DocumentsCorrespondenceNov 1, 2021Page 49
Correspondence — Matt Rodgers (Submission re: Westhills CD3 amendments)
Resident letter urging Council to reject the zoning amendments and protect remaining parkland in Westhills.
Key facts
- Author: Matt Rodgers, 2711 Windman Lane
- Recommendation: choose Option 2 and reject the application to amend the CD3 zone
Correspondence — Matt Rodgers (Submission re: Westhills CD3 amendments)
Date
September 13, 2021
Sent via
SENT VIA EMAIL
To
City of Langford Mayor & Council
2nd Floor, 877 Goldstream Avenue
Langford, BC V9B 2X8
Letter
Dear Langford Mayor & Council:
I am writing to voice my concerns around proposed amendments to the CD3 (Comprehensive Development – Westhills) Zone, as outlined in the Staff Report provided for this evening’s Planning, Zoning, and Affordable Housing Committee’s meeting. Please include this letter as a submission in the agenda for consideration during tonight’s meeting.
My main concern is the proposed Parkland Dedication Agreement (PDA). First of all, I think the City needs to have a separate “Green Space” category in the PDA and not lump everything into an Open Space category. Including playing fields, trails, Streamside Protection Enhancement Areas, engineered fill slopes, public plazas, untouched greenspace, and a Park & Ride in the same Open Space category is unacceptable and diminishes the quality of actual green spaces. Actual green spaces provide habitat for wildlife and support healthy ecosystem functioning. Green spaces in Westhills act as habitat corridors to connect to surrounding green spaces such as Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park and Goldstream Provincial Park. Westhills residents deserve better natural spaces than a Park & Ride.
I strongly recommend that the City dedicate the remaining 30% of the 40% parkland dedication in Westhills before further development occurs. This will ensure this land is protected from development and doesn’t become a parking lot. Langford could opt to protect a swath of natural areas in Westhills that all residents could enjoy and that could include trails for families to explore and hike. A large undeveloped park space would help Langford become a world class City – Vancouver has Stanley Park; Victoria has Beacon Hill Park; what would Langford like to be known for?
Due to the concerns outlined above, I strongly encourage Mayor and Council to choose Option 2 and reject this application to amend the zoning of the CD3 (Comprehensive Development 3 – Westhills) Zone.
Sincerely,
Matt Rodgers
2711 Windman Lane