Plans for a higher density housing development in North Saanich have been sent to the Capital Regional District for consideration.
Prior to Monday’s committee of the whole meeting, council was presented a new, amended set of documents on the project from applicant Gary Lunn, which Mayor Alice Finall said didn’t give the council and staff enough time to review them.
“Staff simply didn’t have enough time to consider the plans,” Finall said. “This is a very dramatic change in density and we need to make sure we’re taking the right steps in the process.”
Coun. Elsie McMurphy shared the same concerns.
“The set of documents we have is very incomplete,” she said. “The suggested amendments here, I don’t know what implications they have on the bylaw.”
Lunn was keen on getting the project moving, stressing that he hopes to see the project at 9395 East Saanich Rd. completed in 18 to 24 months.
“Our ultimate goal is to deliver affordable housing for young families in this community,” Lunn said.
“We need to get this process started. There is still a public hearing and this is literally the initial steps. Changes can be made. I’m encouraging council that unless we get this thing going, it’s literally going to delay this much, much longer.”
Councillors were concerned about two design options for the development, which either featured laneways through the development or driveways facing onto Canora Road and cul-de-sacs from Canora and East Saanich roads.
As a result of the discussions and concern relating to the design, council moved to send the report to the CRD for review and comment. It will be considered at the next council meeting on July 16.
North Saanich council is also considering an official community plan review which would encompass consideration of new sewers in the same area if the project were to be approved.
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