There is pressure for Fairwinds residents to express a positive view on the proposed development of Schooner Cove and the Lakes District. How DO residents feel about this development? Right now we are being represented in terms of a survey (80% for the project) which possibly few people remember. And was the survey a response to the facts as we know them now? There have been open forums where those who are inclined have spoken at microphones. My purpose in setting up this blog is to create a space where residents can inform one another, express their views freely - and hear what others are saying. Keep it short, clear, civil and informative please - and try and abstain from fear mongering on one side or the other. We are spread out and do not have community gathering places, but here is an easy tool for communicating freely. I am just another Fairwinds, like you, not pushing one position or the other.
Ann Walker
Blasting a road through the lakes district is so destructive of a beautiful peaceful walking place, so rare to be able to do so off road. An alternative would be to pave and line the shoulder of Dolphin and Stuart to reduce the traffic danger that would result from increased construction traffic.
ReplyDeleteThree decades ago, the RDN designated an Urban Containment Boundary around all of Fairwinds' property. That was when the RDN needed economic development.
ReplyDeleteToday, the Lakes District is just a remnant of the Coastal Douglas Fir forest accessible to the public. Its natural character should be preserved.
The RDN should reconsider the designation and ensure that any development in Nanoose Bay is sustainable! The residents of the peninsula would not benefit from 1,675 new homes or ~2,000 more motor vehicles on the roads.
The Fairwinds development proposal is unreasonable in number. Schooner Cover was never intended to handle 360-395 units plus commercial and the existing 49 units. It is not practical or sustainable. The 2005 OCP allows for 188 units and commercial space. Fairwinds were not only aware of the numbers but were party to the development of the OCP in 2005.
ReplyDeleteTheir proposal uses buzz words like Green, environmentally friendly, sustainable and accessible. When in fact it is the opposite: examples:
1/Building a road through environmentally sensitive ecosystems to accommodate Schooner Cove traffic.
2/ The Marina Building (#2 in proposal) called the Operational Heart of the Marina “Opening onto the enhanced waterfront green”. This building closes all (openings) views of the Marina and waterfront green from Dolphin Drive.
3/Filling in open Bay and building staging out over what is now open accessible Ocean Front. Called the Marina Staging. This staging is a parking lot for the Pub and Restaurant. Everything else will be condo Strata and not really accessible to the public.
Everyone would like to see something happen at Schooner Cove. Why not keep it reasonable, Retain the boat ramp, Build a Marina service building near where the existing hotel is, a pub and restaurant. Maybe some other commercial space over near Outrigger and no more than 200 residential units.
15 years ago we had a great restaurant in the small hotel, meeting rooms, a pub, and a cafeteria, and the Marina office. Now it is all closed. Is it any wonder people are frustrated . Just having what we had would be an improvement.
TIME FOR A REALITY CHECK:
ReplyDelete80% Attempt to intimidate. The 80% is of Fairwinds respondents of which only 56% were in favour unconditionally. Certainly not representative of All “Nanoose Peninsula Residents”. And all residents must be considered. When Infrastructure costs start kicking in for Roads, Sewer, Water, Fire halls, Schools etc. as parcel tax .We will all pay far in advance of any portion being covered by the developed units. Undeveloped land is one parcel. Will we be on the hook for infrastructure development for a project that may never be built, even if approval is given.
The viability of a “Village” out here is questionable. The Olympic Village in Vancouver is a good example of big dreams going wrong. The commercial units are unoccupied (no Village) and the residential units are on fire sale.