March 2004 General Meeting Minutes
In
Attendance: Manley
Lafoy, Chair
Helen
Sims, Susan Norgaard,
John Laughland,
Egon Kuhn, Mike Gallo
Bob
Taylor, Adele McKillop
Glenn
McCurrrie, Blair Milligan
Councillor
Anton Kruyt, Town of Qualicum Beach
Dave
Bartram, Area H Director, RDN
Pauline
Bibby, Area E Director, RDN
Susan
Norgaard took notes of the meeting in the recording secretary’s absence.
“OCEANSIDE UPDATE”
Councillor
Marc Lefebvre, City of Parksville
·
Development trends:
o
Concerns about the size of homes
under construction
o
Concerns that building of single
family homes does not cover capital costs
o
Need for more town homes
·
Zoning amendments approved for the
Island Hall waterfront development, which will be constructed in phases over
several years.
·
Provincial grant from the Province
for the Alberni Highway has been approved.
·
Down Zoning – the current
building market is affecting Parksville and current land available is becoming
scarce for building lots. As a
result, people are down zoning high density to create single family lots.
·
The Wosk property, which is
currently in the ALR is under discussion for incorporation into the City of
Parksville. Water will be a
consideration.
·
Building volume:
o
2003 - 44 permits approved worth $5,000,000, to date
o
2004 – 54 permits approved worth
$3,000,000, to date
o
shortfall of $2,000,000 in revenue
·
In view of the high volume, the
City is considering hiring additional staff for the Engineering dept.
·
A number of developers are looking
for land, but the Wal-Mart application is only a rumour.
·
Staff has indicated to him that
larger projects do not take more time than smaller projects to process.
·
Currently the City is working on a
budget for 2004 – 2008, which involves approximately 1.8 million for roads and
upgrades per year.
·
The City is falling behind with
infrastructure due to money shortage. The
City needs to focus on a renewal program.
·
Engineering Standard bylaw changes
have been made as a result of ODCA assistance.
·
Invited input from the ODCA
regarding the 20-year plan by April of 2004.
·
As of March 10, 2004:
o
6 zoning issues
o
19 development projects
o
13 subdivision projects
·
Triple H’s resort project will
be a boost to the local economy.
Blair
Milligan, Parksville Chamber of Commerce
·
There is a need to define
realistic downtown development.
·
The upgrades to the Alberni
Highway will have an effect on downtown businesses. An entrance sign is to be constructed by Dan Zawaski at a
cost of $25,000. Donations will be
needed to assist with the cost and Thrifty Foods have offered to match donations
up to $10,000.
·
The Parksville Chamber is in
support of the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Interpretive Centre.
·
The Parksville Chamber is in
support of the Cathredral Grove Parking Lot construction.
·
A Parksville street market is
planned for July and August, every Tuesday evening to include local artists,
music, food and local produce.
·
Stressed the importance for the
collaboration of all organizations in Parksville and Qualicum to promote and
complete projects of common interest.
·
Presented a handout of the
Parksville Chamber’s mission statement for the future of Parksville.
Councillor
Anton Kruyt, Town of Qualicum Beach
·
Qualicum has been awarded a 1.4
million grant to complete the Laburnam Ring Road.
·
Concerns for “no growth” in
Qualicum Beach
·
The construction of Quality Foods
in Qualicum Beach has had a positive impact on the town.
·
Very few building permits issued
in Qualicum Beach
·
Chartwell Resident’s Association
have requested incorporation into the Town of Qualicum Beach.
If the town votes for a referendum to be held, it may hinder the golf
course expansion and delay the collection of
2004 taxes.
·
Modifications to DCC’s are being
discussed and will have to go through the proper process for the designation.
Wendy
Maurer, Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce
·
A Quality of Life Survey is being
created by professionals in preparation for the OCP review.
This survey is created on a recurring basis every 7 years.
·
An OCP review process is critical
and the Chamber wants to participate in the review and invited a member of the
ODCA to assist in the recommendations. The
review would also be via public meetings.
·
Qualicum Beach has cut DCC’s for
the airport and light industrial.
·
More detailed planning is required
for economic development in Qualicum Beach in order for future businesses and
existing businesses to be successful.
·
The Chamber continues to support
Qualicum Beach businesses in their desire to work more closely as a cohesive
group, not just retailers.
·
Future parking in the downtown is
a concern.
·
The Chamber will keep the ball
rolling and continue to be the voice of business to government and actively
promote regional cooperation.
David
Bartram, Area H Director, RDN
·
Discussed sustainability and the
continued demands on infrastructure.
·
Need to address cooperation with
the Growth Management Strategy.
·
Application made on March 12, 2004
by Land and Water BC for four 18 hole championship golf courses and two
clubhouses with approximately 2,500 tourist accommodation and residential units
including a resort hotel and homes. If
it is approved it would generate many jobs.
Check RDN’s website for information.
·
Encouraged attendance at the
Sustainability Workshop on April 3rd. as the workshop will affect
future economic prosperity.
·
There will be a Drinking Water
Protection Workshop on May 8, 2004.
·
From July 1st to the 4th,
the Lighthouse Business Country Association is sponsoring a function involving
artists, musicians and craftspeople and invited members to attend.
Pauline
Bibby, Area E Director, RDN
·
There is a high demand for
single-family housing.
·
Large increase in population in
the Fairwinds area.
·
Concerns that some long-term
waterfront residents may find it difficult to keep up to the increase in taxes.
·
Surprising results from a survey,
revealed than there is a need for moderately priced housing in Area E for not
only seniors, but young families as well.
·
Additional staff has been hired
due to the building activity in the RDN.
·
The OCP review process for Nanoose
Bay can be followed on the RDN website link.
·
Discussed development of the Red
Gap and looking at senior housing close by.
·
There is a need for change to
existing septic systems for reasons that relate to community health.
The RDN is reviewing the need for double flush systems and other options
to conserve water.
Lou
Biggeman, Area F Director, RDN was
unable to attend due to a person injury.
Discussion followed
John Laughland noted that there
should be more consideration given to living and working in the same area and
suggested developing more retail and living space in downtown cores.
Michelle Jones asked Councillor
Lefebvre when the Alberni Highway project would be started as a result of
receiving the government grant? Councillor
Lefebvre stated that the City hoped that the project would be started this fall.
Manley LaFoy thanked everyone for
their presentations and expressed that it is important for everyone in the
Oceanside area to work together.