Protecting the Blenkinsop Valley

Blenkinsop subdivision plans shot down

By Keith Vass - Saanich News, July 15, 2009

Saanich council has said 'no' to a subdivision plan that some feared would be the thin end of the wedge for development in the Blenkinsop Valley.

The application would have seen a 7,000 square metre tree-covered property at 4590 Lochside Dr., which currently has a single house on it, carved up into six building lots with a central road access.

"I think this is an important message from council about the importance of agricultural land and protecting the integrity of agricultural land," said Coun. Dean Murdock, who introduced the motion to reject the subdivision.

While the land in question has never been farmed, Murdock argued it provides a buffer between "residential urban densification" and the Blenkinsop's farmland. "It's an area that's being used as a sort of natural water filtration," he said, adding there were traffic concerns as well.

Developer Limona Properties also offered to widen sections of Lochside Drive, add parking for Lochside school, and provide sewer connections as well as sidewalks and landscaping all in exchange for rezoning the propety from agricultural to residential.

Murdock's motion to reject the application carried by a vote of six to two, with councillors Leif Wergeland and Paul Gerrard opposed.

Wergeland said he thought the subdivision was appropriate for the area.

"Would a development there impact agriculture? No. Is the land there agricultural land? It's not. If somebody was to clearcut that and use it for agriculture would the neighbours be happier? I don't think so," he said.

Neighbouring developments have had no detrimental effect on agricultural land, he argued.

Mayor Frank Leonard rejected the idea that the future of farmland in the valley was somehow tied up with the subdivision bid. Though he voted to reject this application, he said he may support a different proposal to build on the property if one comes forward.

He noted the property has been approved as a possible development site since 1984.

"Six single family homes -- while the homes themselves were going to be built (to) an environmental standard beyond reproach -- it just seemed to be a standard subdivision otherwise," he said.

"If there was going to be anything there, it would have to be something that was unique and compelling. This just didn't seem compelling."