The owners of a 10-acre property between Ulverston Avenue and Carlisle Lane in Cumberland, formerly the Jaro Nursery site, have applied for rezoning to build 33 residential lots, with the ability to add secondary suites and carriage houses.
The proposal meets various goals of the Regional Growth Strategy, such as avoiding sprawl and directing growth into existing settlement areas, a staff report says.
The applicant proposes to contribute $2,500 per lot for a total of $82,500 towards Village Park upgrades.
The owner and agent held a neighbourhood meeting in January 2012. Coun. Kate Greening feels the application still needs to go to the people. Senior planner Judith Walker recommended a public information meeting.
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Council received a petition supporting a bylaw amendment allowing backyard chickens. Elke Bibby submitted a list of 321 chicken enthusiasts who support a limited number of hens but no roosters.
"Backyard chickens provide families access to an affordable, sustainable, environmentally responsible food source," the petition states.
Chickens also reduce the number of garden pests and produce a nutrient-rich fertilizer. The petition also notes Victoria and Vancouver allow a limited number of backyard chickens.
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Cynthia Fitton of the LUSH Valley Food Action Society invited council to be part of a proposed roundtable that would work collectively towards a sustainable food system in the Valley. The first meeting is March 22 from 12:30-2 p.m. at the Courtenay Library.
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The second community workshop of the Official Community Plan Review is from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Seniors Centre at First and Dunsmuir.
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A committee of the whole meeting is set for 9 a.m. March 21 in council chambers.
reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com