I think the LAP is the very best balance the Cadboro Bay community can hope for. It does strike a balance between preserving the best low density features of our area while recognizing that there is a need for a denser village centre opening the way for some controlled high quality multi family development, more pedestrian plazas and more vibrant businesses.
These days, cities are rezoning entire neighbourhoods for high rise condos and townhouses against the wishes of long time residents – not a good thing. It’s vogue to decry “Nimbyism” these days.
We have to move at least somewhat with the times otherwise Cadboro Bay will be a convenient target for politicians who will then force their insensitive high rise plans on a resistent commnunity. We see this already at Cordova Bay where Saanich Council rejected the low rise “unambitious” local plan advanced by their local association. The result is a too quiet, low rise village with bland architecture with the occasional new higher density structure slipped in without much planning or a charming design. We need to plan for these density pressures in the centre of our community so we do get an elegant result not high density blandness. Think of a European village centre with piazzas, fountains, cafes and well designed four story buildings.
The Cadboro Bay plan preserves the large lot estate like character of Ten Mile Point/Queenswood while increasing the vibrancy and character of our lovely village area. I have lived in this area for decades and commute between here and Vancouver. It’s a great balance.
Cadboro Bay Resident
“while recognizing that there is a need for a denser village centre”
Why do we need a denser village center?
“opening the way for some controlled high quality multi family development,”
How does a unit smaller than a “single family home” suddenly become a “multi family development”?
Obviously that means a reduction in Green space, less natural life and increasing density, which means worse traffic, smog and health problems, which are statistically tied to increasing density.
“more pedestrian plazas and more vibrant businesses.”
Why do we need more businesses and more of everything, except more of the already existing natural environment?
“We have to move at least somewhat with the times otherwise Cadboro Bay will be a convenient target for politicians who will then force their insensitive high rise plans on a resistent commnunity.”
With all due respect, this is doublethink. We need to densify in order to stop politicians from forcing us to densify.
In my opinion it is being a small village, which makes Cadboro Bay great, not becoming an overcrowded town where everyone is at each other’s throats fighting over dogs on the beach.
Our differences are only of a small defree honestly. I am actually thrilled you are running for city council. You have my vote. Good luck standing up to the Province as they try to force through big ugly housing projects. Saanich Council we too pro development in its last iteration so some sanity is needed.