Fall 2009 update

A 59-lot subdivision

The Trust Society has perceived that there has been some misunderstanding as to what has happened since the Owners of the Cape submitted their latest application for a 59-lot subdivision on June 4, 2009.

On October 29, 2009, the Municipality’s Chief Administrative Officer, Hendrick Slegtenhorst, granted approval for a Development Permit only, but did not immediately approve the subdivision plan itself. Extensive work by the Municipality and the Owners continued on the subdivision plan. This work took about 60% of Mr. Slegtenhorst’s time. NB: As of December 10, 2009 the subdivision plan has also been approved.

By the end of August, it became clear that an immense amount of work would be needed to bring this subdivision application into line with regulations and technical requirements. It is therefore the Trust Society’s opinion that this private application should have been turned down straight away.

Key Dates:

• June 4, 2009: 59-lot Subdivision application filed with Municipality.
• July/August 2009: Several extensions, over and above the stipulated 60-days to respond to the owner’s application, are granted by the Owners, due to various extenuating circumstances.
• August 28, 2009: CAO writes to the Owners advising them that the various issues raised in the 8 reports attached to his letter need to be addressed before favourable consideration of the subdivision plan and related elements is possible. (These excellent reports make very interesting reading. Also, the CAO cautions that he has not yet turned his mind to the question of the public interest.
• September 3, 2009: A public information meeting is held to enable the CAO to hear the public’s response to the 59-lot subdivision.
• October 29, 2009: Development Permit BM-06-2009 is issued by the Municipality. This, too, can be found as a PDF document on the municipal website. Again, this is not approval of the subdivision plan itself.
• November 9, 2009: Council appoints a Committee to assist Parks Canada (see next column). The Committee’s Terms of Reference are also approved and a Resolution passed for its Budget.
• November 20, 2009: Parks Canada staff visited Bowen Island for a tour. The Trust Society was told: how quickly Parks Canada comes here to do its review will be indicative of its degree of interest – and they have come quickly!
• Early 2010: Parks Canada will report the outcome of its November tour of Bowen to the appointed Committee.