by Roger Stonebanks, citizen journalist

Plans for a major housing development in Cordova Bay are being opposed in their current form by the local community association.

“The proposed Aragon development represents a high concentration of residential units, with a property density 3-4 times greater than the adjacent Sayward Hill,” the Cordova Bay Association for Community Affairs (CBA) has told the District of Saanich in two reports outlining community concerns:REPORT on KEY ISSUES & CONCERNS, and The Upgrades to Fowler Road in conjunction with the Aragon development.

The development would … further aggravate existing traffic issues in the immediate vicinity of the development location ~ CBA

The CBA added, “Such a high concentration of residential property will have a significant impact across a wide range of services and amenities in the area. The development would exceed the capacity of the existing sewage system and further aggravate existing traffic issues in the immediate vicinity of the development location.”

However, while the association does not support the application as presented, it said it does support a residential development. The objections to the present proposal are because of unit density, lack of details about volumes and traffic movement, timing of improvements to Cordova Bay Road and Fowler Road and “finally the proposed development is inwardly focused.”

We will continue to work with the CBA and all of our neighbours and the District of Saanich to come to an understanding ~ Aragon Properties

David Roppel, director of planning and development at Aragon, told SVO: “We have read the Cordova Bay Association’s comments in detail and we have met with the CBA many times. We will continue to work with the CBA and all of our neighbours and the District of Saanich to come to an understanding on the best path forward for this project. We are committed to our community building efforts in the District.”

Aragon Properties applied last year for rezoning and other approvals from Saanich for 385 dwelling units in condos, apartments, townhouses and houses on the former Trio site at Cordova Bay Road and Fowler Road. The proposal is being processed by Saanich staff has not reached Saanich council.

Note: earlier SVO stories about this proposed development:
Rezoning Submitted for Major Cordova Bay Housing (Oct. 6, 2015)
Major Development Downsized (Aug. 1, 2015)

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