Skip to content

Tanner remains on the attack against development

Public hearing for proposed Qualicum Beach development is Monday May 6 at 7 p.m. at the civic centre

Scott Tanner was back on the attack against a proposed development Monday night, this time comparing Qualicum beach to Leavenworth, Washington and pleading for his fellow councillors to take "a second look at this project."

Tanner said he believes the village core of Qualicum Beach has a "Bavarian theme" and the proposed 53-unit condo project on land right beside town hall doesn't fit that theme.

"When one looks around the town and looks at the Qualicum Foods building, the town hall itself — they all seem to have a theme, a Bavarian theme," said Tanner. "This (proposed) building does not fit the theme."

Tanner then took those in attendance on a verbal walkabout of the downtown, pointing out all the buildings that are set back from the sidewalk and have incorporated public space into their design, something he said is lacking in this proposed building.

"I want to thank councillor Tanner for the geography lesson," quipped Coun. Mary Brouilette. "And I respect Coun. Tanner's bid for no change in our community but that hasn't worked very well in the last 10 years."

Coun. Bill Luchtmeijer said Tanner was mistaken and the proposed building has "a lot of green space and public space on the property. He also said when the town hall was being built, people called it a "monstrosity."

"All of the feedback I get from the community now is we have a gorgeous town hall," said Luchtmeijer.

Coun. Dave Willie said council is following the proper process and public input comes next.

Mayor Teunis Westbroek called the proposed building "too high, too massive."

The land use and subdivision bylaw regarding the project passed second reading on Monday night, with Luchtmeijer, Willie and Brouilette in favour, and Westbroek and Tanner opposed.

The public hearing is set for 7 p.m. May 6 at town hall.