More consultation ordered for Trout Creek development

Following a public hearing on a proposed Trout Creek development, council deferred consideration of giving third reading and directed staff to organize further public consultation.

A resolution to give third reading to the OCP and Zoning Amendment for 5418 Nixon Rd., which would allow a 22-lot residential subdivision was on Monday’s agenda.

The amendment would change the land use designation from agricultural to low density residential and to rezone the property from agricultural small acreage zone (A1) to residential medium lot zone (RSD1).

“This is not the area where densification makes sense. There is no later step. We must be vigilant at this stage,” resident Sharon Mansiere said.

A number of speakers wanted to know what safeguards, if any, existed to prevent what they consider to be negative aspects of the two other major developments in Trout Creek—Lighthouse Landing and Trout Creek Meadows.

In particular, residents were concerned about the developer being granted approval to increase the number of lots after adoption of the amendment, as has happened at Lighthouse Landing which is similar to Powell Beach Park.

Residents also expressed their concerns about the quality of required amenities at Lighthouse Landing and Trout Creek Meadows, a vegetative zone and sidewalk, respectively.

Comments included: “We don’t need another mess down here.” “It’s not in keeping with the neighbourhood.” “What about the neighbourhood plan?”

Several residents said there was a lack of information about the development.

Later, director of development services Dean Strachan told council that the standard process had been followed regarding signage at the property and public notification.

Coun. Janet Peake made the motion to defer consideration of third reading and to direct staff to organize further public consultation.

“Let’s make sure we get this right,” Coun. Doug Holmes said.