The City of Langford could look very different in the coming years if development permits follow the rezoning applications currently being considered by council.
Claude Road 11-storey residential building has mixed reviews
In the City’s core, Claude Road is the subject of multiple proposals that would add a number of residential units to the area. In a previous interview with the Gazette, Coun. Denise Blackwell, who chairs the City’s planning, zoning and affordable housing committee, noted council had approved two 10-storey buildings for the area years ago but because of economic downturn the projects never materialized. “We’ll see at the public hearing how people feel about the height,” she said back in March.
A public hearing on Monday for a proposal to construct an 11-storey building with approximately 100 residential units saw no one show up to voice their opinion on the project. However, people who expressed their thoughts in writing (an alternative for those that cannot attend or do not wish to speak) had mixed reactions.
One writer favoured the development, suggesting its proximity would be advantageous to creating a more walkable community, would help curtail urban sprawl by adding densification in Langford’s core and also help create a more service-rich/transit-oriented community. The other letter, from a Peatt Road resident opposed to the project, expressed concerns about the traffic the development would add to the area.
Later in the meeting council gave second and third reading to the zoning amendment bylaw, which will likely be adopted at a later date.
Centre Mountain business park zoning gets approved
At Monday’s meeting, council also adopted two zoning bylaw amendments that will lay the groundwork for the creation of a business park and residential development at Centre Mountain.
Land off of Sooke and Happy Valley roads that now falls within the City of Langford’s jurisdiction – referred to as Centre Mountain – were part of what many called a historic land-swap agreement that was finalized earlier this year between the City, the District of Metchosin and the Beecher Bay First Nation.
At the public hearing for this zoning application, Mayor Stew Young estimated the buildout for this project would take roughly 15 to 20 years. He also noted one of the first steps for this project will be servicing the properties with water, sewer and other utilities, which is in the works now.
Proposal to subdivide 53 lots moves forward
At the direction of council, City staff are working to prepare a bylaw to amend the zoning of 656 Frederic Rd. and 765 Willing Dr. from rural residential 2 to rural residential 6A. The move to subdivide the lots would be done to facilitate the proposed creation of 53 separate lots, each of which would be a minimum 550 square metres (5,920-square-feet) in area.
Prior to a public hearing for this proposal, the applicant must file a stormwater management plan and undertake neighbourhood consultation. Other conditions call for advisory notes to be written to future owners that would alert them to their homes’ proximity to Agricultural Land Reserve properties and the South Vancouver Island Rangers’ gun range, both of which may generate noise and other nuisances.