Open House and CALUC Update

GNS recently hosted two community open houses on Wednesday, May 15, and Wednesday, May 22. Each event featured a series of informational posters detailing the engagement process and the proposed final plan for the Pemberton Woods Campus Renewal. Over 30 attendees had the opportunity to explore the displays and engage with GNS staff and consultants specializing in zoning, traffic, architecture, landscaping, and community relations.

Download and view the posters:

Boards for Community Open Houses_May 15 and 22.pdf

Download PDF • 97.07MB

Key Themes that arose at the open houses:

Traffic

• Traffic Flow: Some participants expressed concern that the new plan might worsen traffic conditions, but in fact traffic assessments have shown that with two options for drop-off including the PUDO (pick-up drop-off) on and off Richmond Avenue as well as the through-way to Richardson Street, more cars will be pushed to stay on main (collector) roads and off side (local) streets.
  

• Configuration: The right-turn-only exit onto Richardson Street, which has drawn mixed reactions with some residents disliking the restriction, is strongly supported by the City of Victoria to manage traffic flow.

Parking

• Capacity: There were concerns about reduced parking availability. However, the new design will increase parking capacity by over 50%, ensuring enough spaces for students, faculty and staff. This increase supports the goal of accommodating parking for everyone at the PW Campus while also promoting alternative transportation modes.

• Accessibility: The underground parking garage will be adaptable, potentially offering accessible parking options and availability outside school hours for special events.

Aesthetics

• Natural Lighting from Windows in the Library: Careful consideration will be given to natural lighting in the library to avoid excessive\brightness that could affect book longevity.

• Building Design: The appearance and height of the proposed buildings received positive feedback.

Security

• Noise and Light Pollution: Concerns were raised about noise from late-night gatherings and ambient lighting. Efforts will be made to minimize light pollution including turning some lights off at night which will hopefully address people onsite after hours.

CALUC Presentation

GNS presented to the Fairfield Gonzales CALUC at 1330 Fairfield Road on May 27th at 7 PM. Chad Holtum, Head of School, spoke about GNS's vision and the process that brought them to this point. He thanked the community for their continued feedback and support before handing it off to the architects, who presented the details of the proposed plan. Following the presentation, the community was invited to ask questions and participate in shaping the future of our campus.

Download and view the CALUC presentation:

FGCA CALUC Presentation_May 27 2024.pdf

Download PDF • 133.70MB

CALUC Q & A

The community's feedback reflected a strong desire for transparency, safety, and environmental consideration as the school progresses with its campus renewal plans. The PW Renewal team addressed these concerns, demonstrating a commitment to minimizing disruption and maintaining a positive relationship with the neighbourhood. While the general response was mixed, many residents appreciated the thoughtful design and potential community benefits, albeit with cautious optimism regarding potential disruptions and environmental impacts.

Key Themes that arose at the CALUC:

Construction Impact: Neighbours were worried about the impact of the school's construction on traffic patterns, noise levels, and overall community disruption.

Response: The PW Renewal team reassured the community with detailed plans for traffic management and noise control. They committed to minimizing disruption and maintaining open communication through newsletters and community meetings. Measures include staggered construction schedules, designated construction vehicle routes, and noise limitations from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Traffic and Safety: Safety along Richmond Avenue, heavily used by seniors, was a major concern. Questions were raised about the size limitations of the parkade.

Response: A comprehensive traffic management plan will be implemented. The architect explained that the parkade size is restricted in order to retain existing trees and not impact the existing building, Denford Hall. BC Transit is interested in increasing bus routes, and GNS will provide accurate bus ridership numbers for their bus routes that are increasing in ridership each year.

Design and Aesthetics: Many community members appreciated the thoughtful design elements that aimed to blend the new school with the existing neighbourhood architecture.

Response: The architect team highlighted design elements that complement the neighbourhood’s style, including brick and stone façades, pitched roofs, and traditional window designs. Extensive landscaping with native plants and trees will enhance visual appeal and provide green buffers.

Community Benefits: The idea of having new recreational areas, event spaces, and after-hours programs was positively received. Residents expressed enthusiasm about the potential for increased community engagement and access to new facilities. It was also noted that the removal of the turf was potentially taking away a community asset.

Response: The school will offer new recreational areas, multipurpose rooms, and after-hours programs open to the community. This includes playgrounds, sports fields (smaller practice size turf), adult education classes, workshops, and fitness activities.

Trust and Accountability: Skepticism due to past unfulfilled promises was a recurring theme. Neighbours questioned how current promises would be ensured.

Response: There was a recommendation to explore a 'good neighbor agreement' and to invite a city planner to future sessions to establish legal structures, ensuring commitments are binding.

Environmental Impact:Neighbours raised concerns about sustainability practices and the environmental impact of the construction.

Response: The project will incorporate sustainable design features, including energy-efficient systems (solar panels, high-efficiency HVAC units, LED lighting), water-saving fixtures, a rainwater harvesting system, green spaces, and eco-friendly construction materials.

Field Usage and Lighting: Opposition to lighting the field was clearly communicated.

Response: The school acknowledged this feedback and confirmed the field will not be lit.