qathet Regional District directors have approved a three-lot subdivision for Roberts Road that has lot sizes smaller than suggested by regional district policy.
At the July 26 regional board meeting, directors considered the subdivision application, which proposed dividing the property at 1956 Roberts Road into three lots of 1.11 hectares, 1.13 hectares and 1.90 acres, subject to water and septic servicing that meets provincial standards, and a covenant that restricts development in areas identified as potential slope hazard.
Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne said there is an official community plan that has been developed with extensive public consultation. He said the staff report regarding the application stated that the applicant’s proposal does not meet the minimum 1.4-hectare lot size recommendations in the bylaw, as two of the proposed lots measure 0.3 hectares less than the recommended minimum parcel size. He said the existing parcel measures 4.17 hectares and the owner could only meet the average parcel size recommendations if they proposed two lots at 2.8 hectares, rather than three.
“That, I cannot support, because the application is inconsistent with the policies of the official community plan (OCP),” said Gisborne. “My concern is that if we do support subdivisions that are inconsistent with OCP policy, when we go to do public engagement for updating our OCP, how will that impact public participation? Will they actually feel like their voices have been heard if we’re not adhering to the existing policies.”
Electoral Area D director Sandy McCormick said she supported the recommendation.
“Yes, the lots are technically slightly smaller than what is in the OCP, but we are also facing a housing crisis,” said McCormick. “It didn’t exist at the time these OCPs were written. The more we hear from people who get into the market, the more I believe that some of these policies are really outdated and need to be revised.
“I have no problem supporting this recommendation. We need to go for smaller lot sizes, for more affordable properties, and encourage more people to be able to get a piece of that dream.”
Electoral Area C director and board chair Clay Brander said he was also in support. He said he appreciated the comments of Gisborne and McCormick. He said there is a need for housing and staff has taken the time to make sure it doesn’t change the feel of the neighbourhood.
“Many properties around there are of similar size,” said Brander. “It’s not going to be a drastic change. I see the benefits outweighing the shortcomings.”
The regional board approved the subdivision with conditions, with Gisborne opposed.
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