Wildlife will have a corridor protected in an Area D neighbourhood south of Campbell River, even with development that will result from a recent rezoning.
At the Strathcona Regional District meeting in December, the board approved a rezoning for the subdivision of four lots on a 8.7-hectare site. As well, the process includes removing a land title covenant against title on property that would permit the subdivision. The property sits between Neigel Crescent and the Island Highway. However, as part of the arrangement, land will continue to be protected, including some on a southern part of the property adjacent to green space.
“The applicants were giving up 4 1/3 acres or 1.75 hectares,” Area D Director Brenda Leigh told the SRD board.
This will include a 0.4-hectare covenanted area for a wildlife corridor along the north boundaries of two proposed lots, a 0.75-hectare covenanted wetland along a north boundary of another proposed lot and a 0.6-hectare park adjacent to the park at Stonefly Creek.
The move at the board table followed a short public hearing at the Oyster Bay Resort in Area D back on Nov. 22. Leigh said the proposal was well supported by those attending the meeting. In the minutes, one person, who supported the idea, did express some concerns about potential erosion from run-off at the site on to her property. Staff indicated the Ministry of Transporation and Infrastructure will require a storm water management plan that takes into account all parcels of land and does not result in a net increase of run-off. Jody Hagel, the applicant, spoke at the meeting. According to the SRD staff report, she said the family has been working with an engineer for about two years not just to develop the homes on the site but also to protect wildlife corridors and add park space to the area. The proposal had been referred to First Nations and government agencies for comment. As well, the Area D Advisory Planning Commission recommended approval, subject to addition of the covenant language to include reference to wildlife corridors.
“I hope those protective covenants are going to be registered,” Leigh said. “They’re really important for fish production and wildlife passage … through that land.”
The bylaw, which was at second reading prior to the hearing, received third reading and adoption at the December board meeting.