Despite positive feedback at a public hearing Monday, Courtenay council deferred third reading of a bylaw to establish a Local Area Plan (LAP) for the Arden Corridor until staff reports back with various details.
The plan is designed to provide guidance on land use in the area and to help shape future growth on the western boundary of the city. The boundaries include both sides of Arden Road from the Comox Valley Parkway to about Bood Road.
The process began about 18 months ago in response to development interest in the corridor. The Comox Valley Regional Growth Strategy shows the area’s potential for annexation into the City from Areas A and C.
"We understand this LAP includes us because we are a designated Settlement Expansion Area," Webdon Road resident Isabel Pacholuk said.
Pam Munroe suggests development in the area warrants a traffic study.
David Stapley of the Comox Valley Conservation Strategy Community Partnership says the bylaw is a step forward in terms of environmental protection policies but does not mention the regional district. About 60 per cent of the boundary falls within Area C.
While she says residents do not want to stop development, Powerhouse Road resident Greta Webster hopes staff and council will back up language in the document. She invited council to visit the neighbourhood as development proceeds.
"Trust is like a bubble," said Area C director/CVRD board chair Edwin Grieve, who applauds City staff for developing the LAP and ushering in a "new era of confidence building."
reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com