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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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