qathet Regional District’s (qRD) planning committee defeated a motion that it recommend to the regional board that the board give third reading and final adoption to a zoning bylaw for Krompocker Road in Electoral Area A.
At the April 3 planning committee meeting, Area A director Jason Lennox, Area B director Mark Gisborne and Area D director Sandy McCormick were opposed to the motion that bylaw’s third reading and adoption be recommended to the board. Area C director Clay Brander voted in favour of the motion.
Lennox, who chairs the planning committee, spoke to the first motion, which was that the committee recommend to the board that the board accept the public hearing report for the Krompocker Road zoning bylaw. He said the report was an accurate representation of the public hearing. The motion carried unanimously.
The committee then considered a recommendation that it recommend that the board endorse a proposed minor amendment to the Krompocker Road zoning bylaw to revise the definition of agriculture to ensure accurate reference to current provincial agricultural land reserve use regulation. The motion carried unanimously.
The committee then dealt with recommending the regional board give third reading and adoption to the zoning bylaw.
Lennox said he was deeply involved because it was in his electoral area. He said he was going to vote in opposition to the recommendation.
“That might surprise a few people,” said Lennox. “I’ve inherited this zoning application and the process as I took on the role, and I had to learn about the process, understanding the proponents and the opponents and all the factors.
“I’ve reminded myself to keep an open mind as these elements have occurred.”
Lennox said the two public engagement sessions and many discussions and emails have helped him to make his decision. He said half the people are okay with the bylaw and the other people, not so much.
“I do respect and empathize with property owners on Krompocker Road,” said Lennox. “They are speaking up for what they believe and what they care about, and that’s life on Krompocker Road.”
Lennox said deciding on rural mixed land use designation is what is being discussed and area residents recently in a land use survey were clear that they understood the reasons behind it and didn’t desire any increased regulations in the area. He said approximately half of the property owners expressed this desire.
Lennox said he supported the balance and the ability for residents to do what they need to do with their land.
“There wasn’t an overwhelming approval for the changes that I got feedback on,” said Lennox. “It was a split. We need housing creativity, solutions and flexibility. The proposed changes are significant.
“I’m trying to think ahead and I want to give people as many options as possible because they are hurting out there. I’m not going to raise my hand unless there is an overwhelming priority to do so.”
McCormick said it behooves the committee to listen to the area director because each director is responsible for being the mouthpiece for their electoral area.
“I’m very swayed by what you’ve had to say, director Lennox,” said McCormick.
Brander said he appreciated Lennox’s comments and the comments made at the public hearing.
“I understand it is not an overwhelming majority that has voted for this neighbourhood zoning bylaw but I see no reason to vote against it,” added Brander. “The majority of the people in the neighbourhood would like it and I have no reason to vote against their request.”
Lennox said he has lost sleep over the zoning bylaw and has learned that he is not going to please everybody.
“It’s a contentious issue in the neighbourhood,” said Lennox. “In this case, I can’t support the motion as it stands.”
The motion was defeated three votes to one.
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