Frants Attorp

As trustees prioritize affordable housing and call for volunteers to take part in a task force, have they forgotten they are up against market forces, the constraints of the Islands Trust Act and a never-ending press of humanity? It is important to note the current housing initiative is not just about securing accommodation for local workers. Housing advocates and Trustee Laura Patrick, in particular, are aiming for sweeping changes they believe will provide more “attractive and affordable housing” for the general population. In a recent article, Laura wrote: “We know that: Rental supply is dire, the cost of housing on the island is simply beyond the reach of a majority of islanders, that seniors and young families are particularly vulnerable to housing stress, and that too many people are reduced to living in travel trailers, accessory buildings and boats. The solution, of course, is to build a greater variety of homes, more affordable homes and with affordable, realisti…

With regard to the proposed Vortex development at the site of the former Fulford Inn (17 commercial guest accommodation units, a restaurant, and associated facilities), the public should be aware that the Local Trust Committee, in granting a variance to decrease septic setback distances from Soule Creek and Fulford Harbour, did not heed the recommendation of Trust staff. The staff report states: “Staff do not support this variance request and consider it to be contrary to Land Use Bylaw and OCP provisions for water quality protection.” Here is the rationale: “Adjacent to a fish-bearing stream. Adjacent to a sensitive estuarine ecosystem. Projected to be subject to climate change-induced flooding. Presence of recorded archaeological site.” Trust bylaw regulations require a minimum setback of 30 metres – a safety margin based on scientific research. The variance now allows a setback of just 10 metres from Soule Creek and 26 metres from the harbour. The CRD’s Coastal Sea …

A conditional groundwater licence (file 20006356/search number 500810) has been approved for a major housing complex on Park Drive near downtown Ganges. The licence, issued by the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, allows for the diversion of a maximum of 19 cubic metres of water per day. The groundwater diversion relates to a rezoning application currently before the Islands Trust. The proposal, by Eric Booth representing Salt Spring Ventures Inc., involves amenity zoning, meaning that there is a request for higher densities in exchange for a benefit to the community. A 3.28 acre parcel on Park Drive, which contains Swanson's Pond, was rezoned in the late 1980s allowing for 33 dwelling units. In 2013, the applicant submitted a rezoning application seeking 83 densities on the property. That application was rejected by the Trust, and the applicant was invited to submit “a revised application more in conformance with Official C…