Queen Charlotte council turned down an application to purchase an undeveloped municipal right of way when it met Jan. 9. The right of way, on First St., runs from Second Ave. to Oceanview Dr., just west of Premier Creek Lodging.”The right of way will not be available for subdivision or sale to any of the adjacent property owners”, according to council, as it is an important public access pathway and service connection. It includes the bed and banks of Premier Creek as well as a walking trail and a community sewer line.The issue arose after a property owner submitted an application to council, complete with $350 deposit, to sub-divide a portion of the right of way.Council will return the deposit, and has advised the property owner the right of way cannot be subdivided.Councillor Greg Martin said many of these pathways have been surveyed, even though they are not formal roads. The pathways often cover sewage pipes, or are used as hiking trails and pedestrian walkways which are there in case of a closure on a main road. There is no policy against the building on properties surrounding these sites, and it will remain this way for now. Chief Administrative Officer Bill Beamish said every case is site-specific. A site might only be considered for sale if it’s thought to be of no use to the public. These pathways are “owned by the community for the community, not single property owners” said Mr Beamish.
