Editor:
Re: “Sechelt council approves changes to Strand waterfront development,” Aug. 14.
It is shocking that Sechelt council has totally ignored community concerns and the guidelines in the Official Community Plan by voting to encourage increased density on the Strand project at Shorncliffe and Sunshine Coast Highway.
RTC’s original development application for 48 units on this spectacular site adjacent to Snickett Park met with strong opposition from neighbours and from the community at large. Many community members spoke against it at the public hearing in 2017, and a petition with 255 signatures was received. The previous council responded to these concerns and approved a maximum of 20 units.
On Aug. 7, the present council approved a development variance for a minor height increase in Schmidt and Woolf’s new design for the site, which has 20 condominium units in two well designed three-storey buildings with attractive landscaping, but urged the developer to submit a new plan for more units. One councillor wanted to see six storeys and much more ground coverage. It would be a tragedy to allow development on that scale on this beautiful site surrounded by single-family homes.
Council members should be reminded that they have a responsibility to represent the interests of the community as a whole, not just their own personal viewpoints.
Jean Lubin, Sechelt
