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Ravens Crest seeks zoning for estate lots

VOP adopts co-operative approach to exploring issues

Ravens Crest Developments is seeking to amend a zoning bylaw to allow for development of the Fotsch property between Pemberton and Mount Currie.

The amendment would allow for 65 ha (160 acres) of the 115 ha (287 acre) parcel not in the Agricultural Land Reserve to be subdivided into 50 one-hectare (2.5 acre) estate lots.

The current bylaw allows for a minimal lot size 2.5 ha (5 acres). The application, currently before the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, underwent first reading at the end of June before being referred to the Village of Pemberton.

At their Aug. 9 meeting the VOP council voted unanimously in favour of forwarding comments that called for the VOP to be included in all discussions between the SLRD and the developer and that technical issues raised by the SLRD staff be addressed before proceeding further with the rezoning application. Additionally, the VOP is recommending that the application be assessed in the context of the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding on the Regional Growth Strategy.

VOP planner Michael Rosen stated that he felt addressing those issues would accommodate the short-term and long-term objectives of both local government and the developers.

The initial Ravens Crest proposal plan called for a high-density, mixed-housing development featuring 347 housing units on the 115 ha parcel. Additionally, the proposal included a legacy of park and recreational facilities for the communities allowing for a contribution of 32 acres, and a direct cash contribution of $2.1 million to offset the building of a sports complex.

The proposal was deferred by the SLRD in March 2005 in anticipation of updating the Electoral Area C Official Community Plan. The VOP also deferred consideration pending its boundary expansion study. Neither document has been finished.

Rosen characterized the original Ravens Crest development proposal as "a good idea with bad timing." When Ravens Crest was before local government, the Benchlands Neighbourhood Concept Plan was being completed. The Benchlands plan calls for an eventual build out of 550 mixed-residential units in a high-density, 90 ha (225-acre) development within walking distance of Pemberton’s commercial centre.

In its justification for the rezoning application, Ravens Crest Developments states that it is "submitting this application to establish the highest and best density for the lands at this time."