What should development look like in Otter Point, Shirley and Jordan River over the next twenty years?
There seems to be twice as many opinions as there are people living here. OPSRRA wants to know your thoughts on the topic of development. We have heard all sorts of opinions from residents, “no development, continuous development, commercial developments, more parks and trails, have an urban containment area, leave the farm lands alone, build on the farmlands, pipe in water, harvest rainwater in the Winter, build large single dwelling homes, build condominiums, zone tiny homes and more manufactured homes.” The list of opinions never ends. Yet we will have to make some decisions if we are to have any input into what is becoming not only development, but potential forced rezoning and development, under Bill 44 of the Provincial Government.
Will our thoughts be considered when 1,200 new homes are required to be built over the next ten years? What other infrastructure will have to be built and paid for to support this growth? How much are we willing to pay to stay the same as we are now? If you run a short term rental, why could you be facing escalating fines up to $50,000 for reoccurring offences? How does the directive affect B&Bs now ?
OPSRRA will be hosting a general meeting to discuss development ideas on FEBRUARY 23 from 2pm to 3:30pm at the JdF Area Services Building on Otter Point Road. Plan to attend and watch for our Facebook posts and road signs as we get ready to listen to each other. JdF Director Al Wickheim will be in attendance to listen and answer any questions that may be raised.
Also this month we wish to start a monthly column called “The Rain Gauge”. These short, easy to read articles muse about the importance of our water resources. If you are a member of Transition Sooke you will know that they have been carrying this column in their newsletter for the past nineteen months. For those who have not seen it before it will prove interesting information.
OPSRRA 