Approximately 100 residents packed Langford council chambers for the final public hearing on a controversial land rezoning proposal Monday evening.

The majority of attendees echoed praise to the developers, Langdon Weir Construction Ltd., for their ability to accommodate 40 per cent green space, around 26 acres. This is a notable change from 25 per cent at their first proposal to the community earlier this year.

Nonetheless, the meeting ended without any promises being made.

B次元官网网址淲e were really going for a firm commitment today, but we didnB次元官网网址檛 get that,B次元官网网址� said Nicole Polet, member of Citizens of South Langford for Sustainable Development (CSLSD).

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Polet was the first of many residents who spoke their support of the development B次元官网网址� on the condition that there would be a promise of protected parkland.

This idea has been agreed on by the land developer and the Land Conservancy of BC, but the final puzzle piece thatB次元官网网址檚 missing is LangfordB次元官网网址檚 city council, specifically their Parkland Acquisition Reserve Fund, currently valued at $2 million dollars.

B次元官网网址淵ou have a rare opportunity here,B次元官网网址� Polet said to council. B次元官网网址淚n Langford, there is a lack of parks, thereB次元官网网址檚 an official community plan that supports this, and there are funds in the Parkland Acquisition Reserve.B次元官网网址�

The size of a protected nature park is still yet to be determined.

B次元官网网址淭his process has allowed us to listen to the public,B次元官网网址� said Adam Weir, of Langdon Weir Construction Ltd., to the council. B次元官网网址淲e have a tight timeline to complete work. With the current density, we will have four to five homes per acre. WeB次元官网网址檙e asking for the council to support this application.B次元官网网址�

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Notably, Langford bought a $2.2 million oceanfront property in early November. The 22-acre piece of land along Finlayson Arm Road is planned for eco-tourism and recreation. The property is expected to be open to the public in the spring and be paid for over three years.

B次元官网网址淲e never had the chance to buy parkland back when we first became a city in 1992,B次元官网网址� said Mayor Stew Young at the hearing. B次元官网网址淲ith over 40,000 people in Langford, council is working hard to make sure we have a balance for future generations. We know we have to make spaces for our kids and grandkids in the future.B次元官网网址�

If the City of Langford doesnB次元官网网址檛 get on board, the CSLSD will have to rely on the developer to absorb the cost.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e glad that this idea of preservation is starting to get noticed in Langford,B次元官网网址� Polet said. B次元官网网址淲e just have to continue to hold them accountable.B次元官网网址�

aaron.guillen@goldstreamgazette.com

@iaaronguillen
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