabric; from a distance, the skyline takes on greater stature and interest as a backdrop to the harbour and historic core.

10. Areas of greater height and urban intensity transition gracefully to lower scale, less intensively built neighbourhoods.

6.3 Cross toWn ConCEPtunder this Plan, new growth and taller buildings in the Downtown Core Area will be concentrated along the two intersecting corridors of Douglas Street and Yates Street in order to:

• Move pressure for new development away from the Historic Commercial District to under-developed areas.

• Control new growth along these main streets to ensure a coherent and attractive urban form over time.

• Concentrate commercial office uses where there is greatest transit access.

• Strengthen the Harris Green neighbourhood with a concentration of higher-density residential and commercial uses centred on Yates Street.

(SEE FiGurE 27: CroSS ToWn ConCEPT.)

Policies and actions throughout this Plan, in this section and elsewhere, support the development of this Cross Town urban form along Douglas Street and Yates Street by:

• Encouraging transportation improvements to the two corridors.

• Allowing increased building heights and densities along the two corridors.

• Focussing the expanding Central Business District within the two corridors.

• integrating the two corridors into the larger urban core by concentrating public amenities along or near Douglas Street and Yates Streets, and by ensuring clear connections to the Pedestrian network and making public realm improvements.

• Encouraging the location of new primary commercial and institutional uses and buildings on and near Douglas Street and Yates Street.

• Encouraging building forms along Douglas Street and Yates Street that reinforce a “Main Street” role and image for both streets.

• Emphasizing the metropolitan character of the two corridors with suitable formal architecture and spatial relationships between streets and buildings.



6.4 urban amPithEatrE ConCEPtTo build on the Downtown Core Area’s geographic and historic urban setting, this Plan promotes a general urban form in the shape of an amphitheatre, stepping up from Victoria’s open harbour basin, where building height remains low near the harbour but gradually increases further inland, with tall buildings at a distance from the harbour, concentrated along Douglas and Yates Streets. (SEE

FiGurE 28: urBAn AMPiTHEATrE ConCEPT.)

This urban Ampitheatre shape:

• Builds on the pattern of historical development in the Downtown Core Area by having growth tier up away from the harbour.

• Augments key public views in all directions around the harbour.

• reflects and emphasizes the natural, underlying hilly landscape and the rise of natural grades in several directions away from the water.

• Creates a series of backdrop building ridges surrounding the harbour, providing visually intricate skylines on several sides when viewed from public harbourside vantage points.

• retains gaps in the skyline to retain public views of prominent regional landscape features, including the Sooke Hills, Mount Douglas, Mount Tolmie, Mount Work and the olympic Mountains.

• Provides public views around the shoreline and across the harbour basin with foreground, mid-ground, background, and side-ground components, usually including a marine forefront, a taller building array beyond, and geographic elements as a backdrop.

Figure 27: Cross town Concept.



Conceptual illustration of the relationship between the skyline form and the surrounding view context.

Figure 28: urban ampitheatre Concept.



6.5 PubliC ViEWs anD Vistas – PoliCiEs anD aCtions

EXtErior ViEWs out6.5.1 Monitor, protect and enhance the exterior views out from the Downtown

Core Area , giving consideration to the combination of foreground, mid-ground and background elements. (SEE FiGurE 29: EXTErior ViEWS ouT.)

6.5.2 Encourage design and siting solutions that minimize the visual impact of new developments within the specified exterior views.

6.5.3 Give special design attention to the view, from defined public vantage points, of proposed new buildings sited within the specified exterior views.

6.5.4 review and update adjacent neighbourhood plans to ensure the specified exterior views are preserved outside the Downtown Core Area.

6.5.5 Ensure new buildings located along identified exterior views are designed to enhance and frame the exterior view.

6.5.6 Ensure foreground and public realm elements – such as lighting, streetlamps, landscaping, planters, paving, street furnishings, stairs and ramps leading to waterfront access – enhance harbour views, connections to the water and wayfinding.

6.5.7 Evaluate development proposals that affect the specified exterior view corridors according to the Exterior View Guidelines in Appendix 1.

ViEWs to ProminEnt hEritagE lanDmarKs6.5.8 Conserve the views of heritage landmarks from the public vantage

points and along the view sightlines specified in Figure 30. (SEE FiGurE 30:

ProMinEnT HEriTAGE lAnDMArKS AnD ViEWS.)

6.5.9 Give special design consideration to development applications located with a 90-metre (300-foot) radius of the landmark heritage buildings identified in Figure 30, to ensure that the height, setbacks, siting and upper storey massing of proposed new buildings respect their prominence.

6.5.10 Evaluate development proposals for sites located within the view sightlines specified in Figure 30 for their impact on the views of the identified heritage landmark buildings (considering distant, middle-distant and close-in public vantage points along the defined sightlines), using 3-D digital form modeling and photo-montage studies as required.

Figure 29: Exterior Views out.



INTERIOR VIEWS AND STREETHEADS6.5.11 Encourage building designs that provide visual interest at the end

of each interior view identified in Figure 31, or, where appropriate, with a taller building on a site just beyond along the same sightline. (SEE FIGURE 31: INTERIOR VIEWS AND STREETHEADS.)

6.5.12 Consider design solutions to distinguish the landmark opportunities identified in Figure 31, such as plazas, artworks, landscaping or lighting effects, tall buildings, or other landmark building features.

6.5.13 Review new development proposals located within the specified interior views for their potential impact on those views, with specific consideration to existing and potential landmarks and landmark buildings and wayfinding.

6.5.14 Ensure new buildings located along an identified interior view are designed to enhance and frame the interior view.

6.5.15 Ensure foreground and public realm elements – such as lighting, streetlamps, landscaping, planters, paving, street furnishings – enhance interior views.

6.5.16 Consider the design of buildings at the interior view landmark sites identified in Figure 31, where appropriate, in relation to their impact on the overall skyline.

6.5.17 Evaluate development proposals that affect specified interior views according to the Interior View Guidelines in Appendix 2.

Figure 30:� Prominent Heritage Landmarks and Views.

Conserve public views to Heritage Landmarks – such as the City Hall Clock Tower.



EXtErnal ViEWs toWarDs thE DoWntoWn CorE arEa 6.5.18 Monitor the evolution of the Downtown Core Area skyline from the 10

public vantage points identified in Figure 32 (considering the contribution of proposed new buildings to foreground, mid-ground and background elements of the skyline and overall panoramas of the Downtown Core Area visible from these reference points), using 3-D digital form modeling and photomontage studies as required. (SEE FiGurE 32: EXTErnAl ViEWS

ToWArDS THE DoWnToWn CorE ArEA FroM PuBliC VAnTAGE PoinTS.)

6.5.19 Monitor the evolution of new development in the Downtown Core Area to ensure that views from public vantage points overlooking the upper Harbour evolve over time, to complement the iconic views of the historic commercial core and inner Harbour precinct.

6.5.20 Encourage new development that enhances views of the Downtown Core Area from major approach routes from the north, giving consideration to improved streetscaping, attractive flanking building facades, and contributions to an interesting urban skyline profile rising above.

6.5.21 Encourage new development that enhances views of the Downtown Core Area from major approach routes to the east, in particular:

• Along Yates Street from an uphill vantage east of Cook Street, which commands an overview of a wide street corridor terminating in a distant backdrop view of the Songhees Peninsula and the Sooke Hills.

• Along Pandora Avenue, which encompasses a series of distinctive treed urban boulevard views.

6.5.22 Evaluate development proposals that affect the specified external views toward the Downtown Core Area according to the External View Guidelines in Appendix 3.

Figure 31: interior Views and streetheads.


taller landmark buildings can be used to terminate streethead views. Public art can be used to identify streethead sites.

taller landmark buildings can be used to highlight street inflections. landscaped plazas with lighting, water features and public art can help to enhance and identify streethead sites.



CHAPTER SEVEN:� URBAN DESIGN

Figure 32: External Views towards the Downtown Core area from Public Vantage Points.

6.6 PubliC rEalm imProVEmEnt PoliCiEs anD aCtions

strEEts6.6.1 Classify Downtown Core Area streets from a public realm perspective,

according to the Street Typology Guidelines in Appendix 4 and as shown in Figure 33. (SEE FiGurE 33: PuBliC rEAlM STrEET ClASSiFiCATion.)

6.6.2 use the Street Typology Guidelines in Appendix 4 as design reference for public and private development initiatives that affect the public realm characteristics of streets in the Downtown Core Area, recognizing that functional requirements, existing street dimensions and physical conditions may constrain achievement of the defined design benchmarks.

6.6.3 review and update the Zoning regulation Bylaw and the other related technical design standards for streets and sidewalks for compatibility with the design characteristics described in Appendix 4.

Public realm improvemnts can enhance public spaces.



Figure 33: Public realm street Classification.

goVErnmEnt strEEt mall EXtEnsion6.6.4 implement the phased extension of the Government Street Mall

northwards, first to Centennial Square and Chinatown, then to link with a future waterfront public park at rock Bay and to serve as the primary commercial street for the rock Bay District. (SEE FiGurE 34: GoVErnMEnT

STrEET MAll EXTEnSion.)

6.6.5 Maintain and improve public pedestrian access between the Government Street Mall and the Harbour Pathway at multiple locations throughout the entire length as they are both developed and extended northwards.

6.6.6 Coordinate the design of streetscape improvements to Belleville Street and the inner Harbour Causeway with the Government Street Mall to ensure a consistent design and seamless flow between each area.

6.6.7 Consider public realm design options to provide priority to pedestrians, with supporting cycling, transit, delivery, parking and general purpose traffic consistent with Appendix 4: Pedestrian Priority Street Guidelines.

6.6.8 Coordinate the upgrade of underground services to support future surrounding new development with the Mall extension.

6.6.9 Encourage pedestrian-oriented land uses and building design along the extended Mall, including continuous commercial frontage and a minimum 50 percent of adjacent building frontage built to the sidewalk. Avoid underground parkade entrances on Government Street.

6.6.10 Develop detailed design standards and guidelines for the Government Street Mall that:

• Ensure continuous commercial frontage.

• limit breaks in the adjacent streetwall (the lower portion of a building that is adjacent to a street; usually the first few storeys).

• Encourage limited setbacks for building entries and café space.

• Provide unity and continuity in design details and unique public realm treatments with opportunity for diversity in architectural expression.

• Demarcate defined zones for pedestrian, cycle, transit and general traffic use.

• Provide infrastructure to support seasonal and special event closures.

• Ensure street furnishings exhibit designs unique to the Mall.

• Establish generous tree planting and green infrastructure features.



6.6.11 Develop and implement a wayfinding system, consistent with the Downtown Victoria Beautification Strategy, that highlights connections to adjacent areas and attractions.

6.6.12 Work with partners to develop cost estimates, an implementation schedule and funding mechanisms to undertake the Government Street Mall extension over time.

6.6.13 Develop, with partners, a program of active special uses and events with a seasonal orientation and tie-in with commercial activities and public holidays.

6.6.14 Develop a partnership program to support building façade and storefront illumination to complement street lighting.

Figure 34: government street mall Extension.



Conceptual illustrations of the northward extension of government street mall into the rock bay District.



sPECial strEEtsCaPE imProVEmEnts6.6.15 undertake (through the City’s annual Beautification Program) an

on-going program of innovative, high-quality, temporary and permanent special streetscape improvements that accent prominent locations in the Downtown Core Area and, where possible, support public events and seasonal celebrations.

6.6.16 Target the completion of at least one streetscape project annually, either initiated by the City or undertaken in partnership, and identify several projects to commemorate the City’s 150 anniversary of incorporation in 2012.

6.6.17 undertake, in coordination with rapid transit planning, the comprehensive redesign of Douglas Street to carefully incorporate rapid transit service within a complete street design concept that:

• Highlights the Yates/Douglas Street intersection as the hub of the Crosstown development concept.

• Pays attention to adjacent building illumination, crosswalk paving, public art, wayfinding signage, and possible ornamental treatment of the intersection road surface.

Conceptual illustration of streetscape improvements to the Douglas/Yates street intersection.

Conceptual illustration of Douglas/Yates Crosstown main street concept looking north.

Chinatown overhead heavenly lights are an example of special streetscape improvements.



PubliC ParKs anD oPEn sPaCEs6.6.18 Maintain and enhance the Downtown Core Area parks and public open

space system identified in Figure 35. (SEE FiGurE 35: DoWnToWn CorE ArEA

PArKS AnD oPEn SPACES SYSTEM.)

6.6.19 Establish three new parks in the Downtown Core Area – in Harris Green, in rock Bay at the north end of the Historic Commercial District, and at the rock Bay waterfront at the north end of the Harbour Pathway, as identified in Figure 35 – using the standards and guidelines of the Parks Master Plan to determine appropriate size, functional requirements and final locations for these parks.

6.6.20 institute capital budget and development cost-recovery mechanisms to secure dedicated funding for the acquisition and development of the new parks.

6.6.21 Design and program parks and public open spaces to accommodate diverse public activities and interests.

6.6.22 Establish pedestrian and cycling connections between parks and public open spaces, proposed Greenways, and the Pedestrian network, including links to through-block passageways.

6.6.23 Prepare designs to update Centennial Square as the primary civic open space in the Downtown Core Area, in concert with plans to renew City Hall and locate new civic functions at the square, consistent with revitalization plans for the square and the design criteria included in Appendix 6: Centennial Square Guidelines.

6.6.24 Maintain and enhance Pandora Green as a public park and open space for the residential Mixed-use District, consistent with the design criteria in Appendix 7: Pandora Green Guidelines.

6.6.25 Enhance the public open space and pedestrian connections through the Crystal Gardens block and Cridge Park to St. Anne’s Academy and Beacon Hill Park, including improved wayfinding signage.

6.6.26 Establish new public and semi-public plazas and small open spaces throughout the Downtown Core Area as private and public re-development proceeds, consistent with the typology of plazas and squares and accompanying design criteria in Appendix 8: urban Plaza Design Guidelines.

6.6.27 Enhance Bastion Square as a primary historic public space, consistent with the design criteria in Appendix 8: urban Plaza Design Guidelines.

6.6.28 Secure public plazas as a component of redevelopment at Ship Point, at the Belleville Terminal and at key upland access points to the Harbour Pathway.

Figure 35: Downtown Core area Parks and open space system.



6.6.29 re-design the approaches to the Johnson Street Bridge, in concert with work to replace or rehabilitate the bridge, to consolidate it as a defined, attractive and active public square.

6.6.30 Maintain the integrity of the inner Harbour Causeway, the Provincial legislative Grounds and the open spaces of the royal BC Museum site as components of Victoria’s Provincial Capital precinct and as the City’s primary visitor area.

gatEWaYs6.6.31 Design and develop urban gateways that signal and celebrate arrival

to the Downtown Core Area, at the four locations identified in Figure 36. (SEE FiGurE 36: PoTEnTiAl urBAn GATEWAY loCATionS.)

6.6.32 Ensure gateways feature available City-owned sites, main approaches and views towards the Downtown Core Area and, where feasible, incorporate adjacent areas of green landscape.

6.6.33 Ensure gateways are individually designed to include landscaping, sculptural elements, fountains, lighting, flags, or signage, or any combination of these elements.

6.6.34 Ensure gateways relate to important pedestrian, cycling, and traffic routes and the District to which they signal entry.

6.6.35 Consider the design and development of gateways as community projects to mark the City’s 150th anniversary in 2012.

Figure 36: Potential urban gateway locations.

gateways may incorporate landscaping, signage, lighting, water features, flags, or public art, in a variety of combinations. (north and East gateways)



bEautifiCation6.6.36 review and update the Downtown Victoria Beautification Strategy to

expand its strategies and design guidelines throughout the Downtown Core Area, while respecting the context of each District and character area. (SEE FiGurE 37: CorE ArEA BEAuTiFiCATion DiSTriCTS.)

6.6.37 Ensure that all municipal street furnishings and equipment installed in the Downtown Core Area are consistent with the Beautification Strategy.

6.6.38 Establish a building and feature-lighting program, consistent with the revised Beautification Strategy, that is energy efficient, does not illuminate the night sky, and provides:

• Façade lighting for historic buildings.

• Spot lighting for summit architectural features of taller landmark buildings.

• Accent lighting for public art and the harbour bridges.

• Distinctive linear lighting for the Harbour Pathway and Greenway networks, coordinated with private lighting schemes and possible partnership projects.

6.6.39 review and update the City’s Hanging Basket program, giving consideration to extending it in phases throughout the Downtown Core Area.

6.6.40 Establish a program to place existing overhead utility wires underground throughout the Downtown Core Area, and requiring all new development to place existing and new utility lines underground as a condition of development.

6.6.41 update the City’s Public Art Policy, consistent with the Public Art Guidelines in Appendix 9, and integrate a public art component in all municipal public works projects, both small and large, in the Downtown Core Area.

Encourage new building and streetscape lighting.

Figure 37: Core area beautification Districts.



6.7 built form – PoliCiEs anD aCtions

builDing hEight6.7.1 Accommodate a range of building heights consistent with the maximum

building height limits described in Figure 38. (SEE FiGurE 38: MAXiMuM

BuilDinG HEiGHT rAnGES.)

6.7.2 undertake sun/shadow and wind studies for buildings with proposed heights greater than 50 metres to determine their impact on adjacent sidewalks and streets.

6.7.3 Encourage diversity in building heights to contribute to the development of a varied, visually interesting skyline focused on the Douglas/Blanshard and Yates Street corridors, with reference to the Tall Building Guidelines in Appendix 10.

6.7.4 Encourage the siting of taller buildings in mid-block locations for east-west oriented blocks to reduce potential shading and wind effects on adjacent north-south streets.



Figure 38: maximum building height ranges.



building height tiers up to a height apex in the Central business District.

taller buildings should be distinguished by high quality, as well as by creative and diverse design.

undulating “contoured hillside” skyline profile concept for the Downtown Core area, as viewed from songhees Point—the shading indicates the general anticipated location for increased building height.

taller new buldings should provide an attractive and varied skyline backdrop to the historic Commercial District, and express an enlarged Central business District.



massing6.7.5 reduce building bulk of upper storeys to minimize the effects of

shading and wind vortices, to maintain views to the open sky, and to avoid the visual presence of bulky upper storey building mass.

6.7.6 Avoid uniformity in building design through varied heights and massing within setback envelopes. See examples illustrated in Figures 39, 40 and 41.

6.7.7 Encourage the use of terraced or stepped building forms to distinguish building podiums from upper storeys.

6.7.8 Exclude parapets, articulated cornices and guardrails from vertical and sloped setback requirements, to encourage architectural articulation in building faces.

6.7.9 Evaluate tall building proposals and establish new zoning standards with reference to the Tall Building Guidelines in Appendix 10.

Figure 39: street Proportionality (20m).

street proportionality: streets up to 20m wide.

street wall: typical maximum 10m – minimum 50% frontage required.

similar scaled streetwalls on each side of roadway.



