Times Colonist: Langford councillors advance development plan for forest, despite residents’ dismay
About 200 residents of Langford crammed the municipal council meeting space Monday to object to a 450-home development in south Langford.
Residents object to seeing Ridley Bros. Development Ltd., turn about 70 acres of forest at 950 Worrall Dr. and 804 Latoria Rd. into a mix of small-lot family homes, townhouses, a school and a community centre.
Residents noted the proposal will drastically alter the nature of south Langford, now dominated by large rural-style, residential lots and open spaces…
Fact Check: Do we have to choose between affordable housing and greenspace?
No. When a developer makes a request to the City to develop land, the Council can ask them to contribute in different ways:
- That the developer provide cash to the City ‘amenity fund’, and…
- That the developer create affordable housing units, and…
- That the developer set aside land for parks and open space, as determined by Council “on a case by case basis.”
(The full policy is available here from the City)
If you’re in support of a forested park in South Langford, you aren’t against the developer making a contribution to the amenity fund, or against the creation of affordable housing.
Just like us, you just want the Planning and Zoning Committee and City Council to also make the developer set aside land for parks and open space, in addition to any other contributions they make.
As Mayor Young says himself, “You buy an affordable house in Langford and you need to have access to trails and the same stuff we do everywhere.” We can all benefit from a new forested park in South Langford.
Neighbourhood Meeting – 4pm, Saturday, July 6
Come to a neighbourhood meeting at Forester’s Restaurant (at the Olympic View Golf Course) at 4pm, July 6th. We’ll share information and ideas in advance of the July 8th Rezoning meeting at City Hall.