Status Update

We recognize that a number of questions and concerns have been raised regarding this application. We wish to reassure the community that before proceeding to the Board that the RDN will work with the applicant to address the concerns that have been raised.

There are a few questions placed in the comments section rather then the questions section. As such, we cannot reply back to those individually so we are summarizing the comments and questions with a reply here and will send an update. Only those registered will receive this update.

Here’s a summary of the concerns raised in the comments:

  1. Water Source –– As the property is within the QB-HL well protection area, questions about the impact the development may have on the aquifer. ANSWER: QB-HL Water District has reviewed this file and provided comments. Their comments have been provided to the applicants Hydrologist, who will address them in an updated report.

  2. Lighting Impact – Concerns about light pollution and how it will impact the surrounding area. ANSWER: The subject property is within the Rural Commercial Development Permit Area (DPA) within the Area H Official Community Plan. This means that prior to any actual development, the developer will be required to submit a development permit to satisfy the DPA for form and character. Lighting considerations will be included in the development application review process.

  3. Landscaping/Landscape Buffer – Concerns about how the site will be landscaped to minimize visual impact of development. ANSWER: The berm along the Inland Island Highway, together with the vegetated buffer along Horne Lake Road (except at the entrance), is proposed to provide effective screening, ensuring the proposed development blends with its surroundings and is largely unseen from the roads. The subject property is within the Rural Commercial Development Permit Area (DPA) within the Area H Official Community Plan. This means that prior to any actual development, the developer will be required to submit a development permit to satisfy the DPA for form and character. Landscaping and landscape buffers are considerations and will be included in the development application review process.

  4. Project Scale – Request for clarification on the number of dwellings being proposed. ANSWER: As per the Draft Rural Residential 1.5 (RR1.5) Zone, the only permitted use is Residential. As per the parent Rural Residential 1 (RR1) zone, the maximum density for this property is 1 unit per parcel.

  5. Aesthetic Impact – Questioning whether proposed storage units will blend with the rural character of the area. ANSWER: The subject properties are within the Rural Commercial Development Permit Area (DPA) within the Area H Official Community Plan. This means that prior to any actual development, the developer will be required to submit a development permit to satisfy the DPA for form and character. Preserving the rural character are considerations that will be included in the development application review process.

  6. Traffic and Safety – The application was sent to the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MOTT) for comment. They will require the applicant to apply for an access permit for the driveway on Horne Lake Road. A traffic impact assessment has not been recommended at this time.


Again we thank you for your interest and input and commit to updating this page as new information becomes available.