TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: October 21, 2024 Report No. EPW-24-025
TO: Committee of the Whole
FROM: Joel Clary, Director of Engineering & Public Works
SUBJECT: Boulevard Alteration Permit - 442 Grafton Street
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That the Committee of the Whole recommends to Council to approve a Boulevard Alteration Permit for 442 Grafton Street to permit river rocks in the boulevard, as described in Staff Report EPW-24-025.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The purpose of this report is for the Committee to consider approval of river rocks in the boulevard at 442 Grafton Street through the use of a Boulevard Alteration Permit.
BACKGROUND:
The resident at 442 Grafton Street has applied for a Boulevard Alteration Permit to add river rocks to the boulevard in front of their property. Per the Township’s Guide to Boulevard Modifications (Guide), the use of river rocks in the boulevard are not permitted and requires Council approval.
The Boulevard Alteration Permit application form and photos of the boulevard are shown in Attachment 1. The photos show the existing boulevard on the south side with the same river rock treatment planned for the north side of the driveway. The existing river rocks on the south side of the driveway were approved through a previous Boulevard Alteration Permit. At that time, the use of river rocks was permitted. It wasn’t until the update to the Guide in 2019 that river rocks were no longer allowed.
As part of the application process, the resident canvassed the neighbours, per the Guide. Of the 8 properties identified by staff for polling, the owner received the following feedback:
• 6 approvals
• 2 no responses (residents away)
The results described above are shown in Attachment 2. The threshold for neighbourhood support in the Guide is 80%.
ANALYSIS:
Staff recommend approving the use of river rocks in the boulevard on the north side of the driveway for two reasons:
1. The modifications match the previously approved modifications on the south side of the driveway; and
2. The location of the boulevard has low to no pedestrian traffic.
Staff would have concerns with pedestrians navigating river rocks if the location received higher pedestrian traffic; however, the property is in a cul-de-sac that’s set away from the main desire line on Grafton Street to Denniston Park and is on a steep grade that would limit pedestrians regardless of the boulevard material.
Environmental Impact
The use of river rocks in the boulevard are not a benefit to the environment, but they do not have any negative impact either. The river rocks will allow water to permeate into the ground which is preferred to hardscape treatments that prevent this.
OPTIONS:
1. That the Committee of the Whole recommends to Council to approve a Boulevard Alteration Permit for 442 Grafton Street to permit river rocks in the boulevard, as described in Staff Report EPW-24-025.
2. That the Committee provide alternative direction to staff.
3. That the Committee request further information from staff.
COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Climate Resilience & Environmental Stewardship
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact to the Township.
COMMUNICATIONS/ENGAGEMENT:
The applicant has canvassed neighbourhood support, as described in the Background section. No further communications are expected.
TIMELINES & NEXT STEPS:
If Council approves the application, staff will notify the applicant at 442 Grafton Street. Staff will work with the applicant on finalizing the permit process (proof of insurance and security deposit), prior to the work occurring.
REPORT REVIEWED BY:
1. Ian Irvine, Director of Finance, Reviewed
2. Sarah Holloway, Deputy Corporate Officer, Reviewed
3. Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer, Concurrence
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS:
1. Attachment 1 - Boulevard Alteration Permit Application
2. Attachment 2 - Petition Results