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Residents oppose Donnay proposal at North Cowichan council

The neighbours of a proposed subdivision on Donnay Drive came out in force at Wednesday’s council meeting

The neighbours of a proposed subdivision on Donnay Drive came out in force at Wednesday’s council meeting in the Municipality of North Cowichan.

Council decided to postpone a first and second reading on the plan for a 29-lot subdivision on a 2.65-hectare site just north of Maple Bay Elementary School until the next council meeting after hearing numerous delegations speak against it for more than three hours.

Christopher Justice said the development would “starkly contrast” with the surrounding residences and destroy the rural setting of the area.

He said while 29 lots are proposed, there would actually be 48 residences in the subdivision.

“The density is quite out of character with its surroundings,” he said.

“The spirit and principals of the Official Community Plan are clear about preserving a beautiful piece of land like this.”

Philip Boname, a professional urban consultant who is a neighbour to the proposed development, said he will make a formal application for changes to the OCP to realign the boundaries of the municipality’s Urban Containment Boundary even if council approves the application.

“Someone needs to stand up and say enough is enough,” he said. “I’m doing this for this generation, and for the next generations to come.”

Other speakers talked about their concerns with the increased traffic the development would bring, the natural watercourses that run through the property, and the potential loss of the heritage character of the neighbourhood.

Mayor John Lefebure said council decided to defer a decision on the development to allow councillors the time to consider the multitude of opinions and facts on the issue.

“It also allows more time for council to ask our staff technical questions on this proposed development,” he said.

robert.barron@cowichanvalleycitizen.com



Robert Barron

About the Author: Robert Barron

Since 2016, I've had had the pleasure of working with our dedicated staff and community in the Cowichan Valley.
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