Two weeks after announcing its major 3,000-plus acre land acquisition, Columbia National Investments (CNI) is starting to unveil its development plans.
Abbotsford-based CNI announced Tuesday they are proposing to build an environmentally sensitive resort-style residential community on 309 acres at Seaside Park near Port Mellon. "Designed to fit within the natural environment that offers 3.5 km of magnificent south-facing oceanfront, the new resort homes will have stunning views of Howe Sound and Gambier Island, and waterfront access," said a news release from CNI. "Building is set to begin in the spring of 2007, or as soon as development approvals are in place. This project will include marinas and associated facilities and is only a 10-minute drive from the Langdale ferry terminal. Currently, CNI is in discussions with potential partners for this project and will work with the provincial government and the Sunshine Coast Regional District concerning land use."
"This is a great opportunity to develop a resort-like residential community in harmony with the beauty of the Sunshine Coast," said CNI CEO Steve Dunton in the release. "There are very few opportunities like this remaining to create quality residential homes along a stretch of accessible oceanfront, close to existing development, yet remote enough to enjoy privacy and closeness to the natural environment. There is a demand for well-built homes that are created in harmony with the unspoiled beauty of nature. We expect that this project will meet that demand and exceed expectations. We believe that the market will embrace this bit of paradise enthusiastically, with its spectacular oceanfront properties less than two hours from Vancouver."
In a brief follow-up interview Tuesday afternoon, Dunton told Coast Reporter that this particular piece of property is not intended for affordable housing.
"It's just too steep in some areas. It won't be an area for families to raise kids," he said. "We see it as a great site for marinas or to tuck away good lodge type settings and things for recreation. The provincial government wants to see new resorts. I don't know where the SCRD wants to go, but we'll see as we continue our discussions with them."
CNI acquired 3,286 acres on the Sunshine Coast a few weeks ago with a large portion located at McNabb Creek. Dunton said he still wants to create "affordable, family-oriented, environmentally-friendly housing, and that is planned for other areas.
"We're still sorting things out, but already we've had quite a bit of community interest," he said. "When I was speaking with your radio station a few weeks ago, I made a commitment to the community that within 30 days we will tell the community where we're heading. I'm going to honour that commitment and get their feedback along the way. I ask the community to bear with us as we continue this process along."
CNI currently has 10 ongoing projects in Mission, Chilliwack, Cultus Lake, Abbotsford and now the Sunshine Coast.
