Correspondence — Kevin Johal (Zoning Amendment Z21-0020)

Correspondence — Kevin Johal (Zoning Amendment Z21-0020)

From

Kevin Johal

Sent

September 13, 2021 10:52 AM

To

Langford Planning General Mailbox

Subject

Zoning Amendment Z21-0020

To whom it may concern,

I am a resident of Westhills and I am writing in objection to the Zoning Amendment Z21‐0020. I object to the zoning amendment for the following reasons:

1. The lack of green space in Westhills

Currently there is a lack of green space in the Westhills area of Langford. Adding housing more, particularly in the subject property that is east of Mount Wells Regional Park will greatly reduce the little forested area remaining in this area. Currently every conceivable plot of land in the Western Communities is being converted to a housing subdivision. I would like to see this green space set aside. Studies have shown that community forests provide numerous environmental, social, and economic benefits.

Forested areas reduce air pollution, reduce temperatures in the summer of urban areas and protect biodiversity and wildlife. Urban forests store water, reduce stormwater runoff, and prevent land erosion (Berland, 2017; Bartens, Day, Harris, Dove, & Wynne, 2008). Studies have shown that urban forests reduce the effects of climate change in urban areas by providing a cooling effect while also helping cities and towns adapt to climate change (Sinnett, 2018; Wang & Akbarib, 2016; Livesley, McPherson, & Calfapietra, 2016). They further reduce air pollution and filter C02 out of our atmosphere (Nowak, Hirabayashi, Doyle, McGovern & Pasher, 2018). With the continual weight of climate change bearing down on us, we need to preserve these areas in our local community for our children. Not only that, they provide a habitat for wildlife and preserve biodiversity (Sandström, Angelstam, & Mikusiński, 2006). They reduce interactions between people and animals, keeping both parties safe.

Urban forests provide health benefits to members in the community as they promote mental well‐being and reduce stress, heart rate, blood pressure (Kardan et al., 2015). They reduce instances of obesity and asthma (Ulmer et al., 2016), and have been shown to reduce instances of crime and violence (Sandström, Angelstam, & Mikusiński, 2006), while creating a sense of community. I would like my children to grow up in a healthy and vibrant community where they can enjoy the forested areas and nature.

Finally, urban forests provide economic benefits to those of use to live around them. They have been demonstrated to add value of between $1.88 and $12.70 for every dollar spent on maintaining them (Alexander & McDonald, 2014), as well as increase property values of the people in the area (Escobedo, Adams, & Timilsina, 2015).

2. Lack of infrastructure in Westhills

There is currently a lack of infrastructure in Westhills to handle the current occupants of this area, let alone the new housing already under construction off Irwin Road and Langford Parkway. Our roadways are already crowded and at capacity. Adding additional housing beyond what is planned will only exacerbate the problem. Traffic in and out of the neighbourhood is already terrible. This will worsen with additional housing in the area.

While I appreciate the need for affordable housing, I ask that the committee please reconsider the area in which it is planned.

Sincerely,
Kevin Johal

3007 Dornier Road, Victoria BC, V9B 0N1