PENINSULA Vital Signs report
Greater Victoria residents list cost of living as their most pressing concern, page 3 Black Press C O M M U N I T Y
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Friday, January 3, 2014
NEWS REVIEW
Collecting for Santas Anonymous
North Saanich firefighters chipping trees to help out a local family in need, page 2 Watch for breaking news at www.vicnews.com
District eyes more growth in 2014 Controversial change to District’s growth strategy to go to the CRD Steven Heywood News staff
A limit of up to 520 new housing units in North Saanich has been established in the District’s revised Regional Context Statement (RCS) that will be forwarded to the Capital Regional District for their ratification. A majority of council approved the new RCS in the middle of last month, confirming plans for increased allowances for residential housing in two parts of the community — the McTavish Road area and around Tsehum Harbour. Those areas were identified as likely spots for more development out of the District’s 2013 housing consultation process with CTQ Consultants out of Kelowna. Projects such as Canora Mews have broken ground, with others in the early application steps. North Saanich is now asking the CRD to approve their plan for increased residential development in those areas and at an increased pace. The change has been a priority for the council majority this term, having stated market-driven growth will help address housing shortages among the local workforce. A minority of North Saanich council, led by Mayor Alice Finall, says that Alice Finall tack does nothing to address affordable housing for those same workers. “I have been asking for (an affordable housing policy) to be put in place,” Finall said. “There needs to be something like that in North Saanich to ensure developers are providing affordable housing.” Her position, she agrees, is different than that of the council majority. She said they are hoping increased housing density at market prices will solve the issue. Finall said, however, that homes at market price will still be too high for many workers to afford. She called the drive for change led by developer demand. Please see: District needs housing, page 2
Steven Heywood/News staff
Police, fire, border services and ambulance crews attended the Sidney International Ferry Terminal Monday, Dec. 30 at around 12 noon. A disabled vehicle was removed from the vessel. Washington State Ferries reported there was a 40 minute delay in the Elwha’s sailing time due to the incident.
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