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Rezoning application may cause stir: Mayor

Land near Island View Beach in Central Saanich subject of redevelopment request

Land adjacent to Island View Beach that used to house a go-kart track is the subject of an upcoming rezoning application that Central Saanich Mayor Alastair Bryson says could cause quite a stir in the community.

An informational advisory was brought forward to council during last Tuesday night’s (July 2) special meeting of council regarding a rezoning request from the property owner at 3215 Island View Rd.

The piece of property fronts on to Island View Beach, to the right of the park entrance and used to house an old go-kart track. In recent years the low-lying land has sat untouched and the property owner, Michelle Koski, said it is the breeding ground for mosquitos which are a notorious problem in the area.

Koski is requesting the land (previously zoned commercial, now zoned A1 but not a part of the Agricultural Land Reserve) be rezoned to residential commercial and redeveloped into a mixed use area.

It could include a coffee shop or snack bar and a beach rental business.

“In our quick research it seems like there might be demand [in that area] for a place where people might get a cup of coffee or rent a paddleboard,” said Koski during Tuesday night’s meeting.

Council members and Mayor Alastair Bryson indicated they had concerns relating to the installation of a septic system in an area that’s as close to sea-level as the property in question. Bryson also cautioned the applicant that the idea of rezoning land adjacent to the park may have mixed reviews from community members.

“I think this is an application that’s going to cause quite a lot of discussion in the community,” he said.

Council voted to receive the application for information and will discuss the matter further at a later date.

The next meeting of council is scheduled for July 22.