Figure 40: street Proportionality (30 m). Figure 41: street Proportionality (Douglas and Yates).

street proportionality: streets up to 30m wide.



street proportionality: Crosstown metro street





strEEtWall CritEria6.7.10 Encourage streetwall heights proportional to the width of street

rights-of-way, generally to a width/height ratio of 2:1, which results in streetwalls of 10m to15m in height.

6.7.11 Coordinate setback requirements so that the relative scale of building street-wall faces are similar on each side of a street, regardless of differences in allowances for total building height.

6.7.12 Encourage streetwall elements similar in scale and character to Victoria’s historic streetscapes.

6.7.13 Encourage higher secondary streetwalls on wider streets such as Douglas Street and Yates Street, to reduce the visual scale of tall buildings and add greater architectural formality. See Figure 41 for example.

6.7.14 Employ “built-to” requirements where appropriate to maintain streetwall continuity.

6.7.15 Articulate streetwalls with recessed entries, small plazas, sidewalk dining areas and inset or chamfered building corners where appropriate.

6.7.16 Encourage quality architectural materials and detailing in building bases and streetwalls to enhance visual interest for passersby at grade.

6.7.17 Ensure the development of an attractive, human-scaled, interface between building bases and sidewalks with reference to the Building Base, Streetwall and Commercial Frontage Guidelines in Appendix 11.

builDing sEParation anD siting6.7.18 Establish appropriate clearances between residential building faces to

provide privacy, access to sunlight and views of both the city and the sky, while allowing the adjoining party walls of lower floors to provide continuous streetwalls where desired.

6.7.19 Maintain adequate separation between tall buildings to ensure adequate privacy for building occupants and allow access to sunlight and views of the sky from public streets.

6.7.20 Evaluate building proposals and establish new zoning standards based on the detailed residential building separation and clearance guidelines in Appendix 12: Building Types and District Siting Guidelines.

6.7.21 Ensure that different building types are located in suitable Core Area settings based on the detailed Building Types and Siting Guidelines in Appendix 12.

healthy streets – attention to building set-backs, build-to standards, allowance for generous building podiums, and spirited streetscape design can help to continue Victoria’s pattern of varied, intimate, attractive, commercially vital, pedestrian friendly streets.


CHAPTER SEVEN:� HERITAGE

7.1 introDuCtionThe conservation of built heritage is a cornerstone of community sustainability. it increases a community’s:

• Economic sustainability, by encouraging heritage property re-investment and cultural tourism.

• Environmental sustainability, by supporting green building through the retention and re-use of buildings.

• Social sustainability, by converting commercial heritage properties to a variety of housing types and tenures.

• Cultural sustainability, by connecting people with the past through the historic environment and architectural expression.

Built heritage is also significant in urban design and development because the historic fabric is the foundation upon which a city builds a sense of place.

7.2 hEritagE – DoWntoWn CorE arEaMuch of Victoria’s lasting charm and character stem from its well-conserved Heritage resources, many of which date from the earliest days of non-native settlement in British Columbia. Historic landmarks from the 1860s to the Modern Movement are a source of community pride. The intimate concentration of built heritage in the Downtown Core Area invites residents and visitors alike to explore the urban core and its surrounding neighbourhoods, where the historic streetscapes reinforce the sense that this is a unique and special place.

Beginning in the 1970s, the City of Victoria embarked on than 30 years of successful place-making. At that time, the City implemented a series of policies intended to revitalize the Historic Commercial District by encouraging both the sensitive integration of new development and the retention and protection of built heritage in ways that respect the context and unique qualities of particular locations, such as Bastion Square, Chinatown and Centennial Square. These policies also encouraged land use and design in the Historic Commercial District consistent with its dense, diverse, low-scale, non-grid and small-lot lot character. (in 1990, the City enlarged that focus in the Downtown Victoria Plan to protect built heritage throughout the Downtown neighbourhood through land use policies that balanced new development and conservation.)

Since 1982, the City of Victoria has also maintained a Heritage register – an official list of historic properties that City Council has approved as municipal Heritage resources – to publicly recognize the heritage value of the properties on the list and to enable Council to monitor any proposed changes to them.

The Heritage resources listed on the Heritage register are either “designated” or “registered.” Designated resources are protected through a municipal heritage designation bylaw and cannot be altered or demolished without Council approval. registered resources do not have the legal protection of a municipal heritage bylaw and do not require Council to approve any alterations. instead, the City provides advice to property owners to encourage development and alterations that are sensitive to the heritage character and context of the building and the area. The Province of British Columbia and the Federal Government, through Parks Canada, also “designate” Heritage resources of provincial and

heritage

7



national significance. However, this recognition is commemorative and symbolic and does not have an impact on the heritage status of property at the municipal level, or processes to monitor or approve proposed changes.

To date, there are over 200 properties listed on the Heritage register within the Downtown Core Area. (SEE FiGurE 42: HEriTAGE rEGiSTEr ProPErTiES.) The vast majority are in the Historic Commercial District, but there are also significant groupings in the inner Harbour District, the Central Business District and the residential Mixed-use District, where Victorian church spires shape the skyline along quadra Street. The rock Bay District also contains several Heritage resources that are remnants of an historical industrial landscape.

7.3 hEritagE – PlanTo reinforce the presence and value of the historic built environment in the Downtown Core Area as it grows significantly over the next 30 years, this Plan builds upon Victoria’s legacy of successful heritage protection and sensitive infill development that responds to the function, form and character of each district in the Downtown Core Area.

it also:

• Works to better integrate community planning – at both the Area and neighbourhood levels – with heritage conservation.

• Supports the development and use of a “Victoria Thematic Framework” to:

• identify, evaluate and select additions to the Heritage register.

• Develop Statements of Significance that describe and evaluate Heritage resources, which may include heritage buildings, heritage conservation areas, groupings of sites, streetscapes, engineering structures, cultural landscapes and design features.

• implement new urban design and interpretation initiatives, such as plaques, banners, markers and public art, to encourage more people to explore Victoria’s built heritage.

• Maintains civic support for conserving and celebrating municipal Heritage resources by keeping existing financial incentives and adding new ones.

• Encourages public and private realm interpretation and education to enrich residents’ and visitors’ experience of Victoria’s built heritage.

7.4 arEa anD ContEXt Planning – PoliCiEs anD aCtions

hEritagE managEmEnt7.4.1 retain the historic built environment of the Downtown Core Area for

present and future generations.

7.4.2 Connect the management of Heritage resources to Area-wide planning, urban design and site-specific development.

7.4.3 Develop and use a “Victoria Thematic Framework” to:

• identify Heritage resources and features in the Districts of the Downtown Core Area (these may include individual heritage buildings, heritage conservation areas, groupings of sites, streetscapes, engineering structures, cultural landscapes and design features).

• Produce Statements of Significance for each Heritage resource.

• Guide public realm improvement projects that involve the interpretation of built heritage.

7.4.4 Complete Statements of Significance for each Heritage resource in the Downtown Core Area that:

• Describes the Heritage resource.

• Evaluates its importance.

• Provides a list of character-defining elements, including the materials, forms, location, spatial configurations, uses and cultural associations or meanings of the Heritage resource that must be retained to preserve its heritage value.

7.4.5 integrate the 2002 Heritage Strategic Plan policies as part of community planning within the Downtown Core Area.



Figure 42: heritage register buildings.



nEighbourhooD Planning7.4.6 identify, protect and conserve historic buildings, ensembles,

streetscapes, structures, landscapes and features of heritage value in the Downtown Core Area.

7.4.7 Select additions to the Heritage register that have value to the city and the neighbourhoods of the Downtown Core Area, and that are significant examples of heritage themes.

7.4.8 Complete an inventory of the industrial heritage that remains in the rock Bay District and propose additions to the Heritage register.

7.4.9 Conduct inventories of built heritage in the residential Mixed-use District with special consideration to recognition of the quadra Church Precinct in order to propose significant sites for addition to the Heritage register.

hEritagE Consultation 7.4.10 Engage with community stakeholders – such as neighbourhood

associations, organizations, Victoria Tourism, businesses, educational institutions and the arts and culture sector – on heritage initiatives.

7.4.11 Consult with community associations and other groups to identify Heritage resources and features in the Downtown Core Area districts, and to promote initiatives and events.

7.5 sitE DEVEloPmEnt – PoliCiEs anD aCtions

ConsErVation anD DEVEloPmEnt7.5.1 respect the heritage context of the Historic Commercial District and

recognized historic areas of the other Downtown Core Area Districts in zoning changes and site redevelopment.

7.5.2 Ensure that development applications that involve a Heritage resource conserve and integrate the character-defining elements of the Heritage resource.

7.5.3 Support new infill, improvements and additions to existing buildings that enhance adjacent Heritage resources.

7.5.4 Support projects converting the upper floors of designated commercial heritage properties to residential use to encourage the continued revitalization of the Historic Commercial District.

7.5.5 Discourage development that involves demolishing a Heritage resource or removing part or all of an historic façade.

7.5.6 Continue to support CA-3C old Town zoning and design guidelines and similar new guidelines for other heritage conservation areas.

7.5.7 Ensure the Development Permit Areas created within the Downtown Core Area consider the role of heritage as an objective of form and character.

hEritagE ProPErtY ProtECtion7.5.8 Add public and private property to the Heritage register proactively.

7.5.9 review City-owned properties to identify any Heritage resources to add to the register.

7.5.10 Designate heritage property where threatened and address the issue of compensation on a case-by-case basis.

7.5.11 review historic interiors for possible addition to the Heritage register.

7.5.12 inventory and evaluate the heritage value of pre-1975 City-owned properties.

7.5.13 inventory and evaluate historic interiors in the Historic Commercial District, then document significant sites and propose additions to the Heritage register.

DisastEr mitigation anD Post-EarthQuaKE rECoVErY Planning7.5.14 Develop mitigation strategies for Heritage resources that include

vulnerability mapping and seismic retrofits, and implement the Post Earthquake Policy for Heritage Buildings.

7.5.15 integrate heritage conservation policies with the City’s Emergency Plan.

7.5.16 Provide financial incentives for seismic upgrades in the private sector

7.5.17 inventory and record the seismic upgrades of all heritage property in old Town.

7.5.18 Draft a capital plan for post-earthquake reconstruction that identifies priority sites and financial sources or strategies for its implementation.



7.6 CiViC suPPort – PoliCiEs anD aCtions

ConsErVation of built hEritagE7.6.1 implement the Heritage Density Transfer to balance new development

with the rehabilitation and legal protection of Heritage resources as a public benefit, where the owner of a Heritage resource could transfer unused density to a developer within specific parts of the Downtown Core Area (SEE SECTion 4. DEnSiTY).

7.6.2 Allocate funding for initiatives or studies that address the policy directions of the Heritage Strategic Plan (2002) in the Downtown Core Area.

7.6.3 Provide ongoing assistance for retaining and re-using designated commercial, industrial, institutional and large residential heritage sites through the Tax incentive Program (T.i.P.) in the Historic Commercial District and the Building improvement Program (B.i.P.) – administered by the Victoria Civic Heritage Trust – across the city

7.6.4 Consider broadening the base for the Tax incentive Program (T.i.P.) to the rock Bay District.

7.6.5 Continue to provide grants to rehabilitate and upgrade designated heritage houses through the Victoria Heritage Foundation.

7.7 intErPrEtation anD EDuCation – PoliCiEs anD aCtions

EXPEriEnCE of built hEritagE 7.7.1 Make improvements to the public realm to help interpret and explain

Victoria’s built heritage; these improvements might include banners, signs, temporary markers, mosaics and plaques.

7.7.2 Consider requiring art with heritage content or heritage displays in public spaces as a condition of Heritage revitalization Agreements or a Heritage Density Transfer (SEE SECTion 4. DEnSiTY).

7.7.3 Consider the Victoria Thematic Framework (SEE 7.4.3) in urban design and beautification initiatives.

7.7.4 Develop an interpretation policy that requires the use of the Victoria Thematic Framework in all public realm improvements that interpret built heritage.

PubliC EDuCation anD information 7.7.5 Communicate the benefits of Heritage resource management to a wide

range of audiences and community stakeholders.

7.7.6 reinforce the efforts of local organizations and business owners to conserve and celebrate the Downtown Core Area’s Heritage resources.

7.7.7 update the City’s Community Heritage Planning website to communicate the presence and value of heritage resources in Victoria to multiple audiences.

7.7.8 use the Heritage Program website to increase the profile of heritage development projects in the Downtown Core Area that have received Hallmark and B.C. Heritage Awards or otherwise serve as examples of good practice.


CHAPTER EIGHT:� ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT

8.1 introDuCtionA critical component of urban planning today is trying to manage growth and development in a manner that not only maintains and enhances the health of natural ecosystems, but also addresses key issues such as climate change and energy security, and contributes to the overall livability of the urban area.

8.2 EnErgY anD EnVironmEnt – DoWntoWn CorE arEa

Current urban planning for Downtown Victoria as a population and employment centre:

• Supports a multi-modal transportation system.

• Encourages resource-efficient development.

• Supports infill and new development to reduce development pressures on the outer edges of the region and help preserve open spaces and agricultural lands.

8.3 EnErgY anD EnVironmEnt – PlanBy being compact and walkable, with good transportation and infrastructure systems already in place, the Downtown Core Area is a prime location for urban intensification as the population continues to grow over the next 30 years. However, that growth must be managed carefully to mitigate any potential impact on the area’s natural ecosystems or quality of life for residents.

This Plan works to:

• Preserve and enhance the functioning of natural systems by encouraging environmental sustainability in land development and re-development, building design and transportation.

• Create a special sustainability precinct within the rock Bay District that incorporates an even higher level of “green” infrastructure, site planning, uses and building technology.

• introduce elements – such as new or enhanced green spaces and urban forest – that maintain the livability of the Downtown Core Area.

energy and environment

8


CHAPTER EIGHT:� ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT

8.4 EnErgY anD EnVironmEnt – PoliCiEs anD aCtions

lanD DEVEloPmEnt8.4.1 Encourage higher-density development in locations that are within

walking distance of the Downtown Core Area’s Transit network.

8.4.2 Encourage the re-development of contaminated sites to accommodate new development and to improve overall environmental conditions.

8.4.3 Encourage site design and development practices that maximize energy- and water-efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

8.4.4 incorporate permeable surfaces in the design of open spaces and building setbacks to reduce storm water runoff.

8.4.5 Encourage developers to adapt and re-use existing buildings.

8.4.6 Develop building design guidelines that maximize active and passive solar gain and protect solar access.

8.4.7 Encourage waste facilities (three stream) in new multi-residential development.

8.4.8 Develop energy-efficiency standards for new and existing buildings.

8.4.9 Encourage green roofs and/or light-coloured roofs.

transPortation8.4.10 Actively promote alternatives to the single occupant vehicle.

8.4.11 Employ a range of Transportation Demand Management strategies (SEE

SECTion 5. TrAnSPorTATion AnD MoBiliTY) to reduce parking requirements in the Downtown Core Area.

8.4.12 incorporate storm water management and urban forest management considerations into street redesign projects.

grEEn sPaCEs anD urban forEst8.4.13 Encourage private and public development and renovation projects

to provide the maximum amount possible of green spaces, natural surfaces, plants and streetscaping.

8.4.14 Encourage private development to expand and enhance on-site open space and landscaping to address urban runoff and drainage issues.

8.4.15 Encourage the use of native plants and trees in public and private landscaping.

8.4.16 increase the overall tree canopy cover where possible to help reduce the heating effect of hard surfaces, such as sidewalks, roads and parking lots.

8.4.17 Encourage projects that incorporate opportunities for urban agriculture.

EnErgY anD Emissions8.4.18 Explore the use of incentives to encourage private development that

includes renewable district energy systems able to serve the Downtown Core Area.

8.4.19 Encourage all new development to incorporate high levels of energy efficiency.

WatEr8.4.20 Encourage the use of alternative storm water management techniques

that retain storm water on-site.

8.4.21 investigate the use of incentives and/or higher standards to help reduce water use/sewage conveyance in areas requiring holding tanks.

harbour arEa8.4.22 Minimize contamination entering the harbour through building and site

design.

8.4.23 restore shoreline conditions and enhance aquatic ecosystems as and when possible.

roCK baY DistriCt8.4.24 Develop a sustainability precinct in rock Bay.

8.4.25 Direct green demonstration projects to the rock Bay District through the use of development incentives, such as tax benefits and density bonuses (SEE SECTion 4. DEnSiTY).

8.4.26 Study whether it is feasible to create a district energy system in the rock Bay District.

8.4.27 investigate the environmental benefits of locating a major city facility – such as a community centre, pool or library – in rock Bay.

8.4.28 Maximize the ecological functioning of parks and open space through their design and function.

8.4.29 Establish a special Development Permit Zone in rock Bay that requires a higher level of environmental performance.


CHAPTER NINE:� COMMUNITY VITALITY

9.1 introDuCtionVitality in an urban setting is usually defined in three ways:

• Social vitality is a city’s ability to make the people who live and work there feel like they belong to or are a part of a community or neighbourhood. This sense of belonging influences many aspects of urban life, including crime rates and community safety.

• Economic vitality is a city’s ability to attract and retain businesses and the jobs they bring with them.

• Cultural vitality is a city’s ability to provide a range of arts and culture activities that people value and look for opportunities to become involved in, as active participants, viewers or supporters.

9.2 VitalitY – CurrEntThe Downtown Core Area is the economic and cultural heart not just of the City of Victoria, but of the Capital region as a whole.

it is the Provincial Capital and site of the legislative Assembly. it houses the headquarters of many provincial ministries, agencies and Crown corporations. it has the region’s largest concentration of employment and is a hub of transportation and commerce. it is home to major cultural institutions and entertainment facilities, and is the region’s primary tourist attraction. And it

offers the greatest range of goods and services in the region, with a local market of approximately 12,000 people living within one kilometre of City Hall. no other location in Greater Victoria provides more opportunity for face-to-face communication, interaction and exchange.

But despite these strengths, the Downtown Core Area faces a number of challenges.

Homelessness, poverty and issues of social disorder have become entrenched in certain parts of the Core Area and have contributed to a growing sense of insecurity and despair. Affordable housing is limited. The Core Area’s share of the regional office and retail market continues to decline as suburban communities offer more opportunity for their residents to shop and work closer to home. Established bus-based transit is nearing operational capacity in key high-volume corridors, including Douglas Street. Aging infrastructure and public facilities need to be upgraded or replaced to support future population growth, and the Core Area needs new attractions to enhance its place as a destination for business and pleasure travel.

community vitality 9



9.3 VitalitY – futurETo help ensure the social, economic and cultural vitality of the Downtown Core Area as it grows over the next 30 years, this Plan attempts to build on the Area’s significant strengths and to realize the opportunities new growth and development can offer by:

• Promoting a broader range of housing options to support a more diverse mix of households.

• Supporting initiatives to decrease homelessness and increase community safety and civility.

• Pursuing ideas for making the City more attractive for residents and visitors alike, through new or improved public amenities and recreational facilities, as well as expanded arts and culture and learning options.

