The contentious University Village Local Area Plan is moving towards completion and, before they consider adopting it, North Cowichan council is asking for public feedback at an open house at Alexander Elementary School on Thursday, June 18 from 4-7 p.m.
The most significant change in the plan since the last open house in April 2014 is the proposed amendment to the urban containment boundary which has been enlarged to include a portion of the Fun Pacific Golf Centre property inside the section known as the South End growth centre. The adjacent school district owned properties are not included in this recent change.
Drawing the urban containment boundary has led to much discussion, both inand outside the North Cowichan council chambers and this is another chance to tell councillors what you think of it, and indeed of the whole plan.
"I encourage the community to attend the open house to give feedback on this important plan," Mayor Jon Lefebure said. "Council has reviewed the plan on several occasions over the last year and we believe we now have a robust plan which achieves growth in the right locations, while providing greater protection for the Somenos Marsh."
Work on the plan has gone ahead over two years in partnership with the City of Duncan, and with partial funding from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and BC Hydro.
Once adopted, the local area plan will give developers, homeowners and businesses more certainty as to how this area will be developed over the next 30 years.
This plan also outlines capital projects for both the Municipality of North Cowichan and City of Duncan to complete in that time frame.
You can review the plan online at www.northcowichan.ca/UVLAP or by visiting www.placespeak.com and searching for University Village.