Editor:
The West Sechelt Community Association (WSCA) has many concerns over the proposed Bylaw 580.
First, and foremost, why is this legislation being pushed through with limited opportunity for consultation and feedback? Two Zoom meetings and one presentation (held in the same week!) is inadequate to gather the input from residents of the District of Sechelt. It is irresponsible for council and the mayor to fast-track and push through a substantial piece of legislation that will have major impacts on homeowners and neighbourhoods in the District for years to come. Additionally, the online computer mapping associated with the website is virtually impossible to use, leaving residents in the dark as to what changes will occur to their properties. Do residents want the increased density being proposed in the (new) R2 zone, which would allow three types of dwellings on parcels that are approximately a quarter-acre in size?
Second, there is no clarity on how changes under the general provisions section of the new bylaw will affect residents’ use and enjoyment of their property. Do residents really want chickens and rabbits and the attendant odour and vermin attractants raised next door (urban agriculture provision)? And, language in the new bylaw respecting short-term rentals is incongruent with directions council gave DOS staff and what was heard at the taxpayer funded consultations. These provisions require further analysis, discussions and consultations to identify problems that will arise. This will take time to get it right!
Third, what are the financial implications for enforcement of the proposed bylaw provisions?
Bylaw 580 is a complex document that has many and varied implications, most of which centre around changing existing zoning of property. It is simply unacceptable that these major changes will be pushed through without extensive and reiterative opportunities for input from all residents of the District of Sechelt. What’s the rush?
Representatives from the West Sechelt Community Association (WSCA)
Carolyn Bedford
Catherine Hanson
Gail Riddell
Candice Sayre
Judy Skogstad
–Editor's note, this letter was erroneously published with the wrong headline. We apologize for the mistake.