• Providing additional office space.

• improving transit options, both within the Downtown Core Area and across the region.

9.4 soCial VitalitY PoliCiEs anD aCtions

housing afforDabilitY9.4.1 Support the development of non-market housing as the Downtown Core

Area grows, working with provincial, regional, non-profit and industry partners and with targeted investments from the Victoria Housing Trust Fund, a reserve fund established by the City in 2004 to subsidize the development of affordable housing.

9.4.2 Amend the Zoning regulation Bylaw to permit self-contained secondary suites with separate hallway access in multi-residential and mixed-use developments where appropriate.

9.4.3 Support the development of small residential dwelling units in the 30 to 40 square-metre range in multi-residential and mixed-use developments.

homElEssnEss9.4.4 Continue to support the work of the Greater Victoria Coalition

to End Homelessness.

9.4.5 Continue to work with community partners to secure emergency shelter for homeless people through the Greater Victoria Extreme Weather Protocol.

DiVErsitY anD inClusion9.4.6 review and amend the Zoning regulation Bylaw to establish minimum

requirements – including standards for indoor and outdoor common-use and recreation space – for including family-suitable townhouses and apartments in the podium or street wall elements of new mixed-use and multi-residential developments.

9.4.7 Expand the use of heritage revitalization agreements and incentive programs to upgrade and revitalize heritage buildings for market and non-market housing.

9.4.8 Encourage service providers who are developing new street community-oriented facilities to establish Good neighbour Agreements.

safEtY anD CiVilitY9.4.9 Work with the Victoria Police Department to establish and implement

a co-coordinated program of community policing and para-policing to help ensure around-the-clock personal safety, security of property and public order.

9.4.10 Establish a co-coordinated Graffiti Management Program, in partnership with the Victoria Police Department and business and community partners.

9.4.11 review, update and extend City and partner downtown street-cleaning programs as the Downtown Core Area grows.

9.4.12 Establish and implement development permit guidelines for new fences and gates to ensure they:

• Are visually interesting, attractive and safe.

• Maintain visual sightlines to the building face.

• Do not create fully enclosed building façades.

9.4.13 Prepare and implement a public washroom strategy that identifies locations for new or upgraded full-service public washrooms and establishes funding to install them.

9.4.14 install freestanding public urinals in suitable high foot-traffic locations throughout the Downtown Core Area as necessary.



CommunitY sErViCEs9.4.15 Work with regional partners and senior levels of government to explore

establishing secure funding that will permit our Place and other social service providers to provide round-the-clock, seven-day-a- week service to the street community as appropriate.

9.4.16 review the need for new community services and facilities on an ongoing basis, as part of the monitoring strategy for the Downtown Core Area Plan.

EmErgEnCY PrEParEDnEss9.4.17 update the City of Victoria Emergency Management Plan to prepare for

the challenges of an expanded, higher-density Downtown Core Area.

9.4.18 Continue the seismic upgrading and rehabilitation of heritage buildings through heritage revitalization incentive programs (SEE SECTion 4. DEnSiTY

AnD SECTion 7. HEriTAGE).

9.4.19 review and update the Zoning regulation Bylaw to establish standards for providing on-site emergency preparedness facilities and equipment in new multi-storey commercial, residential and mixed-use buildings.

urban animation9.4.20 Encourage the development of outdoor café and dining areas on

sidewalks, squares and plazas, in accordance with Appendix 13: outdoor Cafés and Dining Place Guidelines.

9.4.21 Maintain, review and extend seasonal lighting and decoration programs as appropriate and with partners as opportunities arise.

9.4.22 review and update the City’s policy on public markets to:

• Determine guidelines and standards for maintaining and expanding existing markets and for establishing new markets.

• identify the conditions and thresholds that must be met to trigger the development of a central public market within the 30-year term of this Plan.

9.4.23 review and update public space management policies and programs with partners to ensure they are consistent with this Plan.

9.4.24 review and update management programs and supports for major public open spaces, such as Centennial Square, to ensure appropriate and ongoing year-round events and activities.

PubliC amEnitiEs9.4.25 Secure new public amenities and public realm improvements as the

Downtown Core Area develops, in accordance with the bonus density system outlined in this Plan (SEE SECTion 4. DEnSiTY).

rECrEation9.4.26 review and update plans for enhancing the primary recreation facilities

of the Downtown Core Area – the Crystal Pool, royal Athletic Park and the Victoria Curling Club – in light of the anticipated population growth.

9.4.27 Consider opportunities for providing new recreation facilities and services in the new parks proposed for rock Bay and Harris Green (SEE

SECTion 6. urBAn DESiGn), including appropriately scaled indoor facilities and recreational water access as appropriate.

EntErtainmEnt anD sPECial EVEnts9.4.28 Establish a management strategy for the late night economy that will:

• Maintain the Downtown Core Area as the region’s primary entertainment district.

• Address issues of public disorder.

• Encourage the addition of new entertainment options suitable for a broader range of ages and interests.

9.4.29 Continue to support special events and festivals at major public open spaces – including Centennial Square, along the inner Harbour waterfront and in other existing and proposed public open spaces – through programming and by providing on-site infrastructure and equipment.

9.4.30 Work with partners to develop and equip one or more dedicated locations for major outdoor events and festivals in a central or waterfront location, such as on the rock Bay waterfront, public lands along the inner Harbour, the Crystal Pool/royal Athletic Park, or adjacent to the Save-on-Foods Memorial Arena.

9.4.31 Continue programs that provide funding and support to non-profit organizations that host festivals within the Downtown Core Area.



9.5 EConomiC VitalitY PoliCiEs anD aCtions

ProVinCial CaPital9.5.1 Work with the Province to meet the long-term office space needs of

ministries, agencies and Crown corporations, within transit-accessible locations, in the expanded Central Business District and in the inner Harbour District.

9.5.2 Work with the Province, the Provincial Capital Commission and the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority to develop – with an appropriate mix of provincial, civic, community and private development – currently vacant and under-developed public lands along the inner Harbour, in accordance with the policies contained in this Plan.

aCCEss9.5.3 Work with BC Transit, the Ministry of Transportation, the Capital

regional District and other partners to establish regional rapid transit service between the Downtown Core Area, Saanich and the West Shore, with longer-term potential for rapid transit service to the Peninsula and Swartz Bay.

9.5.4 Work with BC Transit to implement the rapid Transit Plan. This will include establishing new routes, services, and bus exchange facilities for a proposed rapid transit corridor.

9.5.5 Work with the Province to develop a secure, efficient and attractive marine transportation facility at Belleville Terminal, serving international car and passenger ferry service.

9.5.6 Work with marine air companies and Transport Canada to ensure that efficient and convenient shoreside air transport facilities continue to serve the Victoria Harbour Aerodrome, as lands along the inner Harbour waterfront are re-developed.

9.5.7 Support the development of a new and improved inter-city bus terminal in the Downtown Core Area.

9.5.8 Work with the island Corridor Foundation and ViA rail Canada to ensure excursion rail service continues to terminate in the Downtown Core Area.

9.5.9 retain rail corridor access to the Downtown Core Area to ensure the long-term potential for commuter and regular inter-city passenger rail service that terminates Downtown.

9.5.10 Work with industry and community partners to develop a seamless network of wireless broadband service throughout the Downtown Core Area.

offiCE sECtor9.5.11 update the Zoning regulation Bylaw to expand the capacity of the

Downtown Core Area, particularly the Central Business District, to accommodate new office development, consistent with the policies contained in this Plan.

rEtail traDE9.5.12 update the Zoning regulation Bylaw to accommodate new residential

space – and increase the local consumer base – within the Downtown Core Area, consistent with the policies of this plan.

9.5.13 Work with partners to improve the frequency of public transit and level of service between the Downtown Core Area and potential customers in the rest of the region.

9.5.14 Continue to work with public and private sector partners to maintain and enhance free circulating shuttle transit in the Downtown Core Area.

9.5.15 require new development to build at-grade building frontages suitable for retail trade on all commercial streets, as set out in this Plan (SEE

SECTion 3. DiSTriCTS AnD SECTion 6. urBAn DESiGn).

9.5.16 Participate with the Downtown Victoria Business Association, the Greater Victoria Development Agency and business and community partners to develop and implement a Downtown retail Strategy.

tourism9.5.17 Design and implement a comprehensive wayfinding system, that uses

prominently displayed maps, clear and consistent signage and other mechanisms to make it easy for visitors to find attractions within and adjacent to Downtown.

9.5.18 Continue to update and expand the range of walking tours, including tours using wireless delivery mechanisms.

9.5.19 Work with business, community and agency partners to develop a broader range of attractions in the Downtown Core Area, including those that cater to families with children.

9.5.20 Continue to expand the capacity of the Victoria Conference Centre to attract convention business through ongoing marketing programs and facility improvements.



9.5.21 Support the development of new hotels at appropriate locations where they can serve to support tourism and retail activities within the Downtown Core Area.

inDustrY9.5.22 Continue to support the working harbour and marine industrial and

transportation uses, consistent with the direction set out in the City of Victoria’s Harbour Plan.

9.5.23 Develop and implement, as an immediate priority, a plan and strategy to transform and brand the rock Bay District as “green” sustainability precinct, with an intensively developed mix of office, light industry, live-work and complementary residential uses, supported by a district energy system, new green infrastructure and building systems, and rapid and improved local transit service.

9.6 Cultural VitalitY PoliCiEs anD aCtions

arts anD CulturE9.6.1 Work with community partners to retain and enhance existing cultural

facilities, including the Victoria Conservatory of Music, the Greater Victoria regional library, the Maritime Museum, the royal BC Museum and others.

9.6.2 Continue to provide financial support community organizations to provide diverse cultural programming in private and institutional facilities, including churches, throughout the Downtown Core Area.

9.6.3 Continue to maintain and upgrade the royal Theatre and the MacPherson Playhouse as primary civic performance halls.

9.6.4 Work with the royal BC Museum to ensure that future expansion plans contribute a signature, architecturally harmonious presence to the inner Harbour precinct, as well as modernized facilities and enhanced public viewing galleries.

9.6.5 Work with community partners and senior levels of government to establish a prominent new public gallery for the Victoria Art Gallery in the Downtown Core Area.

9.6.6 Work with community partners to establish a Children’s Museum in the Downtown Core Area.

9.6.7 Encourage the development of a major First nations Cultural and learning Centre in the Core Area in concert with First nations, senior levels of government, and business and community partners as appropriate.

EDuCation anD lEarning9.6.8 Continue to work with Camosun College, the university of Victoria,

royal roads university and other public and private post-secondary education providers to establish permanent academic and applied, post-secondary institutions and facilities in the Downtown Core Area.

9.6.9 Continue to support the establishment of English language Training Schools within the Downtown Core Area.

9.6.10 Work with School District 61 to retain existing school facilities in areas immediately adjacent to the Downtown Core Area, and to monitor the need for a new elementary school as the population increases.

9.6.11 Work with existing private schools to maintain their presence in the Downtown Core Area.

9.6.12 Work with Greater Victoria Public library partners to relocate the Central library from Broughton Street to an expanded modern facility at Centennial Square.


CHAPTER TEN:� IMPLEMENTATION

10.1 imPlEmEntation This Downtown Core Area Plan is currently in draft form. Before it can be made final and submitted to Council for formal approval, City staff will:

1. rEViEW anD iDEntifY anY rEQuirED amEnDmEnts to nEighbourhooD Plans This draft proposes that the Downtown Core Area Plan become the new neighbourhood plan for both the Downtown and Harris Green neighbourhoods. City staff must complete a more detailed and comprehensive review of these neighbourhood plans to ensure that existing policies are adequately reflected in the new Downtown Core Area Plan.

in addition, although the Downtown Core Area Plan will not replace neighbourhood and precinct plans for the north Park, Burnside, Fairfield or James Bay neighbourhoods, the City will need to amend them to align with the vision, goals and policies of the Downtown Core Area Plan. City staff will identify specific amendments to each plan as part of the detailed implementation Strategy (below).

2. DEVEloP an imPlEmEntation stratEgY This overall strategy will include:

• A communications strategy for (1) introducing the draft Downtown Core Area Plan to the general public, communities, industry and special interest groups, and (2) receiving and incorporating their feedback on it.

• A detailed description of each short- and long-term action identified in the Plan, including timelines and funding sources.

• A financial strategy for securing the funding sources, financial mechanisms and partnerships required to implement the Plan’s actions that fits with the City’s overall Capital Plan Budget and departmental budgets.

• A monitoring strategy for (1) tracking and analyzing the overall implementation and success of the Plan, and (2) tracking development activity within the Downtown Core Area.

• A reporting strategy for providing periodic biannual/annual reports to Council – and to the public and other Plan stakeholders – on achievements, progress, emerging issues and development activity.

implementation

10


once Council has given the final Downtown Core Area Plan its formal approval, City staff will also:

1. DEVEloP nEW ZonEs for thE Zoning rEgulation bYlaW As soon as Council approves this Plan, City staff will review all land use (rezoning) and development applications (permits) within the Downtown Core Area against it, in addition to other existing policies and regulations, including the Zoning regulation Bylaw.

However, the Zoning regulation Bylaw will require new comprehensive development regulations (zones) to align fully with this Plan. While staff are developing these new zones, they will either use existing zoning regulations or site-specific zoning that reflects the development policies contained in the Plan.

2. rEVisE othEr CitY Plans City staff will revise other city-wide or master plans – such as the official Community Plan, Victoria Sustainability Framework and the Pedestrian Master Plan – as required to maintain consistent policy direction with the Downtown Core Area Plan.

CHAPTER TEN:� IMPLEMENTATION

table of contents

Appendix 1: Exterior View Guidelines ................................1A

Appendix 2: Interior View Guidelines ...............................26A

Appendix 3: External View Guidelines .............................35A

Appendix 4: Street Typology Guidelines ..........................45A

Appendix 5: Through-block Passageway Guidelines ......62A

Appendix 6: Centennial Square Guidelines .....................65A

Appendix 7: Pandora Green Guidelines...........................66A

Appendix 8: Urban Plaza Design Guidelines ...................67A

Appendix 9: Public Art Guidelines ...................................73A

Appendix 10: Tall Building Design Guidelines .................75A

Appendix 11: Building Base, Streetwall and Commercial Frontage Guidelines ..............85A

Appendix 12: Building Types and District Siting Guidelines ............................87A

Appendix 13: Outdoor Cafés and Dining Places .............93A

urban designappendices

City of Victoria | DRaft Downtown Core Area Plan | appendix 1a

APPENDIX ONE:� EXTERIOR VIEW GUIDELINES

urban design

View 1:� Government Street (West) and Belleville Street (North)

EXISTING CONDITIONThe views west from Government Street and north from Belleville Street where they run along the Inner Harbour include the Inner Harbour, Laurel Point, the west side of the Outer Harbour, the distant Sooke Hills, Songhees Point, the Songhees Hilltop and Ship Point. Foreground and mid-ground views include the Inner Harbour Lower Causeway and the Ship Point waterfront.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• Future development of the Ship Point site should help frame the Inner

Harbour Basin and enhance public views from Government Street and Belleville Street.

• Development of the Harbour Pathway may provide additional views between the Inner Harbour Causeway and Ship Point.

• New buildings on the Songhees Peninsula will contribute to a new skyline on the west side of the Harbour. All projects in this area should be evaluated for their architectural quality and ability to enhance views from Government Street and Belleville Street.

appendix 1 eXteRIoR VIeW GUIDelInes

1. Songhees Point

2. Songhees Skyline

3. Ship Point

1. Songhees Point

2. Songhees Skyline

3. Ship Point

Looking north from Belleville Street.

Looking southwest from Government Street.

City of Victoria | DRaft Downtown Core Area Plan | appendix2a


View 2:� Humboldt Street (South, West and North) at Wharf Street

EXISTING CONDITIONThe views south, west and north from Humboldt Street at Wharf Street include the Inner Harbour, Laurel Point, the west side of the Outer Harbour, the Songhees Peninsula and the distant Sooke Hills, as well as the Parliament Buildings and the Belleville Street/Laurel Point skyline. This location also features the descent from Wharf Street to the Ship Point waterfront in the foreground.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• Future development of the Ship Point site should retain open vistas of the

Harbour, particularly views to the opposite shore reaching from the Inner Harbour Causeway to Laurel Point and the Harbour mouth.

• Future development of the Ship Point site should be considered as foreground elements for the views from Humboldt Street at Wharf Street.

• New buildings on the Songhees Peninsula will contribute to a new skyline on the west side of the Harbour. All projects in this area should be evaluated for their architectural quality and ability to enhance these views.

• Design of improved pedestrian connections to the Harbour, including descending steps, ramps and tiers in an amphitheatre format, as well as landscaping and lighting between Humboldt and Wharf Streets and the waterfront, should enhance foreground views from this location.

1. Belleville Street

2. Laurel Point

1. Laurel Point

2. Sooke Hills

3. Harbour Throat

4. Songhees Point

View 2A: Looking south from Humboldt Street at Wharf Street.

View 2B: Looking west and north from Humboldt Street at Wharf Street.



View 3:� Courtney Street (West) at Government Street

EXISTING CONDITIONThe view west from Courtney Street at Government Street includes the Inner Harbour, Laurel Point, the west side of the Outer Harbour and the distant Sooke Hills, as well as the Government Street Mall.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• Future development of the Ship Point site at the foot of Courtney Street

should not completely close the view of the Inner Harbour from Courtney Street at Government Street.

• Future development of the Ship Point site should both consider the view from this vantage point to the Harbour, and serve to frame it.

• Design of improved pedestrian connections to the Harbour, including descending steps and ramps and tiers, and landscaping and lighting between Wharf Street and the waterfront, should complement the mid-ground view of the Harbour from this location.

1. Sooke Hills

2. Laurel Point

View 3: Looking west from Courtney Street at Government Street.



View 4:� Courtney Street (West and South) at Wharf Street

EXISTING CONDITIONThe view west from the end of Courtney Street where it meets Wharf Street encompasses the Inner Harbour, Laurel Point, the west side of the Outer Harbour, the Songhees Peninsula and the distant Sooke Hills. The view south from this spot includes the Belleville Street/James Bay skyline and the Parliament Buildings, while the foreground view features the descent from Wharf Street to the Ship Point waterfront.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• Future development of the Ship Point site at the foot of Courtney Street

should not completely close the view of the Harbour from Courtney Street at Wharf Street.

• Future development of the Ship Point site should consider the view from this vantage point to the Harbour, and serve as both foreground and framing elements for this view.

• Design of improved pedestrian connections to the Harbour, including descending steps, ramps and tiers, and landscaping and lighting between Wharf Street and the waterfront, should complement the foreground view of the Harbour from this location.

1. Parliament Building and Dome

1. Laurel Point

View 4A: Looking south from Courtney Street at Wharf Street.

View 4B: Looking west from Courtney Street at Wharf Street.



