GOLDSTREAM Family fun
Festival returns for a second year in Langford Page A9
NEWS GAZETTE
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Friday, January 29, 2016
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Post-hearing development input critical: Langford man Townhome project construction manager willing to work with neighbouring residents Katherine Engqvist News Gazette staff
agement plan open house this month, avid cyclist Chong noticed there were no plans to address the need for Goose riders travelling in either direction to cross Island Highway at the controlled intersection at Ocean Boulevard and Wale Road. Chong said she has taken videos of trail users jay walking or cycling across the busy highway mid-block to reach the next section of the Goose, an alternative she said isn’t safe.
The saga continues for a resident of a Thetis Heights neighbourhood in Langford who fears the worst in relation to a neighbouring development. “I’m trying to figure out what they’ll leave me with,” said Tony Jennings, whose property on Nicki Place backs onto a residential construction site at 300 Phelps Ave. The land behind him was once covered in trees, a forest view he said was the reason he chose his home in the Nicki Place strata development, and paid an extra $20,000 to $30,000. But the loss of green space isn’t what has him most upset. Jennings is concerned about what could soon be staring back at him and possibly into his children’s bedrooms. He was shocked to find out there is no formal process for further public input after a property is rezoned. “Langford is telling me that once it’s rezoned there’s nothing you can do,” he said. “It makes absolutely no sense.” While Jennings voiced his concerns about the multi-unit townhome development last year during the rezoning process, he thought he would get another chance to have his say once development permits were filed for approval.
PlEASE SEE: Artful dedsign, Page A5
PlEASE SEE: Uncertainty, Page A7
Arnold Lim/News Gazette staff
Colwood Coun. Lilja Chong looks on while traffic zooms past behind on Island Highway, at an unconnected section of the Galloping Goose Trail near Wale Road. Chong and Colwood council are hoping a pedestrian overpass can be built to connect one of the most glaring gaps on the popular trail.
Connection sought for Goose Colwood hopes to create a safe transportation link for users of popular trail Arnold Lim News Gazette staf
If Colwood plans it, an overpass may come to the Island Highway. A feasibility study for a cycling and pedestrian overpass over the busy regional
roadway, to be paid for with $12,500 from gas tax revenues, has been approved by council and could be a key to connecting one of the last significant gaps in the Galloping Goose Trail. “What that (study) does is makes us eligible for grants. In order to qualify for the grants you need to have plans,” said Coun. Lilja Chong. “So the feasibility study (will tell us) how long it would take to build, how much it would cost, where it would be and the province would say ‘yes’ or maybe fund half of it.” At a Capital Regional District trail man-
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