Clayton Family Lands
The developer behind the Wesbrooke by the Sea assisted living project and a subdivision in the same area is asking council to remove a requirement to dedicate Tyler Road as a condition of zoning approval.
The condition comes out of a traffic study that looked at a group of development proposals, leading council to include the condition that “the servicing requirements identified in the R.F. Binnie & Associates Ltd report … are secured based on a proportionate share of the traffic generated” for all four projects.
“It’s the position of Clayton Family Lands that this condition is premature,” the company’s consultant, Ray Parfitt, told councillors on Oct. 4. “It imposes a hardship on both of these developments.”
Parfitt also pointed out that the Official Community Plan (OCP) doesn’t foresee a need to complete the so-called Neptune Connector until 2024. “To date the Connector is very conceptual… There’s been no study to identify the alignment of the future connector.”
Parfitt said the developer is willing to sign a letter of undertaking to dedicate Tyler Road as part of later phases of the project or enter into a covenant.
Mayor Bruce Milne suggested the request be considered at the next planning committee meeting.
Vacant buildings
The Chamber of Commerce and the Sechelt Downtown Business Association (SDBA) are hoping to work with council on a strategy to keep downtown storefronts active. The number of vacant properties has been raised by both groups in letters to council, along with the issue of taking steps to ensure they’re maintained when not occupied.
The Chamber and SDBA have a pair of events planned for Oct. 24, starting with a tour of current vacancies headed up by Holywell Properties in the afternoon, followed by an open meeting on ways to fill those vacancies.
The SDBA said the discussion will look at ideas like enabling temporary use of vacant spaces, and promoting long-term use through business development and attraction. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the Seaside Centre.
Homeless shelter
As of Coast Reporter’s deadline this week, BC Housing had not yet filed any applications for a proposed homeless shelter on Ebbtide Street, according to District of Sechelt officials.
The agency held a final public information session Oct. 3 and planned to submit an application for a three-year lease from the district and a temporary use permit soon after.
The current arrangement for a shelter at St. Hilda’s Anglican Church expires Nov. 1.
