Hearing Dec. 9 for Arden area of Courtenay

A Dec. 9 public hearing will address a proposed reconfiguration of a previously approved development in the Arden Road corridor.

A Dec. 9 public hearing will address a proposed reconfiguration of a previously approved development in the Arden Road corridor.

Courtenay Council — which had adopted zoning in 2011 — gave second reading last week to a zoning amendment bylaw that would reduce the maximum permitted density from 128 to 97 units in a mixed residential neighbourhood.

The 11.5 hectare property is comprised of three parcels in the 2000 block of Arden.

The new plan, which needs DFO approval, proposes to replace a ditch with a piped system and stormwater management ponds.

About 24 residents who attended a neighbourhood meeting expressed a desire to retain trees and to build a fence adjacent to the Creekside Commons development. They also expressed concern about rainwater management and traffic in the corridor.

The hearing is at 5 p.m. in council chambers.

• • •

Council approved a letter of support to the Project Watershed Society, which is applying for funding to add a breach in the Airpark lagoon.

The breach will be in the form of a 2.3-metre concrete box culvert 20 metres in length. It is intended to improve salmon access and habitat conditions through increased flushing from the river. Project cost is estimated to exceed $200,000.

The society has been conducting watershed stewardship activities since 1993.

“It’s exciting to see the combination of years of efforts,” Coun. Ronna-Rae Leonard said to presenter Caila Holbrook.

• • •

Council approved a five-year lease agreement with the Dawn to Dawn Action on Homelessness Society, which has developed a community garden on a portion of city land at Harmston Avenue.

The garden helps to feed homeless individuals and others facing poverty.

“It’s beautified a vacant area and helped people,” Mayor Larry Jangula said.

The City provides water service, garbage cans and a port-a-potty in summer at a minimal cost included in the annual operations budget.

City staff will look at the possibility of year-round use of the port-a-potty, as suggested by Coun. Doug Hillian.

• • •

Council approved a motion from Leonard to write to BC Transit to advocate for a bus stop at the hospital entrance.

The Comox Valley Accessibility Committee and others have expressed concern that a bus stop will not be provided immediately adjacent to the entrance.

reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com

 

Comox Valley Record