Concerns raised over plans Del Monte subdivision
A proposed subdivision on Del Monte Avenue, which would include four homes and some park land, was tabled Monday night after discussions turned to pedestrian safety.
Concerns were raised about the requirement of a sidewalk in the area, as stated in the Official Community Plan.
Neighbours also suggested implementing stop signs in all directions at the T-shaped intersection of Del Monte Avenue and Helvetia Crescent in Cordova Bay. Saanich staff will look at these concerns.
The developer will also have an opportunity to speak with neighbours about the possibility of putting in only three houses instead, as per the request of some area residents.
Saanich approves new park at Mount View site
A 0.54-hectare portion of the future Mount View Campus of Care site will soon be home to the newly approved Mount View Park.
Council on Monday approved the name and design of the planned park, which will include a playground, community garden, benches and a picnic table. There will also be room for a possible sport court in the future.
So far $375,000 of the $415,000 cost of the park has been accounted for, through money from Saanich, the Capital Regional District and Uptown.
Mayor Frank Leonard suggested the parks staff check back at the end of the year to see if there is leftover money that had been budgeted that can be put towards completion of the park.
The park will be located on the southwest side of the site, between Carey Road, and Homer and Cadillac avenues.
Municipality buys land next to Mount Doug Park
Mount Douglas Park just got officially bigger.
A 1.41-hectare portion of land, owned by The Land Conservancy and operated by Madrona Farm, was approved to be purchased by Saanich Monday night.
The land is currently not in use and is described as "unsuitable for farming."
Consistent with the Blenkinsop Local Area Plan, the municipality wants to acquire all privately owned treed-land adjacent to Mount Doug.
The decision, supported by council, must go to the Agricultural Land Reserve before approval.
Premature plans shot down after 86 housing units proposed
Two interconnected development proposals that went to council at the applicant's behest – without the support of Saanich staff – have been sent back to the drawing board.
Council and area residents voiced too many concerns about a 22-unit townhouse complex on Cedar Hill Road and a 64-unit apartment building on Shelbourne Street, just north of University Heights.
Much of the concern stemmed from the layout, and the lack of public green space that would be available to area residents – not just residents of the two complexes.
Mayor Frank Leonard suggested the applicant hold another public hearing – the last was poorly attended – so changes can be made to the project that will accommodate residents' concerns.
He said it's rare for a project to come before council without the support of staff because councillors rely on their expertise to make their decisions.