Cooking for seniors Community kitchens offer variety, social interaction Page A3
NEWS: Reading centre gets reprieve A4 SCHOOLS: The Crowns are coming A5 REGION: Sewage debate clogs CRD A8
GOLDSTREAM Friday, October 19, 2012
NEWS GAZETTE
Ready to sell? We can help
Deborah Coburn 250.812.5333 Roy Coburn 250.812.1989
Breaking news at GOLDSTREAMGAZETTE.COM
Metchosin talks toilets, setbacks Charla Huber News staff
Plumbing and kitchens are considerations in Metchosin’s hard look at accessory buildings. The municipal council, during committee meeting, took another look at its regulations for accessory buildings and discussed areas including set backs, size, height and conversions. Council members discussed whether to allow plumbing and kitchen facilities in accessory buildings. Coun. Moralea Milne said she has concerns over adding plumbing as it’s a slippery slope to converting buildings for residential accommodations. “I think it’s fair to have a toilet,” said Mayor John Ranns. “The older I get the closer I want to get to a toilet,” added Coun. Larry Tremblay. Committee agreed toilets and sinks should be allowed, but recommended prohibiting showers and bathtubs. Other issues for conversions included whether or not to allow kitchens and food storage. Coun. Larry Tremblay Jo Mitchell shared a bylaw from Central Saanich that doesn’t allow either in its accessory buildings. While cooking facilities could be deemed a residential amenity, Ranns explained, people who make and sell jam may want to use an accessory building for business purposes. Mitchell also threw setbacks and height of buildings into the conversation, suggesting both block the sun from homes and gardens. “What if someone planted a Garry oak tree that grew to 60 feet?” countered Coun. Bob Gramigna. “That wouldn’t be in my lifetime,” Mitchell replied. Milne questioned why accessory buildings could stand as tall at 10.5 metres, but Gramigna, chair of the committee, explained allowing residents to build up could reduce the buildings’ footprint. During the meeting, council and the public noted a lack of public interest. Last April council held an informative meeting on accessory buildings; about two dozen residents attended. charla@goldstreamgazette.com
Kyle Wells/News staff
Book talk Children’s and family literacy librarian Leah Pearse said the children’s sections of the West Shore libraries are well used. Libraries are being celebrated this month across B.C. See story page A9.
Keeping hearing loss out of sight... and out of mind. Call us today about Risk Free trials on the newest available hearing aids
Susan Regimbal RHIP/Clinic Owner
College of Speech and Hearing Professionals of BC
Westshore Village Shopping Center, Langford •
250-590-3277 (EARS)
• www.westshorehearingsolutions.ca