View 5:� Broughton Street (West) at Wharf Street

EXISTING CONDITIONThe view west from Broughton Street at Wharf Street (at the Customs House) is partly closed at the streethead, but includes side views of the Inner Harbour, Laurel Point, the Parliament Buildings and James Bay’s Belleville Street area. This view also features the descent from Wharf Street to the Harbour in the foreground.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• The design of any new development at Laurel Point and along Belleville

Street should be evaluated for its effect on this view.

• Development on the waterfront surrounding the foot of Broughton Street should not close off flanking views of the Harbour on either side of the Customs House from this location and should minimize impacts on views south along Wharf Street to the Parliament Buildings and the Olympic Mountains beyond.

• Future development of the Ship Point site’s Wharf Street waterfront parking lot should both consider the view to the Harbour from Broughton Street at Wharf Street, and serve to frame it.

• Design of improved pedestrian connections to the Harbour, including descending steps and ramps and tiers, and landscaping and lighting between Wharf Street and the waterfront, should complement the foreground view of the Harbour from this location.

1. Laurel Point

2. Harbour Throat

1. Songhees Skyline

View 5A: Looking southwest from Broughton Street at Wharf Street.

View 5B: Looking northwest from Broughton Street at Wharf Street.



View 6:� Fort Street (West) at Langley Street

EXISTING CONDITIONThe view west from Fort Street at Langley Street takes in the Inner Harbour, Songhees Point and elements of the Songhees Hilltop in the mid-distance. The Sooke Hills provide a backdrop on the horizon beyond. This view is framed by the heritage buildings of lower Fort Street, and features the descent from Wharf Street to the Harbour in the mid-ground.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• New development on the Songhees Peninsula should be evaluated from

this vantage point for their effect on this view.

• New buildings on the Songhees Peninsula will contribute to a new skyline on the west side of the Harbour. All projects in this area should be evaluated for their architectural quality and ability to enhance this view.

• Development on the waterfront at the foot of Fort Street should not close off the view of the Harbour from this location and should minimize impacts on the distant elements of this view.

• Development at the waterfront on each side of this corridor should frame this view.

• Design of improved pedestrian connections to the Harbour, including descending steps, ramps and tiers, and landscaping and lighting between Wharf Street and the waterfront, should complement the mid-ground view of the Harbour from this location.

1. Sooke Hills

2. Songhees Waterfront

View 6: Looking west from Fort Street at Langley Street.



View 7:� Fort Street (West) at Wharf Street

EXISTING CONDITIONThe view west from Fort Street at Wharf Street encompasses the Inner Harbour, the Harbour mouth at Laurel Point, Songhees Point and the Songhees Hilltop. The Sooke Hills provide a backdrop on the horizon beyond. This view also features the descent from Wharf Street to the Harbour in the foreground.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• The design and siting of new development on the Songhees Peninsula

should be evaluated from this vantage point for their effect on this view.

• New buildings on the Songhees Peninsula will contribute to a new skyline on the west side of the Harbour. All projects in this area should be evaluated for their architectural quality and ability to enhance the view from Fort Street at Wharf Street.

• Development on the waterfront at the foot of Fort Street should not close off the view of the Harbour from this location and should minimize impacts on the distant elements of this view.

• Development at the waterfront on each side of Fort Street should frame this view.

• Design of improved pedestrian connections to the Harbour, including descending steps, ramps and tiers, and landscaping and lighting between Wharf Street and the waterfront, should complement the foreground view of the Harbour from this location.

1. Songhees Skyline and Sooke Hills

View 7: Looking west from Fort Street at Wharf Street.



View 8:� Bastion Square (West)

EXISTING CONDITIONThe centre of Bastion Square (looking west) provides a framed view of the Inner Harbour, Laurel Point, Songhees Point, the Songhees Peninsula, the Songhees waterfront, Shoal Point and the west side of the Outer Harbour. The Sooke Hills provide a backdrop on the horizon beyond. This vantage point also frames a clear view of the Harbour entry channel.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• Design and siting of new development at Laurel Point, Fisherman’s Wharf

and Shoal Point areas should be evaluated from this vantage point for their effect on this view.

• Development on the waterfront west of Wharf Street should not close off views of the Harbour and the Harbour mouth between Laurel and Songhees Points from this location, and should minimize impacts on the more distant elements of this view.

• Design of improved pedestrian connections to the Harbour, including descending steps, ramps and tiers, and landscaping and lighting between Wharf Street and the waterfront, should complement the foreground view from this location.

• Any development west of Wharf Street should frame this view, possibly terracing down to the water to provide a foreground to the view.

1. Laurel Point

2. harbour throat

3. Songhees Point

View 8: Looking west from the center of Bastion Square – general harbour view.


View 9:� Octagonal Deck (West and South) at Bastion Square

EXISTING CONDITIONThe Octagonal Deck at Bastion Square (looking west and south) provides a focused view of the Harbour, extending from Laurel Point to Songhees Point and including the west side of the Outer Harbour. The Sooke Hills provide a backdrop on the horizon beyond. This vantage point also frames a clear view of the Harbour entry channel. To the extreme south along Wharf Street, the Parliament Building’s dome and a glimpse of the Olympic Mountains are visible.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• Development on the waterfront west of Bastion Square should not

completely close off the view of the Harbour from this location, or compromise the more distant elements of the view.

• Development of the Ship Point site should not cut off the view of the Parliament Building’s dome from Wharf Street at Bastion Square.

• Design of improved pedestrian connections to the Harbour, including descending steps, ramps and tiers, and landscaping and lighting between Wharf Street and the waterfront, should complement the foreground view from this location.

1. Laurel Point

2. Sooke Hills

3. Harbour Throat

4. Songhees Point

1. Parliament Building and Dome

View 9A: Looking west toward harbour throat.

View 9B: Look south toward the Parliament Building’s dome.




View 10:� Yates Street (West) at Langley Street

EXISTING CONDITIONThe view west from Yates Street at Langley Street includes the Inner Harbour and the Songhees Hilltop, with some glimpses of the Sooke Hills beyond, all framed by the heritage buildings along lower Yates Street.




• Development on the waterfront west of Wharf Street should not completely close off the view to the Harbour from this location.

• Design of improved pedestrian connections to the Harbour Pathway, including steps, ramps, landscaping and lighting between Wharf Street and the waterfront, should complement the foreground view from this location.

1. Harbour and Songhees Skyline

View 10: Looking west from Yates at Langley Street.



View 11:� Johnson Street (West) Between Government Street and Wharf Street

EXISTING CONDITIONThe view west along Johnson Street between Government Street and Wharf Street includes the Inner Harbour, the Johnson Street Bridge, the Songhees Hilltop and glimpses of the Sooke Hills beyond, all framed by the heritage buildings of lower Johnson Street.




• Development on the waterfront west of Wharf Street should not close off views to the Harbour and the Bridge from this location.

• Design of improved pedestrian connections to the Harbour Pathway, including steps, ramps, landscaping and lighting between Wharf Street and the waterfront, should complement the foreground view from this location.

1. Harbour Bridge

2. Songhees Skyline

View 11: Looking westfrom Johnson between Government and Wharf Streets.



View 12:� Pandora Avenue (West) Between Government Street and Wharf Street

EXISTING CONDITIONThe view west along Pandora Avenue between Government Street and Wharf Street takes in the Inner Harbour, the Johnson Street Bridge, the Songhees Hilltop and glimpses of the Sooke Hills beyond, all framed by the heritage buildings of lower Pandora Avenue.




• Development on the waterfront west of Wharf should not completely close off views to the Harbour and the Bridge from this location.

1. Songhees Skyline

VIEW 12: Looking west from Pandora Avenue between Government and Wharf Streets..



View 13:� Fisgard Street (West) at Blanshard Street

EXISTING CONDITIONThe view west along Fisgard Street at Blanshard Street includes the Chinatown Gate, the Songhees Hilltop and glimpses of the Sooke Hills beyond, all framed by the heritage buildings along Fisgard Street.




• Development on the waterfront west of Store Street should complement the view of the Songhees Hilltop.

• Future development of the property at the south/west corner of Douglas Street and Fisgard Street should frame this view.

• Design of streetscaping, lighting and landscaping should complement this view.

1. Songhees Skyline

2. Chinatown Gate

View 13: Looking west along Fisgard Street from Blanshard Street.



View 14:� Swift Street (West) at Store Street

EXISTING CONDITIONDue to the drop in grade as this block descends down to the water, the view looking west from Swift Street at Store Street includes the Upper Harbour, set against the backdrop of the Songhees Peninsula developments beyond. This view also includes glimpses of the Sooke Hills on the horizon.



• Development on the waterfront on the east side of the Harbour should not compromise this view.

• Streetscaping along Swift Street should enhance this view.

• Development of streetworks, landscaping and lighting along Swift Street should enhance this view.

• Development of the Harbour Pathway may enhance this view, including possible lighting elements.

1. Skyline

2. Songhees Waterfront

View 14: Looking west from the corner of Swift and Store Streets.



View 15:� Herald Street (West) at Blanshard Street

EXISTING CONDITIONThe view west from Herald Street at Blanshard Street includes the Inner Harbour and the Songhees Hilltop with the Sooke Hills beyond, all framed by the heritage buildings along Herald Street.




• Development on the waterfront west of Store Street should retain views of the Songhees Hilltop and the Sooke Hills beyond.

• Developments on each side of Herald Street should be designed to frame this view.


View 15: Looking west along Herald Street from Blanshard Street.



View 16:� Herald Street (West) at Store Street

EXISTING CONDITIONDue to the sudden drop in grade at the end of Herald Street down towards the shoreline, the view west along Herald Street at Store Street includes the Upper Harbour, set against the backdrop of the Songhees Peninsula developments beyond and the Sooke Hills on the horizon.



• Development on both waterfronts west of this vantage point should be designed to conserve this view.

• Development along each side of Herald Street should frame this view.

• Streetscape improvements along Herald Street should be designed and sited to complement this view.


2. Upper Harbour Shoreline

View 16: Looking west from the corner of Herald Street and Store Street.



View 17:� Chatham Street (West) at Blanshard Street

EXISTING CONDITIONDue to a grade change as Chatham Street descends toward Store Street (terminating at the historic Capital Iron Building), the view west along Chatham Street at Blanshard Street includes the Upper Harbour, set against the backdrop of the Songhees Peninsula developments beyond and the Sooke Hills on the horizon.



• Development on the waterfront west of the Capitol Iron Building should be sited and designed to conserve this view.

• Development along each side of Chatham Street should frame this view.

• Streetscape improvements along Chatham Street should complement this view.

1. Sooke Hills

2. Dockside Green

3. Capital Iron

View 17: Looking west from the corner of Chatham Street and Blanshard Street.



View 18:� Discovery Street (West) at Blanshard Street

EXISTING CONDITIONThe view west from Discovery Street at Blanshard Street includes a narrow strip of the Upper Harbour at the end of a long downhill run, set against the backdrop of the Songhees Peninsula developments beyond and the Sooke Hills on the horizon.



• Development on the waterfront west of Government Street should be designed and sited to conserve this view.

• Development along each side of Discovery Street should frame this view.


View 18: Looking west from the corner of Discovery and Blanshard Streets



View 19:� Discovery Street (West) at Store Street

EXISTING CONDITIONThe view west from Discovery Street at Store Street includes a narrow strip of the Upper Harbour through an industrial access lane, set against the backdrop of the Songhees Peninsula developments beyond and the Sooke Hills on the horizon.



• Development on the waterfront west of Store Street should conserve this view.

• Development along each side of the access lane should frame this view.

• Development of access to the Harbour Pathway should conserve and complement this view.


VIEW 19: Looking west from the corner of Discovery and Store Street.



View 20:� Pembroke Street (West) at Blanshard Street

EXISTING CONDITIONDue to a grade change as Pembroke Street descends to Douglas Street, the view west from Pembroke Street at Blanshard Street includes the Upper Harbour, set against the backdrop of development across the water on the Songhees Peninsula and the Sooke Hills on the horizon.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• The design and siting of new development on the Songhees

Peninsula should be evaluated from this vantage point for their effect on this view.

• Development on the waterfront west of Government Street should frame and conserve this view.

• Developments along each side of Pembroke Street should frame this view.

• Development of streetscaping along Pembroke Street should complement this view.


View 20: Looking west from the corner of Pembroke and Blanshard Street.

City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan | appendix 21A


View 21:� Fort Street (East) at Vancouver Street

ExiSting ConditionThe view east from Fort Street at Vancouver Street runs uphill to the Rockland neighbourhood, with the landmark of Craigdarroch Castle as a backdrop. The view also includes an established commercial streetscape defined by landscaping and character lighting.

ViEw ConSidErationS• Scale of flanking commercial buildings may increase over time, with

possible upper-storey residential uses.

• Maintenance of the commercial and retail streetscape should include on-going improvements over time.

• Historic pedestrian streetlighting should be maintained.

• The backdrop view of Craigdarroch Castle should be maintained by avoiding the growth of visual intrusions in the mid-ground.

1. Craigdarroch Castle

View 21: Fort Street east at Vancouver Street.



View 22:� Yates Street (East) at Vancouver Street

EXISTING CONDITIONThe view east from Yates Street at Vancouver Street runs uphill view to the well-treed Rockland neighbourhood, with the landmark City Water Tower as a backdrop. The view also includes a developing commercial streetscape defined by landscaping and character lighting.

FUTURE CHANGE• Scale of flanking commercial buildings will increase over time, with

probable upper-storey residential uses.

• Maintenance of the commercial and retail streetscape should be bolstered with on-going improvements over time.

• Street trees should be cared for with pruning or replacement as needed.

• Historic pedestrian streetlighting should be maintained.

• The backdrop view of the Rockland forest and the Water Tower should be maintained by avoiding the growth of visual intrusions in the mid-ground.

1. Rockland Treescape

2. Water Tower

View 22: Looking east along Yates Street from Vancouver Street.



View 23:� Pandora Avenue (East) at Cook Street

EXISTING CONDITIONThe view east from Pandora Avenue at Cook Street runs uphill to the east end of Pandora Green at Chambers Street, with a focus on the First Church of Christ Scientist. This view includes the Green itself, as well as surrounding street trees, mature landscaping and character lighting.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• Scale of surrounding residential buildings will increase over time,

with new multi-residential and mixed-use development.

• Maintenance of the Pandora Green landscape should be enhanced with on-going improvements over time.

• Tree canopies should be pruned to allow for a clear view of the First Church of Christ Scientist along the length of Pandora Green Parkway.

• More elaborate, lower-scale landscaping can be developed on the Green.

• Landscape improvements may allow for more intensive activities, such as a playing area.

• Pedestrian streetlighting may surround and lace through the Green.

• Surrounding boulevard street trees may be renewed.

1. First Church of Christ Scientist

View 23: Looking east along Pandora Avenue from Cook Street.



View 24:� Blanshard Street (South) from Fairfield Avenue

EXISTING CONDITIONFramed by recent buildings, the view south from Blanshard Street at Fairfield Avenue runs downhill to the brick wall, garden, portico and bell tower of Saint Anne’s Academy, with the treeline of Beacon Hill Park and the peaks of the Olympic Mountains beyond.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• Future streetscape improvements should include the removal of power

poles and overhead wiring.

• Use of pedestrian streetlamp standards may be extended throughout this area.

• Ornamental boulevard street trees may be upgraded or renewed as trees age.

1. Saint Anne’s Academy

2. Beacon Hill Park Treeline and Olympic Mountains

View 24: Looking south along Blanshard Street from Fairfield Avenue.



View 25:� Quadra Street (South) at Burdett Avenue

EXISTING CONDITIONFramed by modest-scale buildings on each side and in the mid-ground, the view south from Quadra Street at Burdett Avenue runs downhill between ornamental boulevard trees to the extensive treeline of Beacon Hill Park and the peaks of the Olympic Mountains beyond. The view also includes several notable large sequoia trees and the residential roof-scape of the surrounding neighbourhood.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• Future streetscape improvements should include the removal of power

poles and overhead wiring.

• Streetlamp standards may be reduced or replaced with character standards over time as fixtures wear out.

• Use of pedestrian streetlamp standards may be extended through this area.

• Ornamental boulevard street trees may be upgraded or renewed as trees age.

1. Beacon Hill Park Treeline and Olympic Mountain Peaks

View 25: Looking south on Quadra Street at Burdett Avenue.


APPENDIX TWO:� INTERIOR VIEW GUIDELINES

View 1(a+b):� Pandora Avenue at Wharf Street

EXISTING CONDITIONFrom Pandora Avenue at Wharf Street, the prominent view for both vehicles and pedestrians is to a vacant site, with the Johnson Street Bridge, the Harbour and the Songhees skyline in the background and the Sooke Hills beyond.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• Potential site for a future landmark.

• A new building developed in concert with the Janion Building could help to seismically support and conserve the heritage structure and contribute to this landmark site.

1. Street-head Site

1. Street Bend Site

View 1A: Looking west on Pandora Avenue west of Government Street.

View 1B: Looking north on Wharf Street at Johnson Street.

appendix 2 InteRIoR VIeW GUIDelInes



View 2:� Blanshard Street at Bay Street (Armoury Site)

EXISTING CONDITIONThe view along the west side of Blanshard at Bay Street includes a set of large, vacant sites (the large site nearest the corner is part of the Bay Street Armoury property), with a series of commercial sites to the south behind also visually prominent because of the sweeping bend as Blanshard Street swings south-east within this sightline. These sites are at the north end of the north/south corridor set out in Cross Town Concept presented in the Downtown Core Area Plan, which provides allowances for greater building density and height in this area over time.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• The sites are visually prominent and provide the opportunity to develop

an impressive building landmark at the north entrance to the Downtown Core Area.

• Sites along Blanshard Street should be designed to provide quality architecture with dramatic building massing and a skyline view along this approach.

• Sites may include taller building elements, prominent façade or streetwall components, open space and landscape features, with public art.

1. Street Bend Site

View 2: Looking south and west from Blanshard Street at Bay Street.



View 3:� Douglas Street (North) Toward Queens Avenue

EXISTING CONDITIONThe Douglas Street view north toward Queen Street leads into a set of sites with older, low-scale commercial buildings along the east side of Douglas Street. These sites are visually prominent because of their location on this sweeping bend of Douglas Street towards the northwest. The sites are near the north end of the north/south corridor set out in the Cross Town Concept presented in the plan.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• Design new development on the sites to provide a landmark building

to mark this sightline.

• Landmark features may include taller building elements, prominent façade and streetwall elements, landscape or open space features, artwork or feature lighting.

1. Street Bend Site

View 3: Looking north from Douglas Street to Queens avenue.



View 4:� Douglas Street (South) Between Queens Avenue and Princess Avenue

EXISTING CONDITIONThe Douglas Street view south towards Queens Avenue leads into a set of sites including a corner property with a recent, relatively low-scale commercial building at the east side of Douglas Street. These sites are visually prominent due to their location at this southwest bend of Douglas Street.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• Redevelopment or re-design of the corner site should provide a landmark

building and massing to anchor this sightline.

