While reading the Goldstream Gazette, I came across an article about a new development in Langford. The municipality plans to build 2819 residential houses, 450 senior units, 700, 000 ft2 of commercial business space and 32, 000 ft2 of institutional space, all at the base of Skirt Mountain. They are labelling this as a `sustainable community`. All buildings will be done to LEED-NC standard and 40% of the space will be dedicated as green space such as parks. There will also be an ecological interpretation centre and an attempt to restore the wetlands will be made.
As with the principles of community participation, all the necessary, superficial information was given at an open house, with more visual concepts rather than verbal. Also, a proposed budget of 1.7 BILLION dollars was mentioned. OK, what ? Honestly? 1.7 billion dollars? Granted, some of the funding they say will go towards the ecological restoration of Skirt Mountain, which I see as being pretty fair since the development will destroy it.

With all the new housing projects going up, this one does aim to preserve 50% of the natural ecosystem, as they aim to build within the existing environment, not tear it down and start over. One of the main reasons that this project is even being proposed in that Langford is responsible for providing the new housing with the growing population in the Capital District, it's actually a mandate. There was little objection to go ahead with it at the preliminary planning committee meeting and the builders are not required to build any low income homes either.

Because this is a "green space" the property owners are not required to contribute to the ALR fund.

Members of the existing community are not very pleased; however, their voices aren't being heard. Because it's private property, they have no say as to whether the owners decide to build or not. The new homes will be near or next to Florence Lake, blocking the view. Others would like to see the property designated as a conserved ecosystem area.

Hopefull, in 20 years when this huge project is finished, the people liging there will be involved in any decisions and want to prevent the land fomr expanding and conserve more of the naturally occuring ecosystems there.