I’m a lifelong Fairfielder, and grew up hanging out in Cook Street Village, adventuring in Beacon Hill Park and playing arcade games in Mac’s. The building proposed for Cook and Oliphant looks great, suits the village nicely and will change it for the better.
The current narrow sidewalk on Cook is just a space to walk through. The proposed wider sidewalk with ground-floor cafés and retail will be a place to socialize with family, friends and neighbours. The chestnut trees and boulevard will be preserved, creating a beautiful, vibrant streetscape.
The 80 or so new residents will be a great addition to the village’s wonderful cast of characters.
In a regional context, we must grow up, not out. We shouldn’t be clearcutting West Shore forests to build new homes. We must densify central neighbourhoods like Fairfield, especially the village centres, so more new Victorians can live a short walk or bike ride from where they work and play.
In the global context of urbanization and population growth, the notion that Fairfield residents have a special right to live in a tranquil, low-density neighbourhood next to downtown is not defensible.
I hope council will support the proposed development. It will enhance Cook Street Village’s character and vibrancy, and is a great example of how Victoria should grow.
Graham Briggs
Victoria
