The proponents of the large housing development project slated for the side of Mount Tzouhalem are “disillusioned” with the application process.
Wayne Strandlund, on behalf of property owner Transtide Kingsview Development Ltd., told councillors in North Cowichan on Jan. 18 that more than two years and approximately $300,000 has been spent on the project that would see more than 1,300 housing units built on the 123-hectare site.
He said the proponents have done all the municipality has asked during the process and are disappointed that the third reading was rescinded on Dec. 21.
That means the proposal will have to go another public hearing.
“We’re back to square one,” Strandland told councillors.
“We have met very little resistance from the public on this project and, in fact, many said they want to get something done there. We’re good citizens and we want to do the right thing, and we have the money to do it. We just want this project to move forward.”
The development is being proposed for where the defunct Cliffs Over Maple Bay project was supposed to be constructed.
But recent correspondence from Cowichan Tribes largely led to North Cowichan’s decision to take a further look at the project and initiate another public hearing.
The letter from Cowichan Tribes indicated that the First Nation has concerns related to increased traffic, cultural impacts on the band from the project and trespassing on native lands.
North Cowichan CAO Dave Devana said staff met with the proponents before Christmas and they expressed disappointment that the project would have to go through yet another public hearing.
“The public hearing will be sometime in February and our hope is to get this project before council again in a timely fashion,” he said.
“The proponents have been model developers and have been receptive to all of staff’s ideas, and they understand that they must go through this process in order for the project to proceed.”
