Quinsam Heights Estate Designation

Quinsam Heights

• What does the “Estate” designation mean?

  This designation is a policy that says subdivision should result in average lot sizes of 1 acre or larger, and limits the types of development that would be supported.  If properties within this designation are already less than 1 acre it means the City does not support subdividing any further.  However for many parcels this conflicts with the zoning, which has generated confusion in the past.  The intent of the policy was to recognize the semi-rural character and provide for larger lot subdivisions.
  
  Estate Designation Information - Page 68 of the SOCP

• Why is the City considering this change?

  The City is in the process re-evaluating and updating its housing policies, which mostly date from 2012 when the OCP was adopted. Part of that process is to consider how to make best use of the land available to continue to provide new housing options for current and future residents as the City continues to grow. Given significant rises in property and rental prices and availability in recent years, Council is interested in whether it’s time for the policy designation to be changed, to set the stage for owners and developers to submit proposals for appropriate infill development.

• What would happen if the “Estate” designation is replaced with the “Neighbourhood” designation?

  To subdivide or rezone a property, an owner must make an application to the City. This will not change if the Estate designation is removed – it simply affects how the City will assess those proposals. Rezoning almost always requires a public hearing where neighbours can provide input. Where zoning already exists a Development Permit is often required and a Building Permit is always required. Currently, any subdivision proposals for small lots within the “Estate” designation is likely to be turned down. Replacing that designation with the “Neighbourhood” designation means that these types application will be assessed on their merits, including consideration of things like stormwater drainage and road capacity, without an immediate presumption that they should be denied.
  
  Neighbourhood Designation Information: Page 65-67 of the SOCP

• Will this change affect the zoning of my property?

  No. This is a policy-level change and no parcel zonings will be affected. Any future proposals for zoning changes, whether initiated by the City or by landowners/developers will have a separate process, involving neighbour notification, a public hearing, and potentially additional public consultation.

• How can I have my say?

  
  

  1. Request to join an online Zoom Workshop on Tuesday August 25

  Interested residents are invited to register for one of three identical online workshops scheduled for Tuesday August 25 via the videoconferencing platform Zoom.  Given the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on in person meetings, the City is looking to complete community engagement using virtual video platforms to gather resident input prior to the public hearing.   Space is limited to 12 participants per workshop and workshops will be held at 10am, 1pm and 7pm. 
  
  See the request form at the bottom of this page for more details and to register your interest in participating. 
  
  Due to limits on numbers we cannot guarantee that a place on your preferred workshop time will be available.  Spaces are limited to 1 person per household and will be allocated on a first-come first-serve basis.

  2. Complete the workbook and email to the City

  The workshops will be a guided discussion to complete a short workbook.  Even if you cannot attend the online workshops, you can still provide email comments to us. You may also download a workbook to complete either electronically or manually and return to the City to policy@campbellriver.ca by no later than 9am on Friday August 28. 
  
  (Hard copies dropped off at City Hall mailbox will also be accepted)

  Downloadable and electronically-fillable workbook.

  3. Attend the public hearing

  Moving forward with this OCP amendment still requires a formal public hearing.  This will be scheduled in September and may be online or in-person, depending on the status of the City’s COVID-19 precautions.  Completed workbooks, workshop summaries, and any other feedback will be presented to Council for the public hearing, and any interested party may address Council at the public hearing.  This will be advertised in once scheduled.