Opinions were shared, questions were asked and tempers were tested during a more than five-hour public hearing in Mission on Wednesday night.
Hundreds of people filled the gymnasium at the Mission Leisure Centre to hear about a rezoning proposal in the Silverdale area for the properties located at 8279, 8289, 8387 and 8455 Nelson Street (and an additional property).
The proposed changes, which include an alteration to the Official Community Plan (OCP), would facilitate the development of a subdivision of up to 66 residential compact lots and up to 160 multi-family units.
While some people spoke in favour of the project, the majority of speakers were opposed.
Objections included being opposed to changes to the OCP, road safety and traffic concerns on Nelson, a lack of services, and a lack of public consultation.
Others questioned how the development would impact the neighbouring area.
“The comprehensive plan for Silverdale is not finished. We don’t know if this subdivision will make sense with the rest of the plan. I don’t understand how the council can decide that this project is good for Mission without having the big picture,” stated one speaker.
Many others voiced concerns that there was little time to digest all of the information before the public hearing was scheduled.
“The development proponents had eight months to plan and put this development forward. The neighbours had three weeks to consider it,” said one resident.
“If zoning is revised tonight, it’s going to trigger a massive change in that neighbourhood … it will change the character of that neighbourhood entirely.”
Still others feared that allowing the project to move forward would set a dangerous precedent.
“If council approves this zoning application, then it will be the first of many, because a precedent will be set and you’ll get lots of applications for rezoning,” said another speaker.
As the evening went on, some people directed their comments directly to representatives from Polygon Homes, who requested the rezoning.
Several speakers asked Polygon to consider withdrawing the application and revising its development project to better suit the neighbourhood.
Still others asked if the properties would be considered affordable housing or not.
Comparisons were made between this project and the sprawling developments in the Cedar area. Speakers asked council not to make the same mistakes in Silverdale.
Some suggested a vote on the Silverdale project should be postponed until after the municipal election on Oct. 20.
At the end of the evening, tempers began to flare as attempts were made to close the public hearing.
After several more questions and some raised voices, the public hearing was closed. Council then deferred the issue and did not discuss or vote on the matter.
The vote on third reading and council discussion on the matter will take place at the next council meeting set for Oct. 1.
The meeting is open to the public.
