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Laburnum proposal in Qualicum Beach closer to being developed

Bylaw amendment was adopted, Coun. Barry Avis opposed
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The bylaw amendment for a 22-lot subdivision at 560/570 Laburnum Rd. was adopted by Qualicum Beach town council Monday. — NEWS file photo

A high-profile piece of land on Laburnum Road is one step closer to being developed

Qualicum Beach town council approved a long-running bylaw amendment for 560/570 Laburnum Rd. at Monday’s (June 19) council meeting.

Only Coun. Barry Avis, who also asked for a recorded vote, opposed the bylaw amendment. Coun. Anne Skipsey, who has been vocal about her dislike of the location for the development, was not at the meeting.

The proposed development at 560/570 Laburnum Rd. would amend the zoning in the Official Community Plan (OCP) to permit a 22-lot subdivision. Six of those lots would be duplexable units. Secondary suites would also be permitted.

The property is divided into six parcels; 2.9 ha would be donated to the town for conservation purposes, 2.3 ha is proposed to stay as Rural Residential with two existing houses, and 2.4 ha is proposed for the 22-lot subdivision.

CAO Daniel Sailland said the proponent has fulfilled everything requested of them in terms of direction from council, including a provision of storm water management, groundwater impact plan and the registration of two covenants; one for form and character and one for green building standards.

Coun. Neil Horner said this development is an “excellent compromise” that saves and enhances the wetland while also creating family-friendly housing near Qualicum Beach Elementary School.

“Let’s be clear, if we reject this, the pressure to develop this property will not go away. Rejecting it will only kick the can down the road to the next council,” Horner said.

Development proposals on this property have come to council numerous times over the years.

The contentious development proposal has been on the agenda at council a handful of times over the last year. In October 2016, the project was originally moved to first reading as a 10-unit residential development, with two larger lots for existing homes, a wetland area to be donated to the town for conservation purposes and a park area with a 10-metre green buffer adjacent to Laburnum Road. This was after council shot down an earlier 60-unit development proposal and a follow-up application for 30 units.



Lauren Collins

About the Author: Lauren Collins

I'm a provincial reporter for Black Press Media's national team, after my journalism career took me across B.C. since I was 19 years old.
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