Rick Stiebel/News Gazette staff
A Langford resident is concerned about the impact a proposed development could have on the Colwood watershed.
The proposed development at 3130 Jacklin Rd. will essentially fill in the watershed and cause extensive damage to the ground water that lies between Glen Lake and Colwood Creek, claims Langford resident Liz Anderson.
The proposal, which calls for three five-storey buildings totalling roughly 220 units with underground parking, adds too much density too close to the Colwood watershed and will create traffic problems as well, said Anderson, who said she is voicing concerns on behalf of a group of neighbours. She said she tried to get a traffic report through a freedom of information request, without success.
“They are trying to get around the density by saying it’s affordable housing,” Anderson said. “The developer said that a one-bedroom suite would rent for $1,200 plus utilities. This means that only a person earning more than $48,000 would be able to live there. The units will not serve those truly in need of housing.” She also believes the amount of underground parking near the watershed is problematic as well.
Matthew Baldwin, director of planning for the City of Langford, said questions of density and land use will be addressed when the rezoning application goes to a public hearing, which he expects will take place in July. “The reason we hold public hearings is to gather input from the community,” he said. “Any impact on watersheds will be determined through the development permit process.”
The traffic report was not released because it is not a public document.