A large subdivision for Quinsam Heights has passed a public hearing.
City council heard from the public on Wednesday (Nov. 30) on a plan to rezone 21 hectares (51 acres) of largely farmland around Elk River and Pinecrest Roads to allow homes with secondary suites, duplexes and townhouses.
The plan by two Campbell River residents calls for 270 units that would be built in four phases. The 270 units does not include the secondary suites in single family homes.
Peter Cowling, who lives on Elk River Timber Road, is concerned about his old growth trees and 80-year-old well.
“My well is only 19 meters from the construction site so if something was to disturb my well, contaminate it, stop the water supply, who’s going to look after that for me? How is that going to be protected?” Cowling asked.
Many supported the development saying Campbell River needs more housing.
Petersen Road resident Wendy Longland says traffic will need to be addressed.
“Our ditches are deep. We have nowhere to walk. Kids walking up Evergreen (Road) (to school), they’re climbing over snowbanks, they’re in the lane, and here we’re going to add another 380 homes up there with how many people driving cars?” Longland said.
The rezoning would include a condition that a left-hand turn lane from Evergreen Road to Elk River Road South be built once 100 units are constructed. The developer would also pay $2,000 toward a four-way stop at South McPhedran Road and Evergreen Road.
There are also rules in place to protect environmentally sensitive areas and a provision to set aside 5 per cent of the land for parks.
The rezoning still has to be passed by city council at a future meeting.