• Design for these sites should take advantage of this prominent view and the exposure to Douglas Street.

• Landmark features may include taller building elements, prominent façade and streetwall elements, prominent building entry, landscape or open space features, artwork or feature lighting.

• Development of this site may highlight views to sites further north.

• Design of new development at this location should be evaluated for its potential to form a skyline landmark when viewed from more distant vantage points.

View 4: Looking south along Douglas Street between Queens Avenue and Princess Avenue.

1. Street Bend Site



View 5:� Pembroke Street (West) Toward Blanshard Street

EXISTING CONDITIONThe Pembroke Street view west toward Blanshard Street terminates at a streethead that consists of several sites currently occupied by older, lower-scale commercial buildings.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• Design of new development on these sites should provide a visually

interesting landmark termination to this streethead view.

• Landmark features may include taller building elements, prominent façade and streetwall elements, landscape or open space features, artwork or feature lighting.

• New development at this location should be evaluated for potential skyline landmark opportunities, when viewed from more distant vantage points.

View 5: Looking west along Pembroke Street towards the west side of Blanshard Street.

1. Street Bend Site



View 6:� Fisgard Street (West) at Blanshard Street

EXISTING CONDITIONThe view from Balmoral Street to the southwest corner of Fisgard Street and Blanshard Street leads to a property currently approved for development. The site can also be viewed from north and south along Blanshard, which bends slightly at Fisgard Street.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• Design and siting of any new building on this site should take advantage

of views west on Balmoral/Fisgard, which bend at Blanshard, and views north and south on Blanshard, to create a visual landmark.

• Landmark features may include taller building elements, prominent façade and streetwall elements, prominent building entries, landscape or open space features, public art or feature lighting.

View 6: Looking west from Balmoral Street across Blanshard Street toward Fisgard Street.

1. Street Bend Site



View 7 (a+b):� Blanshard Street at Balmoral Street

EXISTING CONDITIONThe views east on Fisgard Street and southeast from Blanshard Street to the block between North Park Street and Balmoral Street are to a block currently occupied by several older commercial properties.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• The design and siting of new development at this site should take

advantage of views west on Fisgard Street, and north and south on Blanshard Street to create a visual landmark.

• Landmark features may include taller building elements, prominent façade and streetwall elements, building entryways, landscape or open space features, artwork or feature lighting.

• Development proposed for this site should be evaluated for possible skyline landmark opportunities, when viewed from more distant vantage points.

1. Street Bend Site

1. Street Bend Site

View 7A: Looking east on Fisgard to Blanshard Street.

View 7B: Looking south on Blanshard Street to North Park.



View 8:� Blanshard Street (South) at Pandora Avenue

EXISTING CONDITIONThe view looking southeast from Blanshard Street at Pandora Avenue over the historic Temple Emanuel Synagogue leads to a site beyond between the 800-block of Johnson and Yates Streets currently occupied by the Telus Building.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• Design and siting of taller buildings in this view should establish

a prominent terminating landmark, with the historic Synagogue in the foreground.

• Landmark features may include taller buildings, an articulated building summit and feature lighting.

• Design and siting of new development should be evaluated for potential skyline landmark opportunities, when viewed from more distant vantage points.

1. Street Bend Site

View 8: Looking southeast on Blanshard Street to a potential tall building site on Yates Street.



View 9:� Meares Street (West) at Quadra Street

EXISTING CONDITIONThe view looking west on Meares Street at Quadra Street currently leads to an older, low-rise commercial building that, in its design, does not take advantage of its streethead location.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• Design and siting of new development on this site should create a local

landmark and focal point for this view.

• Landmark features may include taller building elements, prominent façade and streetwall elements, a building entry, landscape or open space features, artwork or feature lighting.

• Design and siting of new development on this site should take advantage of the Pioneer Square spatial and overlook opportunities.

1. Street-head Site

View 9: Looking west on Meares Street to Quadra Street site.


APPENDIX THREE:� EXTERNAL VIEW GUIDELINES

View 1 (a+b):� Inner Harbour from Songhees Point

EXISTING CONDITIONFrom Songhees Point there is a prominent cross-Harbour view of the Inner Harbour Causeway area, including the Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel. There is also a view to Historic Commercial District and the Inner Harbour District, and of the Downtown skyline as a backdrop to the Old Town area.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• The Inner Harbour Causeway area remains an iconic view of Victoria, with

the Parliament Buildings, the Empress Hotel and the Royal B.C. Museum maintained as predominant landmarks.

• The Central Business District provides a more intensive skyline with its concentration of taller commercial and mixed-use residential buildings.

• The Old Town waterfront provides a sympathetic, low-scale foreground to Central Business District skyline views.

• Old Town buildings may be accented with illumination.

• The Central Business District skyline profile should include night-lighting effects.

• More distant views to the north end of Douglas Street will provide a flanking shoulder to the Downtown skyline.

• The Johnson Street Bridge will provide a side frame to this view.

appendix 3 eXteRnal VIeW GUIDelInes

1. Empress Hotel

2. Inner Harbour Causeway

3. Royal BC Museum

4. Parliament Building

1. Johnson Street Bridge

2. Old Town Area with Central Business District Skyline

View 1A: Looking southeast from Songhees Point to Inner Harbour.

View 1B: Looking northeast from Songhees Point to Inner Harbour.



View 2:� Inner Harbour from Laurel Point

EXISTING CONDITIONFrom Laurel Point, there is a panoramic view of the Inner Harbour, the Songhees Peninsula, the Johnson Street Bridge, Old Town Area, and the Downtown skyline, with flanking views to the Middle Harbour and the Inner Harbour Causeway and the Empress Hotel and more distant views to the Upper Harbour and its waterfront areas.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• The waterfront and Old Town Area will retain their tiered, lower height-profile

and fine scale built fabric.

• The Central Business District will fill in with more intensive commercial development, providing an augmented skyline.

• The Rock Bay District will provide an additional backdrop.

• Development on the Songhees Peninsula will augment a developing secondary skyline viewed from this location.

• Background skyline buildings on both sides of the Harbour should aspire to a high calibre of visual interest, with attractive upper terminations and night illumination effects on the taller buildings.

• Harbour waterfront areas should be enhanced with lively marine-oriented uses, waterfront activity, public open spaces and appealing landscaping and lighting.

• Changes in this vicinity should not compromise visual access to the Harbour, Songhees and Old Town views.

1. Empress Hotel

2. Inner Harbour Causeway

3. Royal BC Museum

4. Parliament Building


2. Old Town Area with CBD Skyline

View 2A: Laurel Point looking east to Inner Harbour/Causeway area.

View 2B: Laurel Point looking north east to Old town Downtown skyline.



View 3:� Inner Harbour from Belleville Street

EXISTING CONDITIONForm Belleville Street, there is a panoramic view the Inner Harbour, the Songhees Peninsula, Johnson Street Bridge, Old Town and the Downtown skyline, with flanking views to the Middle Harbour and the Inner Harbour Causeway and the Empress Hotel, and more distant views to the Upper Harbour and its waterfront areas.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• The waterfront and the Old Town Areas will retain their tiered, lower height

historic profile and fine scale built fabric.

• The Central Business District will fill in with more intensive commercial development, providing an augmented skyline.

• The Rock Bay District will provide an additional backdrop.

• Development on the Songhees Peninsula will augment a developing secondary skyline viewed from this location.

• Background skyline buildings on both sides of the Harbour should provide a high calibre of visual interest, with attractive upper terminations and night illumination effects.

• Harbour waterfront areas should be enhanced with lively marine-oriented uses, waterfront activity, public open spaces and appealing landscaping and lighting.

• Changes in this vicinity should not compromise Harbour, Songhees and Old Town views.

• Similar view opportunities should be considered with the revitalization of the Belleville Terminal area.

1. Songhees Skyline



2. Old Town Waterfront and Skyline

View 3A: Looking north from Belleville Street at Oswego Street.

Viewe 3B: Looking north-east from Belleville Street at Oswego Street.



View 4 (a+b):� Yates Street (West) from Ormond Street

EXISTING CONDITIONThis view runs downhill west along Yates Street to the Cross Town intersection at Yates and Douglas Streets, with more distant views through the Historic Commercial District to the Harbour and waterfront areas, and Background views of the Songhees Peninsula, and the Sooke Hills. It is framed by a landscaped street edge and Harris Green residential blocks, and is both auto- and pedestrian-oriented.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• The views will fill in with more intensive residential and commercial

development, providing an augmented skyline and more elaborate framing of this view corridor.

• Street landscaping and trees to be maintained and enhanced.

• Overhead wiring may be put underground.

• Decorative pedestrian lamp standards to be maintained.

• Development on the Songhees Peninsula should emphasize architectural quality to provide a distant secondary skyline to this view.

• Changes at the centre of this corridor view should maintain visual access to the Harbour, Songhees and distant Sooke Hills views.

1. Sooke Hills

2. Songhees skyline

3. Landscaped Streetedges

1. Harris Green Building mass

2. Landscaped StreetEdges

3. Sooke Hills

4. Songhees Skyline

View 4A: Distant view along Yates Street (west) from Ormond Street.

View 4B: Looking west on Yates Street through Harris Green..



View 5 (a+b):� Pandora Avenue (West) from Chambers Street and Vancouver Street

EXISTING CONDITIONThis view runs downhill west along Pandora Avenue and through the continuous street canopy of the Pandora Green Parkway, with more distant views through the commercial core to the Songhees skyline when approaching Quadra Street, and background views of the Songhees Peninsula and the distant backdrop of the Sooke Hills. Views, both auto and pedestrian-oriented, unfold progressively; taller buildings form a background skyline.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• The prospect will fill in providing an augmented backdrop skyline and more

elaborate flanking frames to this view corridor.



• Development on the Songhees Peninsula will present a more distant secondary skyline.

• Changes at the centre of this vicinity should maintain visual access to the Harbour, Songhees and distant Sooke Hills views.

• Seasonal landscaping may be added to the Green.

• City sidewalk pedestrian light standards may be re-introduced on each side of Pandora Green.

1. Pandora green Parkway

2. Downtown Skyline

1. Pandora Green Parkway

2. Downtown Skyline

View 5A: Looking west on Pandora Avenue at Chambers Street.

View 5B: Looking west on Pandora Avenue at Vancouver Street.



View 6:� Blanshard Street (South) from Hillside Avenue and Bay Street

EXISTING CONDITIONFlanked by streetscaping along Blanshard Street, this is a prominent regional roadway approach to the Downtown Core Area, providing progressively unfolding south views of the Bay Street Armoury, the Downtown and Harris Green skylines and distant glimpses through the commercial core to the Olympic Mountains.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• The prospect will fill in with more intensive residential and commercial

development, providing an augmented skyline, and more elaborate flanking side frames to this view corridor.

• Although limited, glimpses of the Olympic Mountains should be evaluated in relationship to new development.


• Development of a highly visible site southeast of the Bay Street Armoury may provide a landmark on this busy route.

1. Downtown and Harris Green skyline

1. Bay Street Armoury

View 6A: Looking south on Blanshard Street at Hillside Avenue.

View 6B: Looking south west on Blanshard Street at Bay Street.



View 7a:� Douglas Street (South) from Hillside Avenue

View 7b:� Government Street (South) from Hillside Avenue

EXISTING CONDITIONSThe views south along these prominent regional arterial and transit streets unfold as a progressive series and are both auto and pedestrian-oriented. They provide provides broad panoramic of the Downtown Core Area, as well as view to street bends with potential landmark sites and limited background views of the Olympic Mountains.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• The intervening area will fill in with more intensive residential and

commercial development, providing augmented skylines and more elaborate flanking frames to these street views.

• Rapid transit development will considerably influence the view along Douglas Street.

• Street landscaping and trees will be maintained and enhanced.


• Illumination of building façades and pedestrian-scale street lighting will enhance the appearance and function of these streets.

• Government Street Mall will eventually come within view.

• Intersection of Douglas and Hillside should be marked as a primary gateway to the Downtown Core Area.

1. Skyline View

1. Views of Olympic Mountains

2. Historic Commercial District

View 7A: Looking south on Douglas Street at Hillside Avenue.

View 7B: Looking south on Government Street at Hillside Avenue.



View 8 (a+b):� Upper Harbour from Bay Street at Bridge Street

EXISTING CONDITIONThis under-accessed waterfront view runs southeast to Rock Bay and south to Barclay Point and includes foreground views of the low-rise industrial areas north of the Historic Commercial District and more distant views through the Historic Commercial District to taller buildings in the Central Business District. It also has side-ground flanking views of the Upper Harbour and the Dockside Green project.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• The Rock Bay District will develop with more intensive commercial,

light industrial and residential development, which will provide a more urban skyline.

• Industrial marine-oriented uses will be retained along waterfront.

• The Central Business District skyline will fill in to provide a prominent backdrop.

• Skyline illumination will add to the night time panorama.

• A Bridge over Rock Bay may provide a foreground element to the view.

• The Harbour Pathway and a waterfront park will provide a public waterfront with enriched landscaping.

• Public water access will contribute to marine activity.

• Waterfront pathway lighting will enhance foreground view.

1. Industrial Waterfront

2. Rock bay skyline

1. Rock Bay Skyline

2. Barclay Point

View 8A: Looking southeast from Bridge Street.

View 8B: Panorama looking south from Bridge Street south of Bay Street.



View 9 (a+b):� Upper Harbour from Bay Street at Turner Street

EXISTING CONDITIONWhile currently not well known and under-accessed, this view runs south down the Upper Harbour, with the Johnson Street Bridge as a focal point and impressive views of the Parliament Buildings and the Olympic Mountains as a backdrop. The downtown and Songhees landscapes provide a flanking frame.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• Downtown Core Area to the east and Songhees Peninsula to the west will

fill in over time, providing an augmented skyline and a more elaborate flanking frame for this view.

• The Harbour Pathway and a waterfront park will provide a public waterfront, with enriched landscaping.

• Johnson Street Bridge renewal and lighting will enhance this view.

• Public water access will contribute to marine activity.

• Waterfront pathway lighting will enhance foreground.


2. Olympic Mountains


2. Parliament Buildings

View 9A: Panorama looking South on Turner Street at Bay Street.

View 9B: View detail looking South on Turner Street at Bay Street.


View 10 (a+b):� Upper Harbour from Point Ellice Bridge

EXISTING CONDITIONThere is a panoramic view from Point Ellice Bridge southeast and south across the Upper Harbour from the Bridge crest that includes both maritime activity and movement of the Johnson Street Bridge. The view is both auto- and pedestrian-oriented, and has impressive foreground, mid-ground and background elements. Skyline and waterfront views have great visual character, while views of the Songhees Peninsula area and industrial waterfronts provide picturesque side-frames.

VIEW CONSIDERATIONS• The Downtown Core area will fill in with more intensive residential and

commercial development, providing an expanded and more elaborate skyline panorama.

• The Harbour Pathway will provide an enriched waterfront edge and public activity.

• Waterfront lighting will detail and frame these views.

• Additional marine uses, including floating public facilities, will help to enhance these views.

• Distant views of the Olympic Mountains south of the Downtown Core Area should be conserved where possible as the skyline develops over time.


1. Rock Bay Skyline

2. Central Business District

3. Working Harbour

1. Central Business District Skyline

2. Old Town Skyline

View 10A: Panorama looking southeast from Point Ellice Bridge.

View 10B: panorama Looking southeast from Point Ellice Bridge.


APPENDIX FOUR:� STREET TYPOLOGY GUIDELINES

appendix 4 stReet tYPoloGY GUIDelInes

boUleVaRDsBoulevards are characterized by high levels of traffic movement at higher speeds than other streets, and serve as primary gateways into the Downtown Core Area from other locations within the Region. Their gateway function is emphasized through street trees and landscaping along both sides. Land use along a boulevard typically includes high-density commercial uses and larger, freestanding institutional uses or public parks and open space.

Building Base Three to four storeys.

Street-Level Uses

Commercial uses of varying size, including larger commercial uses.

Front Setback Varied in order to accommodate pedestrian-oriented design that is built close to the front property line, as well as to accommodate institutional and commercial uses that require vehicle parking and access from the front.

Façade Treatment

Articulated, with multiple entrances, extensive glazing at the pedestrian level, permeability, use of canopies and awnings to provide weather protection for pedestrians and to provide relief from building mass.

Well-defined building edges, entrances, consideration of corner conditions.

High-quality materials and finishes.

Upper Storey Setback

To reduce shadowing on pedestrian realm and impact from building height and mass.

Sidewalk Width Minimum 3–5m depending on R.O.W. conditions.

Trees (Public) Single or double row on both sides of street.

Street Furniture Pedestrian-scale lighting on sidewalk and from building façades.

(Wide) Street Characteristics

Four travel lanes, two in each direction.

May include a commercial side-lane located parallel to boulevard that provides access to adjacent commercial businesses.

Alternating landscaped median and centre left-hand turn lane.

Medians provide pedestrian refuge for street crossings.

Shared curbside parking and transit stop lane on each side of street.

Dedicated bicycle lane where part of bicycle network; shared lane in all other instances.

Traffic Volumes Medium to high vehicle traffic.

Low to medium transit traffic.

Medium pedestrian traffic.



figure 1a



PRIMARY COMMERCIAL STREETSPrimary Commercial Streets are the most prominent commercial corridors within the Downtown Core Area and include a strong concentration of high-density and intensive commercial uses along their length. Primary Commercial Streets carry high levels of multi-modal traffic and function as continuous travel routes across the Downtown Core Area. Traffic speeds along Primary Commercial Streets are typically slower than Boulevards due to their location within the heart of the Downtown Core Area, with frequent pedestrian crossings and intersections. Primary Commercial Streets have well-designed public realm environments that relate to the adjacent land uses and transportation function of the street. The importance of pedestrian activity is evident through the provision of comfortable, safe and animated pedestrian environments.


Street-Level Uses

Active commercial uses of varying size, including larger commercial uses on certain streets.

Front Setback 0–2.5m with a minimum of 50 percent of building façade located at the front property line.

Façade Treatment

Articulated, with multiple entrances, extensive glazing at the pedestrian level, permeability, use of canopies and awning to provide weather protection for pedestrians and to provide relief from building mass.




To reduce shadowing and wind effects on pedestrian realm, reduce impact from building height and mass.

Sidewalk Width Minimum 4–6m depending on R.O.W. conditions.

Trees (Public) Single row on both sides of street.

Street Furniture High-quality street furniture placed within street furniture zone; should not impede pedestrian flow.

Pedestrian-scale lighting on sidewalk and from building façades.

(Wide) Street Characteristics

Four travel lanes, two in each direction.



(Medium) Street Characteristics

Two travel lanes, one in each direction.



Traffic Volume Medium to high vehicle traffic.

Medium to high transit traffic.

