A public hearing is coming up this Monday, October 27, 2014 to hear from residents on a proposed amendment to the Official Community Plan and a zoning amendment on a piece of land currently owned by the Kimberley Golf Club.
The 9.6 hectare (23 acre) parcel of land is currently designated as Golf Course in the OCP and the bylaw would change it to Low Density Residential, Open Space and Parkland. Zoning would change to Low Density Residential Zone R-13 from Community Recreation P-3.
Upon staff recommendation, Council has given first reading to the bylaws in order to get the process started and receive public input through the public hearing. After the hearing, the bylaws can be revised or even refused.
The land is located west of the Kimberley Golf Club and east of the Riverside Campground and Homestead development. What is proposed is a small subdivision with four rural-style lots. Continued public access to existing trails will be maintained. These lots will be serviced by septic systems. This is an area of concern for some Councillors, including Albert Hoglund who will unfortunately be away and unable to attend the public hearing. Hoglund fears setting a precedent and making it harder for Council to say no to future requests for septic systems rather than city sewer hookup.
Anyone wishing to speak for or against these proposed bylaws can do so at the public hearing on Monday. It will be held in the Council Chambers and begin at 7 p.m. sharp.