Rockland
Neighbourhood Association:
REPORTS OF THE
COMMITTEES 2010
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Grace Lutheran Church, 1273 Fort Street Victoria, B.C.
President’s Report for 2010
Once again, it has been my pleasure to serve as your president. It
feels odd to be saying this, given my initial reluctance to move back
up from the position of Past President. I have been very grateful
for the willingness and skill of Bob June, our Vice President, in
helping out with the duties of being president. Our Board and our
committee members have been so enthusiastic and have worked together so
well that it has been a very positive year.
We were all saddened to hear of new director Jean Gubby’s
passing. With her experience and commitment, she had promised to
be an invaluable member of our neighbourhood and Board. We extend
our sincere regrets to her family and friends.
I would like to thank Councillor Chris Coleman for his past support in
serving as our liaison with the City, and to welcome Councillor Geoff
Young as our new liaison. Already, Geoff has demonstrated his
interest in the community, his understanding of our concerns, and his
expertise in the processes of government.
As always, our most time and energy-consuming issues revolve around
land use. We have seen a proliferation of “two-headed monsters”
(large houses joined by a trellis and squeezed onto one lot), the
likelihood of a new definition of “daycare” (which would allow for
large facilities to deal with mental health issues and substance
abuse), and the possibility of “Garden Suites” (which have the
potential to alter the landscape of Rockland). Our mandate is to retain
and enhance our neighbourhood’s “unique and attractive features” – in
the face of both the financial interests of developers and the social
interests of the City, this can be challenging.
This evening you elect a new Board. It’s a chance to bring in
people with diverse skills and passions, a chance to initiate projects
and further ongoing ones, a chance for different groups of people to
work together to take positive action.
This year you may decide to join the Board as a director, to help a
committee, to distribute newsletters, to observe a City Council
meeting, or to talk to your neighbours about joining the
association. Whatever role you choose, you can be sure that
you’ll meet friendly, interesting people who care about where we live.
Janet Simpson
President
Rockland Neighbourhood Association
Land Use Committee Annual Report
The LUC had a very busy year in 2010 dealing with City of Victoria
bylaw changes, OCP meetings, several local zoning changes and too many
development situations that, if continued unabated, will dramatically
change the look and feel of Rockland.
The 2010 LUC believes that the historic character of Rockland, like the
Historic Downtown, is one of the defining features of Victoria that
draws visitors from around the world. One has only to count the
increased number of tourist buses along Rockland and Moss Streets to
know that the tourist industry values our street vistas.
In view of the pressure to increase density in the area, we feel that
the only way that the character of the area can be retained is through
a Development Permit system. While this is not part of the new zoning
changes, our committee will continue to work for neighbourhood
participation in any new construction.
Specific developments that the LUC became involved with in 2010 included:
New construction at 1535, 1537 Despard
Conversion at 1238 Richardson
Re-zoning application at 1004 – 1022 Pemberton
As well we prepared and submitted comments and recommendations with respect to:
Revised zoning bylaws and regulations
Garden suite policy
Impact on neighbours and green-scape of new developments in the area
Daycare policy
Our official responses are available on the Rockland website.
On an ongoing basis we anticipate that there will be more development
applications which will cause neighbourhood concern. We will continue
to pressure the city to implement a development permit system for all
development in the Rockland area as per the 1987 Rockland Plan which
was adapted by council.
Respectfully submitted;
The Rockland Land Use Committee
Communication Committee Report
During 2010, three newsletters were published about events and
projects. Also included were articles that were different and should be
of interest to area residents. The Spring newsletter had an article on
the restoration of a 1937 Chevrolet fire truck Also included was a call
for the Butler Book Prize, an article titled “Two Headed Monsters in
our Neighbourhood” (attached dwelling with a small arbor), and
Government House rhododendrons.
The Summer issue was devoted mainly to the volunteers working on
graffiti. Other articles were on the Government House reception and the
relocation of 1082 Richmond Road, the original University School
building. The Autumn issue talked about the common snowberry plants and
deer in Rockland with an interesting heritage article on the house at
1017 Craigdarroch Road.
Treasur's report
ROCKLAND NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION
Statement of Receipts and Expenditures
for the period ending December 31, 2010
I. General Account
Balance at January 1, 2010
1,707.57
Credits Membership Fees 980.00
Interest
6.98
986.98 986.98
2,694.55
Debits Printing & Postage
299.78
P.O. Box rental 136.50
Registrar of Companies 75.00
Legal Fees
500.00
Graffiti removal
440.21
Hallmark Membership 25.00
Boorman Insurance 750.00
2,226.49 2,226.49
Balance at December 31, 2010 467.06
II. Base Funding Account
Balance at January 1, 2010 9,236.82
Credits City of Victoria 2,226.49
Reception tickets
840.00
3,066.49 3,066.49
2,303.31
Debits Church Rentals 225.00
Printing & Postage
96.60
Newsletter
150.00
Reception
2,240.00
2,711.60 2,711.60
Balance at December 31, 2010 9,591.71
III. Garden Account
Balance at January 1, 2010
1,734.27
Debit Water Service
30.00
30.00
Balance at December 31, 2010 1,704.27
IV. Walking Tour Account
Balance at January 1, 2010
1,501.22
Debit Printing
564.48 564.48
Balance at December 31, 2010
936.74
Catherine Spencer
Treasurer