On This Site

Our Home Page includes a number of photos that are linked to content inside this website or found on other sites.

Explore the concepts and enjoy imagining how the Woonerf concept can enhance daily life in a densifying city.

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In August-September of 2018, a public survey was launched street-side and online. Findings have guided action on the Woonerf, in sync with the goals identified by the group that formed in 2017.

With an excellent response rate of 52%, coupled with ongoing feedback from Woonervians and passersby, we know we're on the right track.

Our mailing list has more than doubled since 2018 and we know that there are many who frequent the area yet are not on the list. So, we anticipate another survey in 2023, likely introduced through a street party event to invite those passersby to give input into future activities.

The 4 images on this page link to external websites. Have fun exploring!

1. The woonerf concept as developed by Dutch traffic engineers for safer residential streets is linked to the first image. The summary "Streets for All" page is in English, with an abundance of other content in Dutch. Google Translate is your friend—just cut & paste or check out our Pinterest page for more.

2 "Fixing the Big Mistake" is linked to a video introducing David Appleyard's "Livable Streets" the first evidence-based research into how a car-centric street works against community.

Early on we realized that every newly interested person brought both enthusiasm—and a lot of questions already addressed for other interested participants.

Co-leads Rob T. and John O. have backgrounds designing and managing large projects. They bring an appreciation of succession planning to volunteer leadership and the Orientation to the Woonerf is, essentially, a way to answer the many questions; provide new planning group members and future leaders a good ground for future activities, and to ensure at least some level of publicly available access to "what's going on" past, present and future.

The manual is large, but easily navigated. It includes a glossary of terms which we were pleased to see made it into an as yet un-presented Staff Report to the Victoria Council Committee of the Whole.

The chronology of activities is updated as time permits.

Activities on the Woonerf fall within the umbrella concept described in our print and fold brochure, a 3-fold pamphlet.

This brochure has helped convey a big and multi-faceted concept in an easy and convenient format. It was first presented to Victoria City Council in 2017. We achieved unanimous approval from that Council twice, and later from the subsequent Council.

During civic elections in 2022, we met with many candidates to introduce the Woonerf, asking for support. We have been invited by Councillor Thompson to present to the newly elected Council and arrangements are underway.

Over time, some editorial changes have kept the brochure up-to-date. In substance, it is as presented in 2017. The map is also available as an animated element in our slideshow illustrating where street art and other elements can be installed.

Copies made be printed (double-sided for folding) and are also available from the plexi-glass box on the fence at Mt. Stephen Ave. and Kings Road, thanks to Madeline G. and Grant H.

The Woonerf is represented on the One Planet Saanich committee, a Saanich Municipality funded and volunteer supported group including interests from small business, housing, public schools and others, all applying the lens of the 10 Principles for One Planet Living.

John O. is leading development of the ORW One Planet Action Plan (OPAP).

A key learning of the past 5 years of Woonerf development is that people get involved for a variety of reasons. In general, climate action and the environment has not been a primary motivator, though many (if not most) supporters bring a sensitivity and interest to making a positive difference in the face of climate change.

Our OPAP applies the One Planet lens to activities that bring the woonerf to life: no surprise, everything we are doing is related to creating a better tomorrow through steps we are taking today.

Contact John O. to learn more and get involved in One Planet Action, right here on the Woonerf.

Volunteering comes with all the opportunity of belonging to something greater than oneself, and we all must balance busy lives. We get that!

What would help you best find ways to be involved?

Our Opportunities page is under development. As a teaser, here's a selection of volunteer contributions from those supporting the initiative.

• Bonnie made Sangria for a volunteer team
• Sophie welcomed street partiers with name tags
• Maggie registered folks on list and provided Master Horticulturalist Q&A
• Cam provided equipment, resources and more
• Russ took photos and pitches in tirelessly on boulevards
• Alison managed Instagram & Facebook
  
• Rob maintained multiple boulevard beds and with John created grant application templates
• Robin lead the Phase II Xeriscape project
• Peggy joined an artist selection committee and shares the Poet-tree with all
• Madeline provided a place for printed materials, a garden bed and facilitated our videos (oh yes!)
• Rosemary took up the bench project lead
• Daniel worked the wood for the benches and with Mathew, finished and set them in place
• Pat and Eddie placed metal birds for moments of unexpected discovery and delight
• Russo painted poles
• Anna and family starred in the videos!
• Angela A. got the ball rolling on the Planter project
• Connie provided a theatre-style popcorn maker
• Tracy weeded and prepped new garden beds
• John took up editorial and archival roles
• Another John created a little library
• Folks who will not be named here donated cash for printing and other expenses