Good for councillors who honoured OCP
Re: “North Cowichan turns down proposal for major development near new hospital” (March 14, 2024)
The above article provides us with an insight into the workings of the current North Cowichan council.
The property in question is currently in a ‘future growth area’ and not within the ‘existing growth boundaries’ designated by the North Cowichan OCP. Consequently, we can assume that the purchase value of the land is less than if it were in the latter category. We can also assume that, if council approval were given, the land value would rise. Hence, there is an incentive for a developer to pursue this change.
In the matter of the OCP, there seems to be an ongoing trend to undermine this document, even though it was created by an intelligent administration and endorsed by the voters of North Cowichan. The right thing to do is to honour it, unless there is an overriding set of circumstances, which the above proposal does not provide.
Councillors Manhas and Findlay are predictable. Will they ever surprise us and vote differently from their manta? Councillor Caljouw is the surprise. Is there an underlying reason for his vote?
Councillor Toporowski is to be commended for recognizing a conflict of interest and recusing herself.
Kudos to Councillors Istace and Justice, as well as Mayor Douglas for honouring the OCP and providing intelligent reasons for doing so.
Peter Ordynec
Chemainus