A picnic area, playground, two piers and a sand beach could be coming to the Westhills development on the southern shores of Langford Lake.
Council is awaiting approval in upcoming meetings to resolve whether or not to submit a Crown land tenure application endorsing the project to see if development applications meet provincial environmental approval.
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“[Department of Fisheries and Oceans] has confirmed that an authorization under the Fisheries Act is not necessary as long as best practices in design and construction are followed,” a staff report from planning informed council.
The Province had asked for Section 11 Water Sustainability Act authorization and a Crown land tenure application from the city concurrently before assessing whether the project can gain their green light.
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Langford would take over maintenance duties if the development is approved and completed.
The City will “hold a legal lease over that portion of the foreshore and lake encompassing the retaining wall, boardwalk and piers for a period of 10-30 years,” staff write.
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A February 2019 conceptual design of the project shows two piers around the lakefront wall area, one with a public canoe and kayak docks. It also depicts a public playground, washroom facility and a “barrier-free” swimming beach.
The City is currently reviewing several building applications from the developers to build high-rise condos in the lakefront area. The public amenity contribution is part of a proposed deal for waterfront restaurant off of Leigh Place.
swikar.oli@goldstreamgazette.com
