CITY OF COLWOOD MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMITTEE MEETING

Transcription

1 CITY OF COLWOOD MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMITTEE MEETING Monday, March 1, 2004 at 7:05 p.m Wishart Road, Colwood, B.C. - Council Chambers PRESENT Chair Councillor Member Annette Moen Ernie Robertson Nigel Giuliany STAFF RESOURCE Director of Planning Simon Lawrence ABSENT Member David Jackson 1. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA That the agenda be approved as presented. 2. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES NIGEL GIULIANY That the following minutes be adopted: a) Planning and Zoning Committee: February 16, 2004

2 Planning and Zoning Committee March 1, 2004 Page # 2 3. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business. 4. NEW BUSINESS 1. Status and Protection of Potentially Surplus Federal Lands in Colwood 1. Presentation Calvin Sandborn Calvin Sandborn, # Tyee Road, said that he was speaking as an individual tonight. He said he had grown up in northern California and had seen how much precious environment had been lost there. He said that the same thing can happen in British Columbia. However, it is still a Supernatural B.C. and we are privileged to live here. If we lose the federal lands forests the Western Communities will be worse off than Los Angeles. We must be inclusive in our processes, especially of First Nations. He noted that there is an 800 year old tree in the Royal Roads University woods. He asked what will happen to the big firs, Garry oaks, Esquimalt Lagoon and the human community in the long term. David Saunders, 1973 Colwood Crescent, said that he is offended by the speaker as Colwood has protected its resources very well. Honourable David Anderson, MP, Minister of Environment, stated that he wished to give some sense of direction regarding the local Federal Lands. The lands are not under any immediate threat. The Department of National Defence (DND) has been a good steward of the lands. With regard to the 550 acres of land surrounding Royal Road University, they will be fundamentally protected. He noted that Belmont Park is proposed for housing purposes and that Fort Rodd and Fisguard Lighthouse Natural Historic Sites are protected. Some parts of Lot 15 may be declared surplus in the future but there has been no decision yet. These lands will need to be evaluated. Any surplus lands may be transferred to Parks Canada, the Government of BC, the City of Colwood, or developed. The lands are not under any immediate threat and the lands environmental values are recognized by the Federal Government. Harvey Williamson, Cook Street, Victoria, asked about Mary Hill in Metchosin. Anderson responded that the lands will remain in Federal hands. David Calvin Sandborn asked about the Cavendish lands and asked for a permanent conservation covenant on the Royal Roads University lands. Richard Skinner, President of Royal Roads University, said that they have a second management agreement with DND which runs to They wish to have extended protection and secure the entire property so as to safeguard it and keep it safe from development. Judith Cullington, Acemink Road, spoke about the Belmont north area (Lot 15) and protection of its ecological values.

3 Planning and Zoning Committee March 1, 2004 Page # 3 Chief Robert Sam, Songhees First Nation, asked how it was planned to accommodate the First Nations in the process. He noted that the property has Native claims on it. He also asked if David Anderson would meet with their community. He said they need additional land for housing and they need green space. He is encouraged by the attendance tonight. Dr. Keith Martin, MP, said that decisions require balance. Royal Roads University will require money to survive and hence will need to develop a small amount of the lands. Details will need to worked out in the years ahead. He commented that environmentalists ignore developers at their peril and developers ignore environmentalists at their peril. Cynthia Day, 3546 Charnley Place, noted that the Cavendish house is now gone. How specifically will the land be developed? How do we do a better job to protect these lands? Dr. Keith Martin commented that land should only be developed where it has no environmental values and it should be based on the permanent protection on the majority of the lands. Mr. Basil Boulton, 438 Grantham Place, said that the enemy is us and how we use resources. We can t all have 2,500 square foot homes on 1/3 acre lots. He noted that First Nations should be talked to first and that green space connectivity is important. Debbie Cotter, 3162 Wishart Road, said she can t see how Royal Roads University will develop the scrub land. Every piece is important and it should all be protected. Jason Nault, 274 Belmont Road, stated that the reason why so many people are out tonight is the current high level of uncertainty with regard to Federal lands. We need to see a written plan for DND, Parks Canada and other lands specifying what will happen. Don Beamish, Properties Officer, Department of National Defence, stated that plans do not evolve overnight. They do not intend to close the DND Esquimalt Base and they need real estate to support it. However, the DND has no requirement for some of the lands. He gave a historical background on the area and various studies that have been undertaken. He noted that in 1998 payments in lieu of taxes started to come directly from the budget for DND. He noted that they are not developers and that any surplus lands would first be offered to other ministries, then the Provincial Government and then the municipality. He noted that it is the role of cities to find density but to remain liveable. Garth Graham, View Royal resident, asked who does prepare plans for unwanted surplus lands. He spoke about the Trio Ready Mix situation in View Royal.

4 Planning and Zoning Committee March 1, 2004 Page # 4 2. Presentation Norm Mogensen, Coalition to Protect Surplus Federal Land Norman Mogenson gave a powerpoint presentation regarding the environmental values of the Federal lands. He stated that environmental studies have been done on a number of Federal properties, including Remainder Lot 1, the north half of Lot 15, Lots 4, 5 and 14, the Cavendish property and the Royal Roads University lot. He stated that the Royal Roads University lands could be restored and there is a need to get rid of invasive species. Andrew Uhlman said that he was a visiting law student. He presented various techniques to protect sensitive lands, including conservation covenants, use of the Species at Risk Act, and transfer of land to Parks Canada. Jim Barlow of Parks Canada stated that they have now finalized a management plan for their lands. They do not currently consider any of their lands to be surplus and they would require further public consultation before any lands were declared surplus. Harvey Williamson, Cook Street, Victoria, questioned payments between the different levels of government and asked if the Cavendish property could not be restored. Cynthia Day, Charnley Place, questioned how highest and best use was determined. Arnold Rossander, Portsmouth Drive, thanked all previous speakers and asked how long the ranger station will remain on Coburg Peninsula. 3. Report Simon Lawrence, Director of Planning The Committee reviewed a report from the Director of Planning. This report brought forward to Committee background information regarding the Federal Lands in Colwood, including information regarding different City initiatives over the years. A number of options were presented for consideration. That it be recommended to Council: That the Director of Planning s report dated February 25, 2004 be received.

5 Planning and Zoning Committee March 1, 2004 Page # 5 That it be recommended to Council: That a Select Committee of Planning and Zoning Committee be formed to recommend on the use of Federal Lands in Colwood, and that the details of forming such a Committee be an item on the Agenda of the next Planning and Zoning Committee meeting. 5. ADJOURNMENT NIGEL GIULIANY That Committee rise at 9:50 p.m. and report progress to the Regular Meeting of Council scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 8, CERTIFIED CORRECT APPROVED AND CONFIRMED