Like Diana Butler we are concerned about the level of development overtaking Oak Bay. A perfect storm of re-zoning and infill is upon us. The proposed development of the United Church property on Granite is an example.
We attended their meeting last week thinking to better inform ourselves of the scope of this project. Unfortunately, the information flow was all one way. In a cleverly orchestrated session of five tables our opinions were sought on what would be acceptable to us, their neighbours. As cordial and professional as the session was, I will repeat what I said to our moderator; the church’s financial problems are not ours and from our point of view the church is just one more developer.
It became clear that the church wished to go far beyond the stated aim of solving their immediate financial problem caused by the expense of maintaining aging buildings like Gardner Hall. They are developers wishing to squeeze maximum profit from their tax free property. As this is touted as a social housing project, however, and therefore involves a public benefit, I will be supportive if it is reasonable in terms of site coverage, height, set back from Granite, and retention and enhancement of green space. These are requirements that the church’s development committee heard loud and clear from many. I asked them not to let us down and repeat it here.
We neighbours will pay a price in terms of traffic and congestion. The Abstract development at Foul Bay and Oak Bay has resulted in steady traffic, often of heavy and noisy service trucks, racing through our former quiet side street to avoid that corner. This has changed our lives. It is Oak Bay council’s duty to consider the impact on long term residents before approving any major development.
David Williams and Pat Swift
Oak Bay