I am responding to John Harding’s editorial on the RDN’S decision on the Growth Containment Boundary amendment requested by the Town of Qualicum Beach (The NEWS, July 1).
I will reiterate some of the facts for your readers.
• The town needed the approval of the RDN to change the Growth Containment Boundary.
• A 3-2 majority of Qualicum Beach’s town councillors attempted to fast track this as a minor amendment to the Regional Growth Strategy.
• This caused grave concerns to many residents who presented to the RDN on three different occasions pertinent factual information. They were able to accurately detail what constitutes a minor or major amendment. This caused the RDN to deny the town’s request.
• The RDN then passed a motion to inform the town that they may re-apply for a major amendment.
At which time, the town will have to produce evidence of extensive investigations and studies of impact. This result is what was requested by citizens.
As Harding suggested, our OCP is a living, breathing document and not cast in stone. There have been many changes made by this council. However, none to equal this major boundary change.
We citizens of, in Harding’s words, this “unique and beautiful town,” would like to keep it that way and do not envisage high rise buildings in the heart of our town. Change does take place, I have witnessed it. I moved here 20 years ago.
Did anyone ever hear any objections from residents to: infill in the town core, garden suites, carriage houses or to the Kiwanis Village? No.
If someone can produce affordable housing (which destination resorts and high-priced condos will not), I am sure you will hear a big cheer from, as our councillor likes to call them, “this special interest group.”
I doubt neither Harding or I will be around when it’s time to write an obituary for Qualicum Beach.
Susan Porter
Qualicum Beach