Before purchasing a home, it is prudent to check the official community plan to be aware of the intended uses of adjacent lands. In Saanich, however, it seems that a developer can purchase a couple of lots and expect them to be rezoned for an entirely different purpose.
The proposal to rezone two single-family lots on Doumac Avenue for a four-storey apartment building is a case in point. Those lots are not designated multi-family in the OCP.
The District of Saanich has a responsibility to uphold its OCP. It is a responsibility not only to taxpayers, homeowners and residents, who rely on that document in deciding where to live, but also to lenders, who provide funds for purchases, and to appraisers who give opinions of value.
Properties adjacent to the two proposed for rezoning are now at risk, if they are permanently placed in shade or adversely affected in other ways. There was no way for residents, banks, appraisers and others to know of this attempt to circumvent the OCP.
The proposal should be rejected by council to discourage development proposals in conflict with the OCP and restore the legitimate right of the public to rely on it in their decisions.
If that document requires updating, it should follow a proper process, not happen in an underhanded way through improper rezoning.
Christian Janssen
Victoria