Medium to high pedestrian traffic.



figure 2a figure 3a



COMMERCIAL STREETSCommercial Streets accommodate the majority of commercial uses and commercial activity within the Downtown Core Area. Commercial Streets are characterized by strong concentrations of retail, office and mixed-use development of varying sizes and have street widths that range from narrow to wide. Commercial streets provide internal circulation for traffic that results in typically slower travel speeds and volumes. Commercial Streets contain well-designed public realm environments that relate to the adjacent land uses and the transportation function of the street. The importance of pedestrian activity is evident through the design and provision of comfortable, safe and animated pedestrian environments.

Building Base Two to three storeys.

Street-Level Uses

Active commercial uses, small to mid scale in size

Front Setback 0–2.5m maximum with a minimum of 50 percent of building façade located at the front property line.

Façade Treatment

Articulated, with multiple entrances, glazing, permeability, use of canopies and awning to provide weather protection for pedestrians and to provide relief from building mass.




To reduce shadowing and wind effects on pedestrian realm and to reduce impact from building height and mass.

Sidewalk Width Minimum 2–3m for narrow street.

Minimum 3–5m for medium-width streets.


Street Furniture High-quality street furniture, placed within street furniture zone; should not impede pedestrian flow.

Pedestrian-scale lighting on sidewalk and from building façade design.

(Narrow) Street Characteristics

Two travel lanes, one in each direction or both as one-way traffic.

Travel lanes are wide enough to accommodate shared bicycle traffic.

(Medium) Street Travel Lanes




Traffic Volume Low to medium vehicle traffic.

Low to medium transit traffic.




figure 4a figure 5a



LOCAL STREETS Local Streets accommodate multi-modal traffic between the Downtown Core Area and adjacent neighbourhoods and traffic flow within individual neighbourhoods. Land use is generally residential development in mixed-use multi-residential buildings, along with neighbourhood scale commercial uses. Local streets include pedestrian-oriented streetscape designs, generous landscaping and tree plantings that complement surrounding residential areas.

Building Base Two to four storeys.

Street Level Uses

Commercial or residential

Front Setback 2.5–4m maximum for street level residential uses. Provides space for landscaping, at-grade use and increased privacy.

0–3m maximum for street level commercial uses.

Façade Treatment

Residential uses should be expressed as a residential function through façade design elements, such as individual terraced entrances to the street, residential landscaping and windows.

Building base may include residential or commercial uses.


To reduce shadowing and wind effects on pedestrian realm and to reduce impact from building height and mass.

Consideration for building separation and siting.

Sidewalk width Minimum 2–4 m on all streets

Trees (Public) Single row on both sides of street

Street Furniture Limited amount of street furniture due to lower pedestrian flow volumes.

High quality street furniture placed within street furniture zone; should not impede pedestrian flow.




Travel lanes are wide enough to accommodate shared bicycle traffic



Shared curbside parking and transit stop lane on each side

of street.



None to medium transit traffic.

Low to medium pedestrian traffic.



figure 6a figure 7a



AVENUESAvenues occur primarily in residential or mixed-use areas and accommodate higher volumes of multi-modal traffic on multiple travel lanes. Avenues provide continuous travel routes across the Downtown Core Area and include a strong concentration of residential and mixed-use development along their length. Avenues include well-designed public realm environments that relate to adjacent residential land uses and the street’s transportation function. The importance of pedestrian activity is evident through the design and provision of comfortable, safe and animated pedestrian environments.


Street level use Commercial, residential or mixed use

Front Setback 2.5–4m maximum for street level residential uses. Provides space for landscaping, at-grade use and increased privacy.

0–3m maximum for street level commercial uses.

Façade Treatment Articulated, with multiple entrances, extensive glazing at the pedestrian level, permeability, use of canopies and awning to provide weather protection for pedestrians and to provide relief from building mass.

Well-defined building edges, entrances, consideration

of corner conditions.


Residential uses should be expressed as a residential function through façade design elements such as individual entrances to the street, residential landscaping.

Building base may include residential or commercial uses.


To reduce wind effects and shadowing on pedestrian realm and impact from building height and mass.

Sidewalk width Minimum 4–6m depending on ROW conditions.

Trees (Public) Single or double row on both sides of street.

Street Furniture High-quality street furniture placed within street furniture zone; should not impede pedestrian flow.


Medium Street Travel Lanes




Traffic Volume Medium to high vehicle traffic.

Medium to high transit traffic.




figure 8a figure 9a



PEDESTRIAN PRIORITY STREETS Pedestrian Priority Streets are streets uniquely modified to create a distinctive public realm condition that promotes walking and cycling within attractive and fine-grained commercial environments. Pedestrian Priority Streets have a concentration of pedestrian-scaled retail uses, restaurants and entertainment activities, and may accommodate alternate modes of transportation, such as cycling and transit, in addition to pedestrian activity. Pedestrian Priority Streets have limited vehicle access and limited on-street parking in certain areas, and may be closed for seasonal or special events.

Building Base Two to four storeys.

Street level uses

Active commercial uses (retail, restaurants) small to mid-scale in size.

Front Setback 0–2.5m maximum with a minimum of 50 percent of building façade located at the front property line.

Maintains a consistent visual rhythm along the street.

Façade Treatment

Well-defined entrances, continuous use of canopies, awnings and building projections that provide protection from elements for pedestrians.

Transparent glazing to enhance building permeability.

Recessed entries and façade articulation to allow for patios, outdoor seating and limited outdoor display.

Illumination of building façade.

High-quality detailed architectural designs that serve

to present individualized building facades.

Limited commercial frontage to encourage multiple uses within larger buildings and along the block face.


To reduce wind effects and shadowing on pedestrian realm and impact from building height and mass.

To create a pedestrian-scaled streetwall.

To create a strong transition between the base and body of the building.

Sidewalk width Minimum 5–6 m


Street Furniture

Well-designed and strategically located street furniture that is appropriate for the high volume of pedestrian flow.

Street furniture should not impede pedestrian flow and should not detract from the building architecture.


Street furniture design should provide a sense of continuity along the street.

Street Characteristics


Traffic flows may vary between existing length of the Government Street Mall and future extension northward from Yates to Pembroke Street.

Travel lanes are wide enough to accommodate shared bicycle traffic.

Minimal grade difference between street surface curb and sidewalk.

Minimal grade difference between street surface curb and sidewalk.



High pedestrian traffic.



figure 10a figure 11a






ESPLANADES Esplanades are long open streets adjacent to the Harbour, designed to encourage pedestrian movement within a scenic environment. The design and function of Esplanades includes both the public sidewalks and streets. The prominent location and function of these streets is complemented by well-designed streetscaping.

Building Base Varied due to building designs and function.

Larger front setbacks reduce need for limited street wall height conditions.

Street Level Uses

Active commercial uses (retail, restaurants, cultural, institutional) in varying sizes.

Front Setback Most existing buildings along ceremonial streets are set further back from the front property line in order to allow for landscaping, lawns, gathering space, plazas and public open spaces.

Larger setbacks are also appropriate for the typically larger building forms that dominate the area such as hotel, government offices, museums and tourist attractions.

Larger setbacks maintain and enhance a sense of openness along the Inner Harbour Causeway.

Façade Treatment

Highly articulated and architecturally designed buildings.

High quality materials that complement the context of the Inner Harbour District.

Increased use of lighting for illumination of buildings and

public realm


Not required in most instances due to larger front setbacks.

Sidewalk width Minimum 4–6 m


Possibility for a double row of trees in the event of sidewalk widening.

Street Furniture Well-designed and located street furniture appropriate for a high volume of pedestrians.

Street furniture should not impede pedestrian flow nor detract from adjacent architecture.




Travel lanes are wide enough to accommodate shared or dedicated bicycle lanes.

Traffic Volume Medium vehicle traffic.


High pedestrian traffic.






ALLEYS Alleys are narrow streets that provide service, utility and pedestrian access to block interiors from adjacent streets. Several historic alleys in Old Town, as well as new alleys as part of major redevelopments, provide primary links in the Pedestrian Network. New high-density areas on larger blocks may require the development of new Alleys to provide service and emergency access to the centre of the block.

Building Base Varied depending on buildings that line the alley.

Street Level Uses

Smaller active commercial uses.

Small office space.

Opportunity for dual commercial frontages in some instances.

Front Setback No minimum setback from property line along alley.

Façade Treatment

Improve safety and aesthetics through glazing, identifiable entrances, lighting of building façade, signage.


To create a pedestrian-scaled streetwall.

Sidewalk width Minimum 2m sidewalk, if a sidewalk is provided on a wider alley.

Narrower alleys may extend road surface entire width without the need for a separate raised sidewalk due to limited vehicular activity.

Trees (Public) Not required as they may interfere with vehicular movement, commercial loading.

Street Furniture

Minimal amount of public street furniture due to lower pedestrian flow volumes and restricted space.

Pedestrian-scale lighting on sidewalk (if possible) and from

building façade.


One travel lane with one-way traffic.

Low traffic volumes allow lanes to be used by cyclists.



Option for one lane to be used for curb side parking.

Traffic Volume Low vehicle traffic including commercial vehicles.

No transit traffic.

Low to medium pedestrian traffic.





APPENDIX FIVE:� THROUGH-BLOCK PASSAGEWAY GUIDELINES

appendix 5 tHRoUGH-blocK PassaGeWaY GUIDelInes

DESIGN OBJECTIVETo accommodate well-designed through-block passageways that connect with the Pedestrian Network.

DEDICATED ALLEYS (Example: the Hudson carriageway, between Fisgard and Herald Streets.)

1. Provide public access all-day, everyday. May include service vehicle and parking access.

2. Residential lobby entries can open to these alleys and should include architecturally enhanced frontages, street lighting, ornamental paving, trees and planting.

3. A minimum 7m width (for a one-way vehicle route: 3m vehicle; 2m each side pedestrian) or 10m (for a two-way/one-way vehicle route: two 3m vehicle lanes; 2m each side pedestrian) is required, with flanking commercial uses along 25 percent of the frontage preferred.

4. Footpath areas can be defined by paving texture or the use of bollards, and paved surfaces may be flush without curbs. Vehicle lay-bys, parking or fire-lane needs may increase required widths.

5. Mid-block interior courtyards may connect to these alleys and can be fenced and gated for private access control.

fIGURe 18a



DEDICATED EXTERIOR WALkWAYS (Example: Trounce Alley.)

1. Provide public access during daylight hours every day. May be closed and gated after business hours by agreement with the City.

2. Minimum 5m width with potentially greater widths for high foot traffic areas.

3. Provide clear and direct lines of sight, attractive and comprehensive lighting, ornamental paving, and high quality architectural finishes for building faces. Offsets in the passageway alignment should be avoided.

4. A minimum 50 percent commercial frontage should occupy the length of the passageway. Street-type signage, storefronts and indented commercial entries and display areas are encouraged.

5. Passages should be open to the sky, although they may be partly covered or built-over to a maximum of 50 percent of the footprint of the passage. Buildings that span portions of passageways should maintain at least two storeys of open headroom clearance within the passageways. In sections of passageways open to the sky, adjacent building faces should be set back 1m horizontal for every 5m vertical, above 15m.

6. Avoid stairway grade changes in order to provide barrier-free access.

fIGURe 19a



MINOR FOOT PASSAGEWAYS(Examples: Dragon Alley and Fan Tan Alley.)

1. Provide secondary connections within private developments including connections to private interior courts, or access to courtyard businesses.

2. For courtyard business, may be closed and gated after business hours through agreement with the City.

3. Clear sightlines, attractive and comprehensive lighting, 2m minimum width (3m recommended for higher foot traffic uses); quality finishes and maintenance are encouraged.

4. Grade change, steps and ramps are discouraged but permitted for unique circumstances. Safe sightlines and lighting are required.

5. Architectural grilled gating is encouraged for nighttime closure.

figure 20a


APPENDIX SIX:� CENTENNIAL SQUARE GUIDELINES

appendix 6 centennIal sQUaRe GUIDelInes

DESIGN OBJECTIVE As Victoria’s central civic public space and home to leading civic, institutional and cultural facilities, Centennial Square should continue to be revitalized with active, pedestrian generating uses at grade and beautified with new framing buildings, landscaping and public art that frame and better define the square.

PLANNING AND DESIGN CRITERIA1. Recognize the Square’s prominence and history.

2. Emphasize the Square as a focus for City and regional governance.

3. Equip the Square with infrastructure to flexibly accommodate evolving uses, activities and event programming.

4. Complement the original design – and the 1995 revitalization plan – with new additions and enhancements.

5. Enhance public safety, visibility and pedestrian activity.

6. Renew paving, hard and soft landscaping and lighting.

7. Surround the Square with supporting activity-generating uses, including prominent outdoor dining and café areas that take advantage of southern terrace exposure opportunities, and optimize the number of active, pedestrian-generating building faces at grade.

8. Replace washrooms with enlarged purpose-designed public washrooms for supervised daytime and nighttime use.

9. Promote and program diverse recreational and public activities throughout the year.

10. Enhance the potential of the Square as a festival, entertainment and events site.

11. Organize uses to animate the Square both through the day and evening though all the seasons.

12. Integrate planning for extensions of the Government Street Mall with visual links and pedestrian connections to the Square.

13. Provide clear visual connections between the Square and enhanced transit service on Douglas Street.

14. Enhance pedestrian connections between the Square and surrounding streets.

15. Integrate new civic uses such as a Central Library and the revitalization of City Hall into an overall design for the Square.

16. Assess options to retain or redesign the Centennial Square Fountain to be more interactive, playful and accessible.

17. Evaluate possibilities for replacing the existing parkade with underground parking under Centennial Square.

18. Maintain and enhance the Square as the primary civic public space in the Downtown Core Area.

Conceptual illustration of Centennial Square surrounded by new civic, cultural and active commercial facilities, and an improved connection to Government Street.


APPENDIX SEVEN:� PANDORA GREEN GUIDELINES

appendix 7 PanDoRa GReen GUIDelInes

DESIGN OBJECTIVE The west end of Pandora Green should be reconfigured for more active public uses, to complement the proposed development of overlooking residential buildings, including development of a small terminating plaza at Quadra Street in front of the Victoria Conservatory of Music.

PLANNING AND DESIGN CRITERIA1. Relate improvements to Pandora Green’s role as a Greenway and formal

civic open space.

2. Use mid-block crossings to improve access and calm adjacent traffic.

3. Link continuous pathways to all the blocks of the Green to increase use.

4. Add new crosswalks across Cook, Vancouver and Quadra Streets.

5. Carefully manage mature trees ensuring that new tree placement maintains the formal tree-planting pattern.

6. Improve safety through upgraded feature and other pathway lighting. Re-instate heritage lamps on Pandora Avenue.

7. Repair damaged sidewalks with updated paving and access features.

8. Visually define designated bikeways and upgrade bike safety elements.

9. Accent the Green with seasonal planting and improved landscaping.

10. Utilize excess road right-of-way for attractive public spaces.

11. Add a small plaza fronting Alix Goolden Hall – the “Music Plaza”.

12. Orchestrate the plaza design to complement the adjacent heritage building, and to provide safely for both passive and programmed uses.

13. Phase re-development of all three blocks of the Green as a multi-year project.

14. Draw connections with other public realm improvements in nearby areas.

15. Encourage new surrounding commercial uses and overlooking residences to frame each side of the Green.

Pandora Green will be enhanced and updated providing an active green amenity for surrounding increased residential uses.

16. Provide for passive and active recreational activities for residents of surrounding neighbourhoods.


APPENDIX EIGHT:� URBAN PLAZA DESIGN GUIDELINES

appendix 8 URban PlaZa DesIGn GUIDelInes

12. Allow night-time security gates where appropriate.

13. Orient active building commercial frontages to plazas.

14. Design to address the use and characteristics of the surrounding area.

15. Plazas may provide distinctive identity features such as public art or water features.

ILLUSTRATED TYPOLOGIESThe following tables describe a variety of sizes and types of plazas and courtyards with characteristics and features identified as guidelines for design and development. Approximate sizes range from pocket plazas (about 15–50m2), small plazas (50–100m2), medium plazas (100–300m2), and large plazas (300–600m2).

DESIGN OBJECTIVEEnsure that new plazas, courtyards and small greens enrich the public realm of the Downtown Core Area.

Victoria has a notable tradition of public urban spaces. Bastion and Centennial Squares are primary city plazas that, with updating and improvement, can adapt and evolve for future needs. As the Downtown Core Area becomes more intensely populated, additional small public open spaces and greens will become increasingly necessary as local gathering places. Plazas can be paired with cultural or recreational uses and link to active pedestrian networks such as the Harbour Pathway or Greenways. Leftover spaces, such as excess road rights-of-way, provide opportunities to add new small public plazas and pocket parks. Plazas can be public, institutional, private or semi-public/private.

GENERAL GUIDELINES1. Encourage a diversity of small urban public spaces in a variety of locations

in the Downtown Core Area.

