Following the second public hearing on Bylaw 1684 — the minimum parcel size for subdivision of land in the Point Holmes/Cape Lazo area — in less than a month, council voted to set the minimum parcel size at 0.5 hectares Wednesday night.
Immediately after a public hearing attended by about 15 area residents, councillors briefly reviewed comments and asked staff questions prior to voting.
There was a mix of speakers who supported the proposed amended bylaw, and those who wanted to keep the original 0.4 ha.
“I’m very disappointed council voted against the 0.4 option,” said Lazo resident Mike Hendren. “These public hearing are becoming a test of endurance.”
Speaking as president of the Comox Town Residents’ Association, Barbara Price asked council to retain the proposed 0.5 ha.
“Although a larger lot size is preferable, any lesser amount would lead to a gradual and sustained loss of environmental protection and character at Point Homes — a loss to the detriment of all of us,” she added.
When it was brought to a vote, Couns. Marcia Turner, Russ Arnott, Hugh MacKinnon and Mayor Paul Ives voted in favour of the bylaw, while Patti Fletcher, Tom Grant and Ken Grant voted against.
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