Donation of Land for
Housing One Step Closer
submitted by ISLA -
Islanders' Secure Land Association
On July 9 there will be a Public Hearing for two bylaws that will bring the proposed donation of land to ISLA for community housing one step closer to becoming a reality. The Hornby Island Local Trust Committee will be conducting a public hearing for bylaws 128 and 129 which would amend the Official Community Plan and Land Use Bylaw to enable a new configuration of subdivision of land owned by Bernhard and Christa Weiss. Bernhard and Christa are offering to donate a significant portion of this land for community housing.
It is our understanding that, under normal zoning requirements, approximately 30 acres of land could be subdivided into three rural residential lots (minimum size of approx. 10 acres) each with two permitted houses totalling 6 dwelling units. Under the proposed bylaws, up to four smaller lots (minimum size of approx. two-and-a-half acres) could be created, each with 1 permitted house, totalling 4 dwelling units. The balance of the land would have to be donated to an appropriate organization for the purpose of community housing.
If these bylaws are passed, the owners would then have to apply for subdivision. The actual number and size of the lots that may be created will depend upon the application of health requirements and other regulations.
The eventual number of dwelling units that may be placed on the land to be donated for community housing will not be spelled out in the bylaws being subject to public hearing this month. If ISLA is the recipient of the donated land, our organization would have to apply for a zoning amendment to state the actual permitted use of the land. Such an amendment would be subject toa Public Hearing.
In developing such an application, ISLA is committed to thorough community consultation. We have already made contact with immediate neighbours to let them know that their input will be sought at every stage of planning. Detailed planning cannot begin until the size and configuration of the lot to be donated has been determined, any requirements of the donors are known and an assessment of the land has been carried out. ISLA is committed to steward the health of the natural environment and to use land in an ecologically-sound and sustainable way.
ISLA is becoming increasingly aware of the housing crisis on Hornby. This is already being translated into a shortage of labour on the Island. There are some long-term residents who are barely hanging on. While, on the one hand, there is an urgency to provide housing solutions, on the other hand, the use of this wonderful donation of land will have to be planned with care, consideration and consultation. To this end, ISLA welcomes input and involvement by community members. There will be a lot of work to do.
If you have any questions leading up to the public hearing, please contact any member of the executive of ISLA: Tony Law 335-1155, Andrea Kaback 335-3118, Michael McNamara 335-0115 or Joanne Ovitsland 335-0922. ISLA welcomes new members. Talk to any of us about how you can become involved.