The Juan de Fuca forest lands are threatened by a sprawling mega-development. Marine Trail Holdings has submitted a rezoning application to build a 260 unit timeshare resort right next to the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail.
If this proposed resort is built it means 20 years of development in the heart of BC's third most popular provincial park. It means acres of sprawl alongside an awe-inspiring hiking trail that gives people access to our spectacular west coast. It also means habitat fragmentation for the region's bears, cougars and elk.
Thought the majority of residents in the Capital Regional District oppose this project, and the entire CRD board of directors has recognized the numerous issues with the project, including the fact it is a much larger development then allowed by the regional growth strategy.
The Capital Regional District is at a crossroads in managing its growth.
One path will bring luxury subdivisions and multi million dollar vacation homes to our coast. The other could create an environmentally healthy and socially equitable region that would protect its natural resources for future generations.
The CRD board has the authority to say no to bylaws 3755 and 3783 and to declare a moratorium on urban sprawl and to set a course that would make Southern Vancouver Island the most resilient and sustainable place in the world.
Ten Issues with the proposal, and the by-law amendment
1) The application contradicts the Regional Growth Strategy, the Official Community Plan and local zoning bylaws.
2) There are significant grounds for concern that the “vacation homes” will be turned into year round residences in an un-serviced area.
3) Road building, tree clearing, extensive construction work and the introduction of septic systems will impact the ecosystem of the Juan de Fuca Marine park.
4) Thousands of people from community organizations, unions, environmental groups, local businesses and 94% of the people surveyed from the JdF have spoken against this proposal.
5) Existing communities in the JdF already struggle to access drinking water and there is a major concern that servicing these homes will become an expensive liability for the CRD.
6) The area lacks fire and emergency services. Again, the eventual provisioning of these services will come at public expense.
7) Every land use decision sets a precedent that future proposals are measured by. If approved, this application would set the stage for more urban sprawl on our coast.
8) Sprawling subdivisions lend themselves to the creation of a big box store economy that would hurt small businesses and syphon resources out of the community.
9) Sprawling subdivisions do not provide any affordable housing options and they pull resources away from important social programs in population centers such as Port Renfrew and Sooke.
10) Eco-tourism opportunities for families in Port Renfrew and Jordan River may be lost if their surroundings are bulldozed for reckless development.