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August 28, 2014 Vol. 29• No.69 ••• $1.25 inc. G.S.T.
Avenue Q among the shows coming to the Sid this season Page B1
Athletics one Happy bunch Page B6
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RECORD A division of
Scott Stanfield Record Staff
The Nanaimo-based developer proposing to create a riverfront community near Stotan Falls has initiated a petition in an effort to determine if people want the area to become a park. So far, a young student has collected about 1,500 signatures from people recreating this summer at the popular swimming hole off Comox Logging Road. “We have not even gone out to the
PHOTO BY SCOTT STANFIELD
Stotan Falls is a popular local soaking spot in the heat of the summer.
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larger community,” Kabel Atwall said on behalf of 3L Developments, which included a parkland dedication in an offer to sell the property to the Comox Valley Regional District. “The petition shows people want park and they understand that development is part of the scenario.” The company hopes to develop lots for single-family and patio homes tailored for seniors. The project also includes several kilometres of trails, a parking lot and washrooms at Stotan, links to public bus routes and a commercial centre that would serve Forbidden Plateau residents. Earlier in the year, the CVRD board voted against amending the Regional Growth Strategy bylaw, as requested by 3L. Last year, the board rejected the company’s offer to sell the property to the CVRD, saying the proposal is not in sync with the RGS, which addresses land use in the Valley over the next 20 years. The company responded by enforcing No Trespassing signs and temporarily blocking traffic on Comox Logging Road by closing two sets of gates on Duncan Bay Main. A Save Stotan Falls Facebook page appeared shortly thereafter. The Save Stotan organization claims petitioners are tricking people into ‘saving the falls.’ “There’s no trick, it’s just a simple question that’s being asked,” Atwall said. Following are some comments that appear on the page: •Their proposal goes against the Official Community Plan. I support that plan that keeps high density development away from this area and keeps the rural flavour. •Hundreds of houses around those falls and the trails along the river would ruin the magic of the place. Don’t sign! •This would be an absolute travesty to develop such a beautiful area. •The landowner has the right to develop the land as they see fit, within the guidelines enforced by the state. •Up, not out, should be any wise town’s development plan. •Any property beside the river should be preserved!
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Seeking Stotan Falls input Petition being circulated by 3L to gauge support for Stotan Falls plans
SECOND
... see STOTAN ■ A7
EARLY BIRDS
PHOTO BY TANJA KERR
There is not much positive that can come from the haze produced by the fires around the province, but it has supplied the west coast with some incredible sunrises, for those up early enough to see them. Tanja Kerr is one such early bird.
Fire ban rescinded in time for long weekend Erin Haluschak Record Staff
Campers enjoying the official last long weekend of summer can do so around a fire, with an announcement this week the campfire ban has been rescinded throughout the Coastal Fire Centre, including the Comox Valley. Effective noon Thursday,
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campfires will be permitted throughout the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction due to cooler weather in the forecast, which the centre said will result in a decreased wildfire risk in the region. Both campfires and open fires in an outdoor stove will be allowed, but no larger than a half-metre high by a half-metre wide.
The Coastal Fire Centre covers all of the area west of the height of land on the Coast Mountain Range north of the U.S.-Canada border at Manning Park, including the Sunshine Coast, the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and Haida Gwaii.
... see FIRE ■ A7
See dealer for details. Offer Expires August 31, 2014