Sechelt council gave second and third reading on the official community plan amendment bylaw and zoning amendment bylaw for the Oracle Properties development at its Nov. 19 council meeting.
Both motions, one for the OCP bylaw and one for the zoning amendment bylaw, passed by votes of 5-2, with Mayor John Henderson and councillors Darnelda Siegers, Tom Lamb, Chris Moore and Doug Hockley joining the discussion by conference call, voting in favour, and councillors Mike Shanks and Alice Lutes voting against.
Oracle Properties Ltd. has applied to change the number and type of homes from 43 townhouses to 15 single-family lots and one duplex (a two-unit semi-detached building) in a development off Tyler Road.
At a public hearing held Monday, Nov. 17 at the Seaside Centre, five residents spoke against moving forward with the application, citing reasons of safety and affordable housing as the main sticking points.
“This is a narrow road with no sidewalk and one entry point,” said Candice Sayre, president of the West Sechelt Community Association. “I’m concerned about emergency vehicles and their access, garbage or recycling pick-up. There are lots of children, adults with strollers and walkers who have to walk on the road. If there are two cars on the roadway, then I have to walk on a driveway to get by.
“Our suggestion would be to change the design of the lots to allow for a sidewalk and two entry points. This way the developer can still have what he wants and the residents can have what they want too.”
At the Nov. 19 meeting, Siegers explained why she was supporting the motion.
“While the community is not completely in favour, the developer has tried to meet many of the demands, so I will be supporting this at this time,” said Siegers.
