Despite some passionate arguments from nearby homeowners and two councillors, North Cowichan council will allow Maple Bay Marina to move its fueling depot and float plane dock to a new location.
The change in zoning required was adopted at the Jan. 21 meeting.
The many people in the audience who came to hear council’s verdict were not apparently deeply concerned about where the depot went or where the float planes landed.
They were worried that the move would free up more space for big enclosed boat houses, which Sheila Kitson, president of the Maple Bay Community Association, called "balloon-like" and "a blot on the viewscape from land, sea and air."
Longtime resident Diana Bradley agreed, adding, "it is not the right of anyone to control three quarters of Bird’s Eye Cove."
Marina owner Dave Messier said he had made a commitment that no more of the big boathouses would be built.
His asked for the rezoning for several reasons.
"Boats are bigger now. They need more time to fill up with fuel. Float planes don’t have brakes. We’ve had one collision and one near miss. We’ve seen congestion," he said.
Transport Canada has recommended to him that a dock would be better farther out, he told council.
He also addressed the concerns raised by residents.
"Because there were concerns about boathouses, we were very specific about our plans."
Boat owner Nicholas Bouchard said, "I get no security about this at all. I want real clear answers. There’s no guarantee if it’s not written in law. We’re dealing with one of the precious gems of this Valley."
Coun. Maeve Maguire agreed with Bouchard.
"It would help residents if you put assurances in writing," she said.
Coun. Kate Marsh said she did not feel comfortable voting for the zoning change.
"I’m worried about those big 10-metre boathouses," she said.
However, her colleague, Coun.
Al Siebring disagreed, pointing out that previous discussions of this subject have led to some pretty strong regulations.
The official community plan throws up "enough bureaucratic obstacles" to stop any such development, he said.
"I’m pretty sure we’re covered; I think we’re good to go forward."
Coun. Joyce Behnsen went even further.
"I have total confidence in their willingness to do it the right way. I think this is an under-developed area. I don’t see this as fast-paced growth," she said.