2. Maintain, enhance or replace existing plazas when removed.

3. Include new pocket parks or plazas as amenities for developing areas.

4. Relate to busy pedestrian routes, building entries and mid-block crossings.

5. Locate plazas adjacent to cultural, recreational or public facilities.

6. Optimize views, sunlight exposure and wind shelter.

7. Program active uses.

8. Use Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles to enhance safety and security.

9. Locate active uses such as outdoor cafés, restaurants and temporary markets on plazas.

10. Increase attractiveness with imaginative and durable finishes, landscaping, lighting water features and art.

11. Integrate plaza designs with adjacent building and sidewalk designs.Urban plazas should provide a variety of public spaces that are integrated with the pedestrian network.



figure 24a:� Pocket Plazas

Pocket Plaza (15–50m² Approx.)

street edge location street edge location with through-block Passage

corner location

cross-section

Plan

characteristics•compact public urban open pocket space•public or private realm – informal – mid-block•street-oriented – near mid-block crossing

•compact public urban open pocket space•public or private realm – informal – mid-block•street-oriented – at mid-block crossing

•compact public urban open pocket space•public or private realm – informal – end block•street-oriented – at corner – at building entry

Design criteria•sidewalk adjacent – full public daylight access•paving continuity/3–6m deep – 5–15m wide•may be associated with building entry• low fencing acceptable for plaza – no walls•sun exposure – may be partly canopied•may be gated, night closed or screened•passive or active or programmed uses•safe and attractive lighting, CPTED standards

•sidewalk adjacent – full public daylight access•paving continuity/3–6m deep – 5–15m wide•may be associated with building entry• low fencing acceptable for plaza – no walls•sun exposure – may be partly canopied•may be gated, night closed or screened•passive or active or programmed uses•safe and attractive lighting, CPTED standards

•sidewalk adjacent – full public daylight access•paving continuity/3–6m deep – 5–15m wide•may be associated with building entry• low fencing acceptable for plaza – no walls•sun exposure – may be partly canopied•may be gated, night closed or screened•passive or active or programmed uses•safe and attractive lighting, CPTED standards

amenities• linked to pedestrian network, mid-block

crossings• landscape and water features, public art•screening landscaping/sidewalk furniture•may incorporate outdoor dining

• linked to pedestrian network, mid-block crossings

• landscape and water features, public art•screening landscaping/sidewalk furniture•may incorporate outdoor dining

• linked to pedestrian network, corner crossings• landscape and water features, public art•screening landscaping/sidewalk furniture•may incorporate outdoor dining

current examples•North Causeway Plaza•Willy’s Bakery/Red Dragon Plaza

•Scotia Bank Plaza (Fort Street)•Market Square Plaza

•Royal Bank Plaza•Sussex Place Corner Plaza

concept Illustrated



figure 24a:� Small Plazas

small Plaza (50–100m² Approx.)


corner location

cross-section

Plan

characteristics•medium size public urban open plaza space•public or private realm – informal – mid-block•street-oriented – near mid-block crossing

•medium size public urban open plaza space•public or private realm – informal – mid-block•street-oriented – at mid through-block passage

•medium size public urban open plaza space•public or private realm – informal – mid-block•street-oriented – at corner•may link to through-block passage

Design criteria•sidewalk adjacent – full public daylight access•paving continuity/6–9m deep – 9–20m wide•may be associated with building entries•partial low fencing acceptable for plaza – no walls•sun exposure – may be partly canopied•may be gated, night closed or screened•passive or active or programmed uses•safe and attractive lighting, CPTED standards

•sidewalk adjacent – full public daylight access•paving continuity/6–9m deep – 9–20m wide•may be associated with building entries•partial low fencing acceptable for plaza – no walls•sun exposure – may be partly canopied•may be gated, night closed or screened•passive or active or programmed uses•safe and attractive lighting, CPTED standards

•corner adjacent – full public daylight access•paving continuity/6–9m deep – 9–20m wide•may be associated with building entries•partial low fencing acceptable for plaza – no walls•sun exposure – may be partly canopied•may be partly gated, night closed or screened•passive or active or programmed uses•safe and attractive lighting, CPTED standards

amenities• linked to pedestrian network, mid-block crossings• landscape and water features, public art•screening landscaping/sidewalk furniture•may incorporate outdoor dining






•Royal Bank Plaza•Sussex Place Plaza

concept Illustrated



figure 23a:� Medium Plazas

Medium Plaza (100–300m² Approx.)


corner location

cross-section

Plan

characteristics•medium size public urban open space/square•public or private realm – informal – mid-block•street-oriented – near mid-block crossing

•medium size public urban open space/square•public or private realm – informal – mid-block•street-oriented – at mid through-block passage

•medium size public urban open space/square•public or private realm – informal – mid-block•street-oriented – at corner•may link to through-block passage










•Royal Bank Plaza • Sussex Place Plaza•Music Plaza

concept Illustrated



figure 24a:� Large Plazas

large Plaza (300–600m² Approx.)


corner location

cross-section

Plan

characteristics• large size public urban open space/square•public or private realm – informal – mid-block•street or courtyard oriented – near mid-block

crossing

• large size public urban open space/square•public or private realm – informal – mid-block•street or courtyard oriented – at through-block

passage

• large size public urban open space/square•public or private realm – informal – mid-block•street-oriented – at corner•may link to through-block passage

Design criteria•sidewalk adjacent – full 24 hour public access•paving continuity/15–20m deep – 20–30m wide•may be associated with building entries•partial low fencing acceptable for plaza – no walls•sun exposure – may be partly canopied•may be gated, night closed or screened•passive or active or programmed uses•safe and attractive lighting, CPTED standards

•sidewalk adjacent – full 24 hour public access•paving continuity/15–20m deep – 20–30m wide•may be associated with building entries•partial low fencing acceptable for plaza – no walls•sun exposure – may be partly canopied•may be gated, night closed or screened•passive or active or programmed uses•safe and attractive lighting, CPTED standards



• linked to pedestrian network, mid-block crossings• landscape and water features, public art•screening landscaping/sidewalk furniture•may incorporate outdoor dining


current examples•Rotherham Place Plaza•St. Andrew’s Church Green

•Royal BC Museum (entry square)•Bastion Square (Market Square entry)•Christ Church Cathedral Green

•Library Square on Blanshard•Sussex Place Plaza

concept Illustrated



figure 25a:� Courtyards

courtyards small courtyard with through-block Passage

Medium courtyard with through-block Passage

large courtyard with through-block Passage

cross-section

Plan

characteristics•small public urban open space/square•public or private realm – informal – mid-block•courtyard oriented – at mid-block crossing

•medium public urban open space/square•public or private realm – formal – mid-block•courtyard oriented – at through-block passage

• large size public urban open space/square•public or private realm – formal – mid-block•courtyard oriented – predominate block centre•must link to through-block passage







current examples•Market Square (upper plaza)•St. Andrew’s Church Green

•Market Square • Rotherham Place Plaza•Sussex Place (interior plaza)•Rotherham Place Plaza

•Library Square on Blanshard•Centennial Square

concept Illustrated


APPENDIX NINE:� PUBLIC ART GUIDELINES

appendix 9 PUblIc aRt GUIDelInes

DESIGN OBJECTIVESPublic art is:

• Is prominently located, widely distributed and well integrated within the public realm on both public and private sites throughout the Downtown Core Area.

• Provides cultural stimulation, intellectual provocation and aesthetic delight.

• Is incorporated as part of public work projects.

GENERAL GUIDELINES1. Provide public art in a range of sizes, scales and designs that have

a prominent or subtle visual presence.

2. Integrate public art in new public and private developments in a manner that suits the location and complements nearby uses and activities.

3. Integrate public art in public works projects of all types and scales, such as bridges, abutments, retaining walls, safety guards and drainage infrastructure.

4. Install public art in public parks, plazas, approaches to building entries, street corners or medians and other visually prominent locations.

5. Use public art as a gateway or transition between adjacent character areas, or to mark significant street intersection locations.

6. Encourage public art in the installation locations illustrated in Figure 26A.

7. Consider thematically related art installations at major cultural facilities.

8. Orient artworks to various age groups and social interests.

9. Encourage public art that is dynamic, mobile and capable of cycling through various locations.

10. Establish several sites for temporary or moveable public art installations.

11. Design public art installations to be safe, durable and easy to maintain.

12. Scale public art installations to the setting.

13. Where a public art installation includes a base, lighting or signage, these elements should relate to the public art.

figure 26a


APPENDIX NINE:� PUBLIC ART GUIDELINES

Public art can be provided as freestanding artworks or integrated in public works projects.

14. Public art may include text and graphics and may be self-interpreting.

15. Incorporate artist attribution and possible dedication text in the design, with interpretive text optional.

16. Safety signage should be integrated in the art installation.

17. Art selection and provision will be guided by the City Public Art Policy.


APPENDIX TEN:� TALL BUILDING DESIGN GUIDELINES

appendix 10 tall bUIlDInG DesIGn GUIDelInes

DEFINITIONA tall building is greater than 10 storeys (30m) in height.

OBJECTIVES1. Excellence, integrity and innovative design expression in tall buildings.

2. Neighbourly relationships to the surrounding pedestrian realm and to the adjacent urban context.

3. Minimized overshadowing, wind vortices and impressions of visual bulk.

4. Improved building sustainability performance.

5. Positive contribution to the skyline.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

Siting1. Relate the building to its immediate, near-by and more distant surroundings.

2. Consider proximate and distant sightlines and skyline organization.

3. Avoid overbearing massing or visual impact on historic settings.

Building Form/Orientation4. Avoid freestanding towers without bases, setbacks or podium elements.

5. Avoid austere boxy massing by subdividing building volumes to a context-related scale, and express the overall design as an integrated sum of its parts.

6. Step back larger building masses to maintain a human scale at grade.

7. Design topmost floors and penthouses to express the upper termination of the building. Illumination effects are desirable.

8. Use scale transitions to relate to nearby cityscape and heritage buildings.

9. Accented design quality is important for landmark sites, such as those at street terminations, offsets or bends.

10. Orient building massing to street alignments using multiple orientations for sites with multiple street alignments, giving due consideration to factors such as shadowing, views corridor impacts and presentation to distant views.

RESPONSE TO CONTEXT11. Frame adjacent streets and open spaces with building bases, relating

base-level entry areas to dominant street orientations.

12. Relate elements of building massing to the massing of adjacent buildings.

13. Correlate streetwalls to adjacent buildings, reflecting the scale and rhythms of building facades on each street face, balancing individual expression with context.

14. Create associated outdoor spaces adjacent to the street, particularly supporting other nearby spaces, building entries, mid-block crossings or through-block passageways.

15. Sidewalk edges shall correspond to adjacent conditions unless greater setbacks are required for features such as plazas or outdoor patios.

16. Articulate building block corners using chamfers, setbacks or other corner articulations.



17. Relate sidewalk canopies to the details, placement and coverage of adjacent canopies while maintaining design individuality.

18. Complement existing street tree planting with new site landscaping and trees.

BUILDING ENTRANCES, COMMERCIAL FRONTAGES AND STOREFRONTS19. Give emphasis and clarity to building entrances using façade articulation,

canopies, lighting and signage as appropriate, and defining doorways with reference to their relative prominence to the building.

20. Provide high visual access from the street to major public interior spaces.

21. Keep entrances visible in open areas for safety and space multiple entrances to provide fine-grain scale and rhythm to animate the street.

22. Provide extensive storefront glazing for display areas, using illumination, and signage as appropriate.

23. Encourage outdoor commercial merchandise display areas, using sidewalk colonnades with indented display areas as appropriate to the context.

24. Express individual entrances in residential frontages with clear and safe sight lines, individual illumination and semi-private entry transitions, such as raised terraces or recessed forecourts, landscaping, screening and privacy features, privacy fencing, gateways, and other elements. Provide canopies and weather protection for primary entrances.

25. Avoid obscured or indirect entrances and internalized entrances, such as from parkades, that reduce safety and remove activity from streets.

26. Ensure fully accessible entrances at continuous sidewalk grades.

27. Accommodate forecourts leading to recessed entrances, particularly if used for shopping or dining areas.

28. Provide separate, discrete and concealed loading, service and waste removal areas for larger buildings and commercial spaces.

29. Provide multiple entries and individual drop-off or lay-by areas for larger buildings.

30. Locate service, parkade and parking access to minimize interruption of commercial street frontages.

31. Inset high volume primary entrances for large buildings to provide adequate circulation and exiting areas.

SITE SERVICING, MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL FEATURES, AND PARkING32. Locate air vents, transformers, gas meters and waste facilities away from

street faces and areas adjacent to sidewalks, and screen these from sidewalk view.

33. Screen rooftop mechanical units.

34. Keep substantial air movement and sound features remote from the street.

35. Minimize parkade entry widths and curb cuts, and where possible encourage shared parking access for adjacent developments.

36. Favour side, rear or side street access to drop-off, servicing, parking or parkades when possible.

37. Provide efficiencies by means of shared lanes, waste areas and exit routes for neighbouring projects.

BUILDING OPEN SPACE FEATURES 38. Include public, private or semi-private amenity open space within the

property boundaries of tall building projects. Plazas, forecourts, courtyards, walkways and urban gardens are acceptable options.

39. Locate and design open spaces to encourage optimal levels of access and use and for safety and security, using attractive and safe lighting as well as security fencing and gating consistent with City standards.

40. Consider sidewalk-oriented open space in the context of the overall character of the block and street.

41. Encourage design standard continuity for sidewalk widths, paving systems, landscaping and lighting that flow from public rights-of-way into adjacent private areas.

42. Locate open space at street corners, at mid-block crossings, at through-block passageways and adjacent to prominent building entrances, relating building elements to adjacent open space.

43. Allow for internal open spaces such as small plazas, through-block passageways and courtyards.

44. Focus active building faces and uses to publicly accessible courtyards and interior squares.

45. Encourage commercial frontages and entries onto commercial streets.

46. Arrange residential uses to open onto or overlook open spaces.

47. Orient landscaping and public art to open spaces.



RELATIONSHIP TO HERITAGE BUILDINGS OR SITES 48. Respect historic integrity of nearby buildings and areas.

49. Use siting clearances to adjacent heritage buildings to influence the location of new taller buildings, with appropriate street setback ranges, and terraced building forms.

50. Respond to adjacent heritage buildings in the massing and detailing of a new taller building, particularly in the scale and detailing of the building base.

51. Respond to elements, such as window scale and rhythms, materials and colours, to enhance relationships between proximate buildings both old and new.

SCALE, DESIGN, AND DETAILING OF BASE ELEMENTS OF TALL BUILDINGS52. Use context to provide cues to the scale and the design of the bases

of tall buildings.

53. Relate to adjacent street widths and the form of nearby buildings in new podium design.

54. Integrate shop fronts, illumination, canopies and signage within the design of podium elements for taller buildings.

SCALE, DESIGN AND DETAILING OF MID-BODY ELEMENTS OF TALL BUILDINGS55. The mid-body of taller buildings may be simplified in relation to their bases

and the summits, perhaps with a degree of unified repetition.

56. Relate the elements of subdivision of the mid-body of tall buildings particularly to the surrounding building context.

57. Take advantage of building floor plate size limits in mid- or upper-level portions of tall buildings to lend a graceful scale and elegance to their overall form

SCALE, DESIGN AND DETAILING OF SUMMIT ELEMENTS58. Express the top of tall buildings with summit design detail that articulates

the overall skyline.

59. Orient building summit design to a variety of vantage points.

60. Use architectural illumination to highlight tall building tops.

61. Avoid illuminated signs or logos at the top of tall buildings.

62. Articulated building crowns can be considered in groupings of related designs.

SkYLINE CONTRIBUTION63. Encourage a skyline profile with an undulating contour of gently stepping tiers,

rather than abruptly dramatic verticality or a sharply contrasting urban form.

64. Orchestrate the skyline to be considered from various public vantage points, including from the Inner and Upper Harbour, from Blanshard, Douglas and Government Streets from the north, and Yates Street and Pandora Avenue from the east.

65. Encourage a finely grained skyline with intricate detail and gracefully scaled towers.

66. Develop counterpoint secondary skylines across the harbour on the Songhees Peninsula and the Belleville Street/Laurel Point area.

67. Orchestrate the skyline to emphasize building relationships.

68. Encourage a skyline palette that harmonizes with the warm brick and soft pastel tones of historic building materials for building bases, and a visually lighter palette of materials, such as transparent or translucent tinted or coloured glazing, higher up.



CONTEXTUAL BUILDING DESIGN EXAMPLENew building design should aim to respond to the specific characteristics of its setting, thoughtfully contributing new interest and supportive qualities to the city. The context of a project will often offer cues for creative new design.

Note: This example of a hypothetical building design on Douglas Street is intended for illustrative purposes only and does not represent a prescriptive design for development of this site.

1. Height constraint: 43.5m zoned height limit to remain within 90m adjacent to landmark City Hall clock tower.

2. Articulated streetwall up to 15m height with a 1m horizontal setback for every 5m of additional height above.

3. Minimum 50 percent build-to frontage at sidewalk property line.

4. Taller building mass offset from neighbouring tall blocks.

5. Exterior wall finishes and window types vary with staged setbacks. Massing organized to create compound setback “multiple streetwalls.”

6. Finely detailed masonry streetwall façades, thee to five storeys, with expression of individual storefronts.

7. Asymmetrical façades framing corner.

8. Individual façade rhythms in streetwall, scaled to facing buildings.

9. Pedestrian sightlines to City Hall clock tower along Pandora Avenue retained.

10. Modernist building shell re-used for landscaped courtyard plaza.

11. Primary entry concourse opposite City Hall entry.

12. Articulated and illuminated crest of building summit.

13. Accessible terraces and green roofs.

14. Parkade entrances off Cormorant Street, not Douglas Street.

15. Integrated sidewalk and building site paving.

figure 27a:� Contextual building design example – the guidelines applied.



figure 28a

DETAILED GUIDELINES

BUILDING SETBACkS ABOVE STREETS 1. To limit the perception of bulk from the street and to ensure public access to

sunlight and views of the sky for buildings sited on streets with rights-of-way less than 25m wide as shown in Figure 28A, a setback ratio of 1:5 should be applied, where for every additional 5m of height above 10m, the building mass is set back 1m.

2. For buildings sited on streets with rights-of-way greater than 25m wide, as shown in Figure 28A, a setback ratio of 1:5 should be applied above the 15m height level.

3. For all streets in the Historic Commercial District, regardless of right-of-way width, a uniform setback ratio of 1:5 should be applied above the 10 metre height level, unless otherwise recommended by the City’s Senior Heritage Planner.

4. Encourage variation in building height and massing within building envelope limits to create diversity in podiums, streetwalls, orientation and siting. (SEE EXAMPLES IN FIGURE 32A)

5. Provide for terracing for tall buildings on wider commercial streets by encouraging a secondary streetwall along 50 to 80 percent of the required vertical setback line and between the 20m- and 25m-height levels particularly for tall buildings on Douglas Street and Yates Street.

Vertical and Setback Building envelopes apply to buildings of all height ranges. These setbacks will ensure that upper levels of buildings are located back from streets. Vertical allowances at streets encourage the development of building podia and streetwalls. Variation within the constraints of setback envelopes enable individuality and diversity in building massing and design.



figure 29a:� Example of building envelope and setbacks applied to a 30m tall building.





Typical 30m-high city block setback envelope, 15m vertical face.

Sample city block schematic w 30m-high building setback envelope.

Sample building schematic within 30 metre high city block setback envelope.

Typical 45 metre high city block setback envelope, 15m vertical face.

Sample massing within typical 45m-high city block setback envelope.

Sample building schematic within 60m-high city block setback envelope.

fIGURe 32a



FLOOR PLATE LIMITATIONSThe impact of intensifying building scale can be offset by limitations on floor plate size for taller buildings. Constraints on floor plate size for higher levels of buildings help avoid bulky, visually over-hanging taller buildings, and contribute to a more graceful skyline. Lower floor areas need not be constrained in this way, to encourage emphasis on podium elements at the base of taller buildings.

1. No limitations to floor plate areas for buildings that are less than15m in height.

2. No floor area limits apply to levels up to 15m (four to five storeys) for residential or commercial buildings, beyond those prescribed in the Zoning Regulation Bylaw.

2. Residential floors plates above 15m should not exceed 930m2 (10,000 ft2) gross area.

3. Residential floors plates above 30m should not exceed 650m2 (7,000 ft2) gross area.

3. Commercial floors plates above 15m should not exceed 1500m2 (16,150 ft2) gross area.

4. Commercial floors plates above 30m should not exceed 1,100m2 (11,840 ft2) gross area. figure 33a:� Upper storey floor plate limitations diminish the impression of bulk

in taller buildings.

Schematic emaples of commercial and residential building forms with limited floor areas for upper storeys of taller buildings.



BUILDING SEPARATION AND SITINGA minimum separation distance between the faces of tall multi-residential and mixed-use buildings enhances privacy, opens up views between buildings, and permits access to sunlight and views of the sky. The following guidelines (ILLUSTRATED IN FIGURES 34A – 35A) are based on the principle that building separations should increase in relation to height.

1. For buildings up to 30 metres high:Minimum setback from common side-yard property lines:

• Wall and window of a non-habitable room (including bathrooms, storage rooms and offices too small for bedroom use): 2.5m.

