Watkiss Way Neighbourhood Park

The site at Watkiss Way and Burnside Road is being redeveloped as a new handyDART centre by BC Transit. As a result of this development, the Town has been leased a 1.5-acre linear space to create a new neighbourhood park. During the first round of engagement in fall 2023, we gathered feedback to shape the initial vision for a quiet park with seating, native plantings, trees, and open spaces. In fall 2024, a second round of engagement, including an open house and online survey, gathered feedback on the draft concept to further refine the design.

The project team is now reviewing the feedback received during the second round of engagement. This input will be used to finalize the design of the park, which will be presented to Council for approval in early 2025. 

Proposed Draft Park Concept

The new Watkiss Way neighbourhood park is two-Phased: Phase 1 being the predominant works for a quiet park, and Phase 2 adding more native plantings and additional open space. The Town has approved funding for Phase 1, with construction planned for 2024/2025. Phase 2 may be scheduled once additional funding is allocated or tree planting grants allow the work to happen sooner.

 

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Phase 1: Park Design

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Project Overview

View Royal's Parks System

Public Engagement

Documents & FAQ

Project Overview

The redevelopment of the property at the corner of Watkiss Way and Burnside Road by BC Transit provided a 1.5-acre linear space along Watkiss Way for the Town to create a new neighbourhood park.  

Located in the Burnside neighbourhood, the property is close to well-serviced transit routes and the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. A large Capital Regional District water main runs underneath the park, requiring access to be maintained. As a result, permanent structures and asphalt cannot be installed, and the location of trees on the lands are restricted. During the design process, the project team considered less “permanent” features like benches and open grassy areas as solutions to balance the needs of the community, the Province of BC, and the Capital Regional District.   

The Town has allocated funds in the 2024 Capital Budget for construction. 

October 2024 aerial view of the future Watkiss Way Neighbourhood Park

View Royal's Parks System

The parks system is integral to the unique spirit of “place” in View Royal. Parks support and enhance the health of the community for residents, wildlife, and natural ecosystems. Developing and maintaining opportunities to connect people to nature and recreation through strategic investment and management is vital to maintaining the high quality of life in View Royal. Neighbourhood parks are generally small and respond to the open space and recreation needs of local residents. Amenities include passive and active recreation uses and open space. 


Map of existing park space in the Burnside Neighbourhood (Green) and location of future Watkiss Way Neighbourhood Park (Blue)

Public Engagement Opportunities

Open Engagement Opportunities

The public engagement process for the Watkiss Way Neighbourhood Park is now closed. 

Past Engagement Opportunities

The second phase of engagement was undertaken from November 15 to December 1, 2024. Public engagement opportunities included an online survey and an on-site open house.

Phase 2 Open House Information Boards:

Fall 2024 Open House Information Boards [PDF - 15 MB] 

Past Engagement Opportunities

The first phase of engagement was undertaken from November 6 to 24, 2023. Public engagement opportunities included an online survey, drop-in open house, and on-site pop-up event.

Phase 1 Engagement Summary:

What We Heard Summary Engagement Report [PDF - 7 MB]

 Documents & FAQ

 Contact