Duncan - I support increasing density in urban areas. When wisely planned, this can bring vitality to a downtown core and can minimize urban sprawl.
The increase in density should be in relation to the maximum potential of infrastructure and resources. In my mind, this potential should be developed in advance of demand. The best laid plans are often too little, too late.In terms of resources, the residents in over 50 new condos in Duncan will be taking long showers and flushing their toilets with drinking water while for the past several years many of us have been restricted from watering urban crops and lawns.As far as infrastructure, I don't feel the need to add to the already expressed dismay about traffic and parking inaccessibility.I would like to see Duncan's downtown growth be in line with the hospitality our Warm Land logo suggests. There is no warmth while huddling down narrow lanes in the shadow of five-storey buildings that obstruct the view we boast of.It's known that businesses on the sunny side of the street have an advantage. It's because the warmth of the sun and open views make strolling along, chatting and shopping, a pleasurable experience.How long will we be strolling the walkways of downtown Duncan in full light of day with views of the mountains that form our Valley in sight if we build five-storey buildings whenever proposed? I want my downtown core to be a pleasant place to visit, not a concrete jungle.For these reasons I have not been able to embrace the Dekova proposal that was approved by a very slim majority of council members.I like three-storey buildings, four storeys with underground parking I can lend support to, five storeys is a behemoth.M. LescherDuncan