• Window in a habitable room: 4m.• Living room secondary windows: 4m.• Living room primary windows: 7.5 m.• Balconies: 3.5m.

Setback from common rear-yard property lines:

• Wall and window of a non-habitable room: 2.5m.• Window in a habitable room: 4m.• Living room secondary windows: 4m.• Living room primary windows: 7.5m.• Balconies: 5.5m.

2. For buildings that are in the range of 30 m–45 m high:• Minimum setback from all common property lines: 6m. For living room

primary windows: 7.5 m. Secondary windows: 6m.• Minimum clearance between towers either on single or separate

properties, above the 30m height level: 12 m. Between primary facing living room windows: 15 m.

• Balconies: 5.5 m

figure 34a:� Illustrated example of building separation and siting guidelines applied to 30m tall multi-residential buildings.

Building podiums may adjoin common side property lines, with separation distances increasing in stages with building height increases.



figure 35a:� Illustrated example of building and siting guidelines applied to a multi-residential building taller than 30–45m.

figure 36a:� Illustrated example of building and siting guidelines applied to a multi-residential building taller than 45m.

3. For buildings greater than 45 metres high: • Minimum setback from all common property lines: 6m.

For living room primary windows: 7.5m. Secondary windows: 6m. • Minimum clearance between towers, either on single or separate

properties, above the 45m height level: 20m. Between facing living room windows: 23m.

• Balconies: 5.5m

4. Permitted podium elements of tall buildings and for streetwall-oriented buildings with blind party walls (typically up to 10 to 15m heights, to match vertical streetwall allowances) do not require building face setbacks from common property lines.

5. Buildings over 45m tall should be offset to avoid the crowding of in-line residential building faces.


APPENDIX ELEVEN:� BUILDING BASE, STREETWALL & COMMERCIAL FRONTAGE GUIDELINES

appendix 11 bUIlDInG base, stReetWall & coMMeRcIal fRontaGe GUIDelInes

DESIGN OBJECTIVES 1. The development of clearly defined, human-scaled and active streetwall

interfaces between building bases and the pedestrian realm, that contribute proportion, intimacy and a level of design detail suited to the character of the street.

2. Strengthen the vitality of pedestrian-oriented retail trade on commercial streets.

GENERAL GUIDELINES1. Design the base podium of taller buildings in an articulated manner that

relates to the overall building design while responding to cues from other building frontages on the same block.

2. Emphasize lower massing related to adjacent street frontages.

3. Encourage development of a variety of types of building bases for tall buildings.

4. Place low-scale elements along side street edges. Such bases may be off-set and expressed independently from tower placement.

5. Emphasize architectural detailing of building faces oriented to sidewalks and public open spaces.

6. Complement the scale of existing nearby building street frontages, on both sides of a street, in the design of new building frontages.

7. Use substantial and textured tactile architectural materials, such as brick or stone masonry, along with extensive storefront glazing.

8. Emphasize parapet or cornice lines, using contemporary treatments where appropriate.

9. Encourage glazed sidewalk canopies for commercial frontages, with solid or fabric awnings a secondary option.

10. Integrate signage and lighting in façade design.

11. Base elements need not be entirely continuous along street frontages; some portions of taller building massing can extend vertically to the ground plane in areas setback from the street. Relate the massing of towers and bases sculpturally.

Some older buildings provide models for scale, detail and height for new streetwalls.

12. Minimum 50 percent build-to frontage should be provided to sidewalk, plaza or property frontages for streetwalls. Greater build-to extents are acceptable.

13. Partial build-to frontages allow diverse setback elements, such as building entries, corner setbacks, or small plazas.

14. Building frontages may be built entirely to sidewalk or property lines, with the exception of required inset entryways, particularly for smaller lot sizes.

15. Encourage finely detailed streetwalls, in the range of three to five storeys, with individual storefronts on commercial streets.

16. Streetwall heights that exceed three to five storeys should be set back within defined building envelopes.

17. Subdivide streetwalls to create individual façade rhythms in response to adjacent building scale.

18. Allow for indents or cut-outs in building streetwall faces, particularly for building entry courts, inset corners or insets for other outdoor spaces.


APPENDIX ELEVEN:� BUILDING BASE, STREETWALL & COMMERCIAL FRONTAGE GUIDELINES

New buildings may feature a variety of streetwall and frontage expressions, relating to varing conditions of streets, and to adjacent open space.

19. Building bases and streetwall segments may be of multiple heights, to provide visual diversity, to conform to the scale or character of a street, or to relate to conditions facing across the street.

20. Elements of streetwalls may return around corners and make other shifts in plane, while maintaining design integrity.

21. Building bases and streetwall elements can make special design responses to street corners, to street heads and inflected streets.

22. Building bases may feature multiple entrances, and multiple commercial or residential frontages to support active and vital streets.

23. Streetwalls can be staggered in height and in setback location, or may be multiple, with higher secondary streetwalls set back from the lower primary street walls at the edge of side walks, particularly for commercial streets with wider rights-of-way (25–30+ metre widths)

24. Integrate parkade entrances with streetwall designs.

25. Contemporary and diverse architectural design is encouraged for building podia and streetwalls.

26. Ensure grade-level commercial frontages on commercial streets.

27. Storefront design should be diverse and attractive with clear, highly visible glazing and integral signage and lighting.

28 Encourage projecting vertical signage at a pedestrian scale, either crafted or manufactured to high design quality.

29. Re-use noteworthy vintage and historic signage where possible.

30. Use signage with integral innovative lighting, such as detailed neon or LED lighting, at a scale sympathetic to adjacent building frontages.

31. Favour carefully designed, artful, retracting security screens rather than bar grates, commercial scissor gates or roller blinds for security screening.

figure 37a:� The design of streetwalls on new buildings should reflect or interpret the scale, height, rich detail and rhythm that is evident in older buildings.


APPENDIX TWELVE:� BUILDING TYPES AND DISTRICT SITING GUIDELINES

appendix 12 bUIlDInG tYPes anD DIstRIct sItInG GUIDelInes

DESIGN OBJECTIVES1. New building design exhibits variety and creativity.

2. New buildings suit the scale and context of individual character areas.

3. Building types are related to the circumstances and opportunities of diverse locations.

GENERAL GUIDELINES1. A diversity of building forms is desirable throughout the Downtown Core

area. Areas of taller height allowances should have buildings of a variety of heights, including lower buildings, and stepped building forms.

2. The individual conditions of sites will influence building types and forms;for example, small sites are unlikely to be suited to tall buildings.

3. Large corner and end-of-block sites can lend themselves to distinctive building forms, such as atrium-type buildings.

4. The form of new buildings adjacent to heritage buildings should incorporate elements complementary to this context.

5. The Detailed Building Typology Guidelines give an overview of the variety of building forms suited to the various character districts of the Downtown Core Area.


BUILDING TYPOLOGIES: central District

low-rise buildings Mid-rise buildings High-rise buildings

building typologies:� elevations

concept Images

typical Height Range•15–20m range/urban commercial character•sited with mixed medium and tall height buildings

•20–45m height range range•sited with mixed low and medium height buildings,

summits vary

•45–72m height range – urban commercial character• tall sited with mixed low/medium height buildings

General Design criteria and characteristics

• low-rise buildings with set-back upper floors•emphasis on base and streetwall elements•base, mid-body and sumit building features•setbacks abover varying 10–15m streetwalls•street oriented commercial bases•distributed throughout commercial core, relate

massing to adjacent existing building scales• transition to adjacent lower height areas•podium scale to relate to adjacent buildings•podium designs emphasize architectural detail

• low-rise mided with mid and high-rise buildings•commercial towers set-back from podium bases

with varing 10–15m streetwalls, and 2-–25m secondary tier streetwalls, skyline contribution

•emphasize prominent entries and public spaces•predominant commercial or hotel uses with

supporting retail or entertainment elements•build-to requirements for lower levels close to

sidewalks to enclose and support streets•street corner setbacks for pedestrian amenities

•high-rise buildings mixed with low, and mid-rises•commercial towers set-back from podium bases

with varing 10–15m streetwalls, and 20–25m secondary tier streetwalls, skyline apex

•emphazsize prominent entries and public spaces•predominant commercial or hotel uses with

supporting retail or entertainment elements•build-to requirements for lower levels close to

sidewalks to enclose and support streets•street corner setbacks for pedestrian amenities

Related amenities and Public spaces

•consolidated commercial street pedestrian realm•upgrade and anchor through-block passage

network with interior and exterior links•underground parking

•commercial street such as Douglas, Yates and Blanshard supported with multiple frontages

• improved streetscape and through-block pedestrian links tied to new intensive development

•reinforce Douglas and Yates Street as primary metropolitan streets with high quality frontages

• improved streetscape and through-block pedestrian network, urban art, landscaping, water features

additional Image example

fIGURe 38a:� building typologies – central district



fIGURe 39a:� building typologies – historic commercial district


BUILDING TYPOLOGIES: Historic commercial District

low-rise and Waterfront oriented buildings

low-rise and Heritage Infill and Renovated buildings

low/Mid-rise and Heritage Infill and Renovated buildings


concept Images

typical Height Range•10–15m range, proximate to waterfront varied

heights relate to adjacent waterfront height range•10–15m range, varied building heights•heights may be stepped/varied to relate to context

•15–30m height range (potential height exceptions closely reviewed, possibly for public buildings)


• low buildings, adjacent to waterfront buildings•step heights towards intimate waterfront scale•harbour orientation, view terraces and rooftops•commercial frontages reflect waterfront context•pedestrian access, concealed minimal parking•commercial, visitor and recreational uses•massing to consider public views to harbour•street crossings to connect to waterfront plazas•orient public spaces and terraces to views•encourage marine oriented shops and activities•provide for wind sheltered entries and spaces• lighting oriented to streets and to the waterfront• finishing materials, colours complement context

•reuse and rehabilitation of heritage building stock• fine scale, compatable new infill building forms•building additons to complement context•new buildings to be contextual to older building

fabric with sympathetic scale and building materials•mixed-uses with commercial and retail at grade,

residential and commercial uses on upper floors•orientation to streets and alleys, pedestrian

emphasis with inner courtyards and passageways•streetscape continuity/integrity of facade rhythms•detail of building lighting complementry to setting•colour polychromy to be compatable to context•detailed landscaping for adjacent open space

• low and mid-rise buildings sympathetic to adjacent historic, harbour, and industrial areas and localized character cues – brick/masonry cladding emphasis

•mixed residential, commercial, light industrial uses•courtyard and mid-block lane opportunities•massing with close street proximity and setbacks

above 10–15m and 20–25m secondary streetwalls•street oriented commercial or light industrial bases

with upper level commercial or residential uses• larger buildings to avoid overscaling nearby

heritage context – provide for elements of terraced form to complement nearby older buildings

•stepped or subdivided massing, relate to context


•harbourfront walkway – waterfront plazas•view terraces – observatory look-outs•marine access piers, wharves and docks•access to harbour transit and waterfront depots

•enriched, pedestrial scale streets, lanes• reinforced alleyway frontages and linkages• internal commercial or residential courtyards•connectivity to urban core cultural facilites

•Old Town alleyway pedestrian network•close access to Harbour Walkway system•nearby access to cultural, reacreational facilities•proximity to the civic centre and commercial core

addition Image example


fIGURe 40a:� building typologies – Rock Bay District


BUILDING TYPOLOGIES: Rock bay District

low-rise, Waterfront and Heritage context Infill buildings

Mid-rise buildings High-rise buildings


concept Images

typical Height Range•10–15m, similar to existing industrial heritage buildings

•heights step or terrace towards water

•15–30m height limit (9–10 storey)

•posibble multi-storey residential on commercial podium

base

•45–50m height – north spine, skyline shoulder

•heights mixed, with lower buildings, summits vary

General Design criterial and characteristics

• low buildings, multiple public waterfront access

•step towards waterfront, intimate marine scale

•harbour orientation, public and rooftop view terraces

• reuse and rehabilitation of heritage building stock

•small scale infill building types, building additons

•new buildings to be contextual to older building fabric

with sympathetic scale and building materials

•mixed uses with commercial and retail at grade,

residential and commercial uses on upper floors

• low and mid-rise buildings sympathetic to adjacent

historic harbour, industrial areas – masonry emphasis

•sustainability district, industrial, residential or mixed

•courtyard and mid-block service lane opportunities

•massing with close street proximity and setbacks above

10–15m streetwalls

•street oriented commercial or light industrial base

•potential courtyard oriented, upper level double loaded

residential above commercial, light industrial

•mid and high-rise buildings on podiums, shared bases

•emphasis on streetwall and mixed height elements

•base, mid-body, parapet, and summit features

•courtyard and mid-block service lane opportunities

•setbacks above varying 10–15m streetwalls

•street oriented commercial and retail uses at base

•commercial, office, hotel, residential building options

• individual articulation and contribution to skyline

•contemporary urban character/north gateway


•Harbour Pathway and Rock Bay waterfront park

•street end views and routes to Upper Harbour

• through-block passageways, internal courtyards

• local parks, plaza spaces, regional transit access

• through-block passageways, internal courtyards

• regional transit access, close to recreation facilities

additonal Image example


fIGURe 41a:� building typologies – Inner Harbour District


BUILDING TYPOLOGIES: Inner Harbour District

low-rise and Waterfront buildings low and Mid-rise and Infill buildings

low and Mid-rise:�Inner Harbour/Provincial Precinct


concept Images

typical Height Range•0–15m height range, waterfront context•heights step or terrace towards the water

•15–30m height range, infill heights to relate to context•heights step back above 10–15m height

•15–45m height range •orgainize massing of height to avoid visual crowding for

the legistlature dome


• low buildings, good pulic access to barbour•step towards the waterfront, intimate marine scale•harbour orientation, public view terraces•building faces and commercial frontages both on

harbour side and on streets – concealed parking•marine transport, visitor and recreational uses•massing to consider public views to harbour•harbour walkway and public waterfront plazas•orient public spaces and terraces to waterfront•sponsor marine oriented shops and activites•provide wind sheltered entries and spaces• lighting oriented to streets and to the waterfront•maritime themes may be referenced in designs

•reuse and rehabilitation of heritage building stock•small and moderate scale infill building types, and

additions or adapted uses of existing buildings•new buildings tobe contextual to older building fabric

with sympathetic scale and building materials•mixed uses with institutional, commercial, visitor or

residential uses on upper floors•pedestrian orientation to streets and small plaza spaces•public emphasis, inner courtyards and passageways,

prominence of outdoor dining areas•streetscape continuity/integrity, facade rhythms•street setbacks to provide for landscape features

•reuse and rehabilitation of heritage building stock•moderate and largerscale infill building types, and

additions or adapted uses of existing buildings•new buildings tobe contextual to older building fabric

with sympathetic scale and building materials•mixed uses with institutional, commercial, visitor or

residential uses on upper floors•pedestrian orientation to streets and gathering spaces•public emphasis, inner courtyards and passageways,

prominence of ceremonial areas•streetscape continuity/integrity, facade rhythms•street setbacks to provide for landscape features


•harbourfront walkway – waterfront plazas•view terraces – observatory look-outs•marine access piers, wharves and docks•building service and parking access may be shared

•enriched pedestrian scale streets, public spaces• formal plazas and landscaped areas to suit a provincial

capital and tourist destination•public art, lighting, commemorative features

•enriched pedestrian scale streets, public spaces• formal plazas and landscaped areas to suit a provincial

capital and tourist destination•public art, lighting, commemorative features



fIGURe 42a:� building typologies – Residential Mixed-use District


BUILDING TYPOLOGIES: Residential Mixed-use District

low-rise buildings Mid-rise buildings High-rise buildings


concept Images

typical Height Range•10–20m range, heights tiered and mixed, set-backs

on upper stories 15–20m range•20–45m range/45m discretionary height limit•urban residential character/mixed building heights

•45–60m height range/60m discretionary height limit•east skyline shoulder – heights mixed with lower

buildings


• low-rise building types, residential street prescence•emphasis on site landscape elements• tiered base, mid-body and rooftop features•setbacks above varing 10–15m bases•provide for residential balconies and terraces•street oriented residential and commercial bases•scale and height transitions to adjacent districts•relate massing to adjacent buildings•orient to imporved street and pedestrian realm•provide for outdoor cafe and dining spaces•upgrand and ancor through-block passage network

with safe and attractive pedestrian links•utilize service and fire lanes as amenity areas

•mided low, mid and high-rise buildings•consolidation of Harris Green and nearby areas•surrounde the Yates St. spine as a central focus•residential towers set-back from townhouse and

commercial bases, emphasize multiple entries•building setbacks above 10–15m streetwalls and

20–25m secondary tiers and setbacks•mixed commercial and residential at grade,

predominant residential uses on upper floors•provide through-block pedestrian links tied to

intensive new residential development•provide for residential balconies and terraces•utilize service and fire lanes as amenity areas

•mixed low, mid and high-rise buildings•concentration in Harris Green and nearby areas•emphasis on Yates St. as an east/west main street

spine with highest buildings and formal street frontages

•residential towers set-back from townhouse and commercial bases, emphasize multiple entries

•building setbacks above 10–15m streetwalls and 20–25 m secondary tiers especially on wider streets

•mixed commercial and residential at grade, predominant residential uses on upper floors

•provide through-block pedestrian links tied to intensive new residential development


•proximity to urban core community facilites•compact landscaped exterior public spaces•enhanced pedestrian realm and retail frontages•covered bicycle facilities, underground parking

•extended urban commercial/retail frontages•elabourated passage network and local parks•actively utilized exterior public plazas•covered bicycle facilities, underground parking

•consolidate, extend commercial pedes frontages• through-block passage network with interior and

exterior links, attractive lanes, underground parking•small plazas, greens, pocket parks and public art



APPENDIX THIRTEEN:� OUTDOOR CAFÉ AND DINING PLACES

appendix 13 oUtDooR cafÉ anD DInInG Places

DESIGN OBJECTIVEOutdoor cafés and dining areas enliven streets and public places.

GENERAL GUIDELINES1. Encourage outdoor cafés and dining places on public or private property,

coupled with adjacent indoor spaces suitable for cafés, bars, lounges, and restaurants.

2. Permanent or removable low decorative fencing, planters, or landscaping may define dining areas.

3. Site outdoor cafés on busy pedestrian routes, at building entrances and at mid-block crossings, taking advantage where possible of streetscape and distant views.

4. Site dining terraces in areas of exposure to sunlight, shelter from the wind and protection from traffic noise.

5. Include temporary canopies or awnings that are carefully integrated with the design of adjacent building facades.

6. Include signature lighting, signage, water features and art.

7. Design dining areas to integrate with building and adjacent sidewalk designs.

1 CENTENNIAL SQUARE, VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA V8W 1P6 | www.victoria.ca

Downtown Core Area Plan Draft

Documents

urban structure policies

rock bay district policies

urban structure plan

rock bay district plan

inner harbour district

draft plan

mobility plan

urban design plan