Times Colonist: Comment: Why is Langford council so camera-shy?
A commentary by the chair of Grumpy Taxpayer$ of Greater Victoria, a non-profit, non-partisan unaffiliated advocacy group dedicated to lower taxes, less waste, and more accountable municipal government.
Why is Langford council so camera-shy? What the heck really goes on in Langford council chambers?
Unless residents beat the rush-hour traffic home from work or school, leave their kids or pet home alone, or forego supper to make a 5:30 p.m. council meeting, residents never know exactly what goes on in its hallowed chambers…
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…
Goldstream Gazette: Proposal moving forward for 73-acre land parcel development in Langford
Nearly 200 people made their way to Langford City Hall Monday night to voice their concerns and oppose a 73-acre development in South Langford.
Ridley Bros. Development Ltd. has applied to rezone forested lands bordering 804 Latoria Rd. and 950 Worrall Dr. to allow for a 450-home development. It would be a mix of single-family homes on small lots, townhouses, recreational amenities, a community facility and a potential school site.
At Monday’s planning, zoning and affordable housing committee meeting, committee voted to bring the development proposal to council with the amendments that 30 per cent of the land — as opposed to the standard 25 per cent — be designated green space and that the developer is to have another public consultation before going to council…
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.
