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Developers want more input into Courtenay bylaw

The final adoption of the development applications procedures bylaw was postponed last week to allow for public consultation.

The final adoption of the development applications procedures bylaw was postponed last week to allow for public consultation.

The bylaw modifies established procedures for amending the community plan, zoning bylaw, or a land use contract, or for the consideration of development permits, development variance permits, temporary use permits, or applications to the Agricultural Land Commission.

The development procedure bylaw is being modified to provide for improved clarity and efficiency.

A public information meeting is scheduled for Aug. 22 at 5 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall (830 Cliffe Ave.).

Acting  Mayor Bill Anglin noted he had heard some concern from the development community regarding the amount of input it has had into the proposed modifications.

A copy of the proposed bylaw is available on the City of Courtenay's website at www.courtenay.ca. It may also be inspected at the City of Courtenay planning department at City Hall during office hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Comments may be made via mail or e-mail to the Development Services Department at 830 Cliffe Ave., Courtenay, B.C. V9N 2J7, or via e-mail at planning@courtenay.ca.

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Pedestrians will soon be able to cross Fitzgerald Avenue at 19th Street more safely thanks to Courtenay council's approval of overhead pedestrian-activated flashers.

City director of operational services Kevin Lagan noted the signals will allow for "advanced warning for vehicles approaching the crossing area," in his report to council.

The cost is expected to be about $40,000, but a grant from ICBC for Road Safety Improvements may be available should the project be completed in 2012.

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Residents of the Arden Road area will have more chances to provide input on the future of their neighbourhood.

Courtenay is in the midst of developing a Local Area Plan for the Arden Road area because of development interest and a possible annexation of Comox Valley Regional District Areas A and C in the future.

The plan will address issues like servicing, environmentally sensitive areas, appropriate land uses and transportation.

One initial community workshop happened July 17, but City director of development services Peter Crawford told council three days of workshops are tentatively set for mid-September.

"Coming out of that then will be a development of a preferred plan," he said, adding the finalized plan would be looked over by residents for further comment. Then, "ideally, we're looking at mid-October to be able to come to council and finalize that."

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The Lewis Centre renovation project is on schedule — and on budget — so far, according to Vic Davies Architects' Kevin Klippenstein in his presentation to council.

The project is set to start mid-August with the excavation and civil works as the first stage.

A report to council from City director of community services Randy Wiwchar outlines the work will "undoubtedly have an effect on the flow of traffic at the centre, but all steps are being taken to minimize disruptions."

The facility will remain open during construction to ensure programs and services are still offered.

The project budget is $5.4 million, and so far a $400,000 grant has been announced by the Province, but the report notes City staff are still searching for other funding sources. Grant applications have been submitted to the Federal Infrastructure program and the New Horizons' seniors program.

writer@comoxvalleyrecord.com