The massive dock and breakwater proposal for Middlepoint, being pitched by Lululemon founder Dennis (Chip) Wilson, came back to the Feb. 12 planning and development committee meeting where directors said a “significant change” warranted sending the referral to the advisory planning commission (APC) once again for further comment.
The proposal came back to the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) after the provincial lands officer dealing with the file noted an error with the type of application. Instead of being an application for specific permission for the dock and two breakwaters, proponents were told to refile their request as a 15-year tender.
Staff said the dock issue remained the same regardless of the type of application and suggested resubmitting the board’s previous comments against the plan.
Pender Harbour/Egmont area director Frank Mauro agreed but also asked that the SCRD be given more time to collect further comments.
“I think it’s a significant change and I believe that this should be re-referred to the APC to get their comments,” Mauro said, adding that he also wanted to ensure the province considered the many letters sent in against the plan when looking at the “new” proposal.
Directors agreed and brought Mauro’s motions to that evening’s board meeting to make them official.
Goldmoss hearing
A public hearing about whether to allow Goldmoss Gallery to continue operating in a home in Roberts Creek will be held on Wednesday, March 18 at 7 p.m. at the Roberts Creek Community Hall.
The proposal has caused much controversy in the Creek and Roberts Creek director Mark Lebbell was in favour of a public hearing in order to try to find some resolution.
“It’s no secret that this has been a challenging one for Roberts Creek, but it’s allowed us to have some really good discussions around the things that are important,” Lebbell said. “No matter where you start measuring from, it’s been a long, long haul and the applicant and the community have the right to move towards resolution.”
He noted the “chicken issue” has been separated from the discussion as it is being handled through a general amendment to the zoning bylaw.
Protecting homeowners
Directors asked for a report from staff on the rights of homeowners who reside on rental land after a contingent of homeowners from The Poplars trailer park asked for help to protect their homes, should the trailer park owner decide to sell the land they are situated on for a different use.
“Under provincial law we have virtually no protection for our investment,” said Brian Mackenzie on behalf of the group. “We are urging the SCRD to do the right thing and adopt a new development policy that will protect the investment of homeowners on rented land.”
Elphinstone director Lorne Lewis moved to have a staff report come back on the issue, noting he thought it was a “really important issue to discuss.”
All were in favour of the motion.
Mill smell
During directors’ reports at the Feb. 12 regular board meeting West Howe Sound director Ian Winn noted he’s been hearing a lot of concern from constituents about the smell and particulates that sometimes come from the mill at Howe Sound Pulp and Paper.
Lewis echoed his statement, noting that recently “my whole neighbourhood just reeked.”
“If my area is reeking, Howe Sound must be terrible,” Lewis said.
Directors moved to set up a meeting with representatives from the mill to talk about the odour and particulate problem and see what can be done to address it.
