Press Release from CSLSD
73-acre parcel of forest to be rezoned at July 8th hearing
Langford, BC (July 2, 2019) —
South Langford residents concerned about rezoning, ask City to consider new park
South Langford residents were alarmed last week when they found out that a massive parcel of land in the heart of their community is the subject of a rezoning application. For decades, the forests, creeks and cliffs of 950 Worrall Drive and 804 Latoria Rd. have been a ‘community treasure’ in the heart of a region that has seen rapid development. Much of this land consists of Coastal Douglas Fir, which the CRD calls “among the most imperiled coastal ecosystems.” It also hosts rare Garry Oak meadows and is home to endangered species, including the northern pygmy owl and sharp-tailed snake.
While full details won’t be released by the City until Friday, the notice delivered to residents proposes a zoning category that would allow up to 400 homes to be built on this otherwise undeveloped land. In addition to the loss of greenspace, this development – one of the largest in the region – would put additional pressure on local roads and services.
At the rezoning meeting, a neighbourhood group (The Citizens of South Langford for Sustainable Development) will ask the City to consider working towards the creation of a forested park, in line with the City’s own Official Community Plan. It is also urging the City to require the developer to hold a public consultation, prior to a final rezoning decision.
The CSLSD is encouraging all members of the public to become involved in the process, by attending the rezoning committee meeting on (5:30pm, July 8th , City Hall Council Chambers) and learning more at their website, www.cslsd.ca
