Qualicum Beach council has decided to hold another public hearing regarding two developments in the downtown core area.
On July 19, the town held public hearings for two zoning amendment applications for an 18-unit, multi-residential development on properties on First Avenue, and for a mixed-use development with ground floor commercial and 60 dwelling units in the East Village on Second Avenue East.
Both applications were up for consideration for third reading at council’s regular meeting on July 20, but Mayor Brian Wiese made a motion to remove the First Avenue development application from the agenda. The Second Avenue development was presented, but not given third reading.
Wiese explained that he and Coun. Anne Skipsey were the only ones present at the public hearing although he was aware Coun. Robert Filmer was online listening to the proceedings. Coun. Scott Harrison stated that he watched the hearing and took notes.
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A resident questioned the quorum not being present during the public hearing, raising concerns.
“While a public hearing can legally be held without all members of council the town did not advertise this approach in advance,” Wiese said. “As such and to ensure a public process that is beyond scrutiny, staff are recommending, and I totally believe that a second public hearing should be held.”
Wiese said a new hearing will eliminate the potential for procedural challenge. As well, it gave council the opportunity to decide on a preferred option for the Second Avenue East project, which was undetermined during the public hearing.
“There were four possible options under consideration,” he said. “And several members of the public expressed concerns that they did not know which option was actually being advanced by council.”
Council endorsed two options on the Second Avenue project. One is the six-storey apartment and six-storey condominium configuration and the second option is the six-storey apartment.
With all the new information in place, Wiese said staff can specifically advertise for a second public hearing and ensure members of the public will have ample opportunity to provide feedback on a clearly defined direction.
The second public hearing on both zoning amendment applications will be on Aug. 8 in the council chamber, starting at 10 a.m. Residents can attend in person at Town Hall (660 Primrose St.) and speak to the proposed bylaw amendments.
They can also submit written comments to the Town of Qualicum Beach by email at qbtown@qualicumbeach.com or by mail to #201 - 660 Primrose Street, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1S7.