A 250-acre area of forest and DIY walking and biking trails that butts up against the Millennium Park trail system and stretches all the way to the Cranberry neighbourhood is known as the Benchlands site.
Couverdon Real Estate, an arm of Mosaic Forest Management, is exploring development possibilities for the swath of land, and held an open house on Wednesday, October 25, at Powell River Recreation Complex. The real estate company presented data and feedback it received from a public engagement process that took place in April 2023.
“The plan that’s been drafted is based on technical reviews and the community’s feedback,” stated Ross McKeever, director, real estate development for Couverdon, in a media release.
The Cedar Room was filled with curious residents who looked at drawings and renditions presented, with explanations given by Couverdon team members, who were present at the event. One concern voiced to the Peak at the open house was regarding bike and pedestrian safety.
“I used to ride the pole line and felt safe, except for cougars and bears,” said Chris Olson, who runs BC Event Makers in qathet. “I can see that safety being gone with the development they have proposed; just connecting the infrastructure that already exists does not create safety.”
Jeff Steiger and Mitch Lanctot are neighbours and spoke with the Peak about their concerns regarding the impact such a big development might have on the forest and trails they currently use.
“We live right on the border, near the pole line and use the trails nearby,” said Steiger. “It’s nice to have that green space in our backyard.”
Both residents said they are all for housing, but that people need space, too.
“To potentially have houses right behind us, the density is huge and the impact will be huge,” said Lanctot.
The pair wonder who will buy the housing and if it will be affordable.
“This project is still in its early planning stages,” said McKeever in an email to the Peak. “Couverdon will be starting the official application process with the City of Powell River later this year. It will require amendments to the Official Community Plan and zoning bylaws.
“We understand that this is a significant parcel of land in the community, and we heard from the public in April that trail connections and enhanced green spaces to encourage active living are important priorities.”
Another priority McKeever acknowledged was to include diverse housing options, meaning townhouses and condominiums, and not just single-family homes.
“We want to create a plan that can deliver a range of housing options, which requires extensive review and consideration of a wide spectrum of data, including the city’s housing needs assessment,” added McKeever. “There is no set start date. This is a long-term project that could take many years to move forward, if it is approved.”
Information and renditions presented at the open house can be seen online at powellriverbenchlands.com. The comment form (survey) will be live until Friday, November 10.
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