A residents' group is forming to make sure their views are known about a possible big box development off Field Road in Wilson Creek.
The Field Road Future Group is being spearheaded by Wilson Creek resident Barbara Robertson who helped create the neighbourhood plan for the area.
Under that plan the Eco Village was approved many years ago, but the village never fully developed and now the District of Sechelt is talking with a new developer who wants to market the area to big box retailers.
"So the idea is we get together before hand and come up with what we think might improve it because we want to be prepared. We don't just want to hear about it and then bam, bam, bam it's done and we never had any input, " Robertson said. "It's a kind of odd thing because it's kind of two fold. Some people wouldn't want a Walmart, some would like one, but whatever happens, whether it's Walmart, Target or a series of retail shops, if they're going to change the zoning we'd like to give them our ideas first."
Robertson wrote a letter explaining the aims of her group and it was hand delivered to all the residents on Field Road. So far only a handful of people have joined, but an upcoming meeting on Aug. 28 holds the promise of more members.
After that meeting Robertson plans to approach the local community associations to see if they will also pledge their support for the new Field Road group.
Once she has the support of the community and some ideas of what the locals want for the site, she plans to approach council.
"I think then they will look at us as a legitimate group," she noted.
For now the plans for the Field Road site are on hold, which gives Robertson some time to get organized.
District staff said the proponent has not had any luck marketing the site.
If you would like to attend the Aug. 28 meeting of the Field Road Future Group or want more information you can call Robertson at 604-885-6154.
